How to Choose Probiotics for Kids: 7 Practical Tips for Parents
Choosing the right probiotics for kids is crucial for ensuring their gut health and overall well-being. Not all probiotics are created equal, so it’s important to consider specific qualities when selecting a probiotic supplement. Here are key factors to look for:
1. Avoid Artificial Additives
- No Artificial Flavors
- No Artificial Sweeteners
- No Preservatives
- No Artificial Colors and Dyes
Many probiotic supplements for kids are marketed with added flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, colors, and dyes to make them more appealing. However, these additives can negate the health benefits and potentially cause adverse reactions.[1] Choose probiotics that are free from these artificial ingredients to ensure they are safe and beneficial for your child.
2. Adequate Potency
- Minimum of 5 Billion CFUs per Serving
The potency of a probiotic is measured in colony-forming units (CFUs), which indicate the number of live and active beneficial bacteria in each serving. Many probiotic supplements on the market have low CFU counts, which might not be sufficient to have a significant impact on gut health. For children, a minimum of 5 billion CFUs per serving is recommended to ensure the probiotics are potent enough to colonize the digestive tract with healthy bacteria and provide health benefits.[2]
3. Right Blend of Probiotic Strains[3,4]
- A Combination of Spore-Based and Regular Probiotics
The efficacy of a probiotic supplement can be enhanced by including both spore-based and regular probiotic strains. Spore-based probiotics are known for their ability to survive stomach acid and reach the intestines where they can colonize and exert their benefits. Regular probiotics are beneficial as well, but they might be less resilient in the harsh stomach environment.
Recommended Strains of Bacteria:
- Bacillus subtilis: A spore-based probiotic that is highly resilient and can survive stomach acid to reach the intestines.
- Bifidobacterium longum: Known for supporting gut health, boosting the immune system, and aiding in digestion.
- Bacillus coagulans: Another spore-forming bacterium that is robust and effective in supporting digestive health.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus: A regular probiotic strain that supports gut health, enhances immune function, and may help with allergies and digestive issues.
4. Read Labels Carefully:
- Check the ingredient list and avoid probiotic products that contain allergens or artificial additives that might pose a health risk for your child.
- Ensure each probiotic strain has been researched for use in children or recommended by a physician.
- Determine if the probiotic product must be refrigerated.
5. Consult Healthcare Providers:
Speak with your child’s pediatrician or a healthcare professional to get personalized recommendations based on your child’s health needs.
6. Consider Probiotic Form:
Probiotics for children come in various forms such as chewable tablets, powders, and liquids. Choose a form that is easy for your child to take and matches their preferences. However, we do not recommend gummies because we do not want to associate improving health with something that is seen as candy.
7. Look for Quality Certifications:
Choose probiotics from reputable brands that have been tested for quality, purity, and potency. Look for third-party certifications to ensure the product meets high standards.
In summary, when choosing a probiotic for kids, focus on products that are:
- From reputable brands and have been tested for quality, purity and potency
- Free from allergens, bio-engineered ingredients, and artificial additives
- Potent with a CFU count of at least 5 billion per serving
- A blend of spore-based and regular probiotic strains approved for use in children or physician recommended
- A form that is easy for your child to take (chewable tablet, powder, or liquid)
And consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your child’s needs. This ensures that the probiotics are both effective and safe for your child’s digestive health.
Raise Them Well is a trusted children’s supplement brand whose products have been third-party tested for quality, purity and potency. Our Children’s Chewable Probiotic is physician-formulated with a complex blend of spore-based and regular probiotic strains approved for use in children.
Our daily probiotic for kids is:
- Potent: Providing 5 billion CFUs of healthy bacteria per tablet
- Allergy-Friendly: Dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free
- Free of Artificial Additives: No artificial flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, or bio-engineered ingredients
- Great-Tasting: Kids love the natural mixed berry flavor of our easy-to-chew tablets
Additional Information About Probiotics for Kids:
How Prebiotics and Probiotics Work: A Guide for Parents
What Do Probiotics Do for Kids? 3 Key Benefits Every Parent Should Know
References:
- Gerasimidis, K., Bryden, K., Chen, X., Papachristou, E., Verney, A., Roig, M., ... & Parrett, A. (2020). The impact of food additives, artificial sweeteners and domestic hygiene products on the human gut microbiome and its fibre fermentation capacity. European journal of nutrition, 59, 3213-3230.
- Kligler, B., Hanaway, P., & Cohrssen, A. (2007). Probiotics in children. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 54(6), 949-967.
- Tremblay, A., Xu, X., Colee, J., & Tompkins, T. A. (2021). Efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic formulation in pediatric populations: a comprehensive review of clinical studies. Nutrients, 13(6), 1908.
- Hojsak, I. (2017). Probiotics in children: what is the evidence?. Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & nutrition, 20(3), 139-146.