The best kids probiotics for a healthy gut

We all know how important it is to maintain a healthy balance of anything, so what about when it comes to the bacteria in your gut? If you're looking to support the healthy function of your child's digestive system, then kids' probiotics may be the best choice.

As defined by the NHS, probiotics are live bacteria thought to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your stomach. There are a number of benefits to including probiotics in your childs diet. So, below, we've taken a look at some of the frequently asked questions regarding probiotics for kids, as well as a shortlist of some of our favourite:

Best at a glance:

We also chatted to Caroline Hind mBANT CNHC, Registered Nutritional Therapist for Vitaminology, the largest online directory for vitamins and supplements. Caroline specialises in metabolic health and disease prevention, in addition to running a private nutrition practice.

What are the benefits of probiotics for kids?

From helping with digestion to healthy gut function, there are so many benefits to probiotics. They're not only found in supplements, but they also occur naturally in foods too. And it's not just children who can benefit from probiotics, but adults as well.

Registered Nutritional Therapist, Caroline Hind, says, "Probiotic supplements can help to re-balance a child’s gut microbiome if it has been disrupted. Severe stress, medications and other circumstances can deplete beneficial bacteria and other microbes that help to digest food and keep the digestive tract and its immune-supporting function healthy.

"A child who has had repeated courses of antibiotics, for example, might need a little gentle support to bring beneficial bacteria back up to the quantity needed to keep other microbes at bay. Similarly, a baby delivered by C-section may have missed out on the colonising microbes babies receive when born vaginally."

Can kids take probiotics?

Yes, healthy kids are able to benefit from probiotics made specifically for children. However, in cases of children with compromised immune systems, they may actually cause infection according to research. Therefore, they should be avoided in certain instances.

Most probiotic supplements will have an age range that they are suitable for, including an ingredient list and potential allergens. There are also some that will be suitable for those with dietary requirements or intolerances. Always read the instructions carefully on the back of the packaging before giving any supplement or powder to your children.

In summary, you should check with your doctor or a healthcare professional to make sure that probiotics are the right choice for your child.

How to give a kid probiotics?

As well as occurring naturally in certain food and drink, you can give probiotics to your kids in the form of supplements or powders. Informing your kid of what probiotics are and how they work will allow them to learn all about the fascinating aspects of the human body.

Some probiotic supplements even come in the form of gummy sweets to make them much easier for kids to digest. Additionally, you can mix probiotic powder into some of their favourite drinks so that they can get their intake that way, too. Involving probiotics as part of their routine will create some consistency for your child.

There is some conflicting advice on whether it's best to take probiotics on an empty stomach, or during mealtimes. However, this all depends on the individual probiotic so be sure to check this beforehand.

13 best kids probiotics

The best probiotics for kids: our verdict

In our opinion, the best probiotics for kids is the Garden of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+ from Amazon. This is due to the high ratings from fellow parents across the site believing them to be the best on the market down to the taste and texture, even when it comes to sensitive eaters.

FAQs

What is the recommended age for kids to take probiotics?

"There are probiotic powders that are suitable for babies from birth. Rather than a blanket use of probiotics for all children, it is preferable to respond to the needs of the individual child," explains Caroline.

"In the absence of digestive disturbances, a child might not need a supplement. Probiotics can be useful to support children’s immunity, but a children’s multivitamin and mineral supplement might be tried first and it is best to speak with a doctor if a child is having repeated infections."

How many probiotics can kids take?

This all depends on each individual probiotic, as well as the age of your child. "For children and adults alike, a good strategy can be to start with a very low dosage and build up slowly to the manufacturer’s full recommended dosage," Caroline recommends.

When it comes to supplements, usually one tablet daily is the recommended amount, but this depends on the brand. Probiotic powders are slightly different as these are usually measured in teaspoons and vary in measurement depending on your child's age.

"This is because even small increases in probiotic quantity can affect digestion, causing extra gas and bloating. Some parents even report worsened behaviour if they don’t start with a very tiny amount of a probiotic product. Just a small dot of a baby probiotic powder is a sufficient starting point for young babies and those with digestive complaints."

Always check the packaging and never give more than the recommended dose.

What are the side effects of kids probiotics?

Probiotics should rarely cause side effects in healthy children, but it's best to be aware of the potential side effects just in case. These can include allergic reactions, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, bloating or gassiness.

If you're concerned that they may be showing side effects, always seek advice from a medical professional or your GP.

This article contains expert advice from Registered Nutritional Therapist, Caroline Hind.