Probiotics are a hot topic in the media today — especially regarding their benefits for gut health. What often isn’t discussed is their role in children and whether the pediatric population can benefit from their supplementation as much as adults can. Let’s examine what the current research says regarding how probiotics work and whether kids need them.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in optimal amounts, can positively impact one’s gut health status. In the simplest terms, probiotics can help strengthen the community of microorganisms in the gut/intestines and provide beneficial effects on health.1
Research supports the idea that probiotic consumption in adults can help various aspects of their health. In particular, research suggests that probiotic supplementation in a healthy adult can lead to improvements in the gut microbiota concentration of bacteria. It can also aid in immune response, stool consistency, regular bowel movements, and a healthy vaginal environment.2
How Do Probiotics Work?
Probiotics have various mechanisms in which they work. However, the exact way they impact the body isn’t entirely clear. That said, research shows that probiotics can improve the acid levels in the gut, produce important healthy fats, and help the gut immune system work well.3
It’s also important to note that not all probiotics are made equal. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate probiotics, so it’s always best to speak with your doctor before introducing them into your or your child’s diet.1
Are Probiotics Safe for Kids?
Countless research studies have looked into the benefits of probiotics in the adult population.2 But are probiotics safe for kids? One research article looked at the compilation of current literature on probiotics in children and their supposed impacts. It found that certain probiotic strains have been effective in the treatment of gastroenteritis (commonly known as the “stomach flu” or a “GI bug”) and the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children.4
Another article published in PubMed looked at the current research on probiotics in the pediatric population. It found that probiotics can prevent antibiotic-associated C. difficile, a bacterial infection that sometimes happens in response to antibiotics. They’re also effective in the prevention of viral diarrhea and the treatment of gastroenteritis.5 With this in mind, we can assume that probiotics may be impactful for kids with gastroenteritis or for preventing forms of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.4,5 As for the average healthy child, there isn’t conclusive research on what benefits probiotics may provide or if they’re safe for children.
A common question regarding probiotics is if they can cause constipation. Research in adults actually shows the opposite! In fact, probiotics may help relieve constipation due to their impact on the gut microbiota.6,7 As for the pediatric population, again, there isn’t conclusive research demonstrating the effectiveness of children’s probiotics on constipation. There are also safety concerns for the use of probiotics in kids who are immunocompromised, critically ill, or chronically debilitated.8 To reiterate, it’s best practice to consult your doctor before introducing any probiotic or supplementation to your child.
Best Types of Probiotics for Kids
As previously mentioned, not all probiotics are made equal or yield the same benefits.1 When looking at children’s probiotics, research has found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces Boulardii positively impact gut health in children — specifically in instances of gastroenteritis and prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.4 However, current research doesn’t provide adequate information on dosage recommendations and treatment regimens for kids’ probiotic use.5
Although there isn’t sufficient evidence at this time to support the use and recommended doses of probiotics for children and toddlers, adequate consumption of prebiotics in the diet may still help.9
Best Probiotic-Rich Foods for Kids
Regarding nutrition in general, it’s always best to consume food first (instead of supplementation) when possible.10 If you do purchase probiotics for your kids, choosing probiotic-rich food sources instead of supplements would likely be more beneficial.11 The FDA doesn’t regulate supplements, but it does regulate food products. This makes the food-first approach extra important in this situation.12 Probiotic-rich food sources to consider providing to your children include:13
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
- Pickles
- Kefir
Prebiotics
Prebiotics should also be an important part of your child’s diet. These are nondigestible dietary substances that have been found to impact gut health positively. Adequate prebiotic consumption can contribute to children’s development early in their life.9
Examples of foods that contain prebiotics include:14
- Bananas
- Barley
- Tomatoes
- Soybeans
- Peas
- Beans
- Wheat
- Asparagus
- Garlic
- Onion
Providing your child with a colorful plate at mealtime and continually exposing them to new foods may help ensure that their consumption of prebiotics in the diet is adequate.
The Bottom Line
Although probiotics have been shown to be effective in the adult population, we need more research before providing recommendations for their use in the pediatric population. As always, consult with your doctor before beginning any type of supplement with your child. Focus on providing your kids with a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables. This can positively impact their gut health, growth, and development.9