While probiotics are often promoted as valuable for adults, their necessity should never be overlooked for kids. Like for adults, probiotics help maintain immune and digestive health or manage certain issues such as indigestion, constipation, etc. Whether you want to boost your kids' gut health or strengthen their immune systems, you can check the top kid-friendly probiotics. But, before considering them, always consult the pediatrician first. Once, the specialist recommends it, you can pick the best probiotics for kids listed below in this article.
Are Probiotics For Kids Really Beneficial?
It’s unclear if the child’s body can take probiotics for its benefits or not. According to research, trillions of bacteria are present in the human body, particularly in the gut. These microorganisms contribute to various bodily functions like fighting infections, proper digestion, etc. They also promote the body's healthy bacteria growth and prevent diarrhea, colic, allergies, gut issues, etc. Foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, etc. are naturally probiotic-rich, however, some supplements also claim to restore healthy bacteria.
There are a few studies that support some benefits of probiotic supplements. However, if your kids aren’t getting enough probiotics from their food, pediatricians can recommend probiotic supplements. Probiotics are generally calculated in CFU, indicating the number of viable bacteria in every dose.
Probiotics For Children: What Are Their Benefits?
Some studies suggest the potential health benefits of probiotics, however, more research is needed. The benefits of the best probiotics for kids include:
- Improves digestion.
- It prevents constipation, diarrhea, and colic.
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Treats irritable bowel syndrome.
- Reduces antibiotic side effects.
- Lowers autoimmune disease risk.
- Prevents allergies.
7 Best Probiotics For Kids
Here is the list of the best probiotics that you can pick for your kids:
1. NOW BerryDophilus Kids
NOW BerryDophilus Kids is thebest probiotic for toddlers and kids which is designed for children of 2 years or above. These are chewable tablets consisting of a 2 billion CFU count that help support a strong immune and digestive system. They are colorful because of the use of beet powder during their manufacturing. Your kids will love eating them as they have berry flavor and are available in different animal shapes. Also, these probiotic supplements contain no added sugar.
2. OLLY Kids Multi + Probiotic
OLLY Kids Multi + Probiotic is considered as one of the best probiotics for toddlers available as gummies that can effectively boost your kid's probiotic intake along with some essential vitamins and minerals. As these gummies have no artificial sweeteners, gluten, or preservatives, they support gut health by nourishing the gut with good bacteria. However, they have some small traces of added sugar.
3. Florastor Kids Daily Probiotic
Being the best probiotics for toddlers, Florastor Kids Daily Probiotic are available as single-serve packets that facilitate healthy digestion in kids of 2 months and above by supporting their gut health. They contain artificial flavors and have only one strain of probiotics. Though its label has no CFU count, the website of the brand says it comprises 5 billion CFU. For better results, you can give your kids this supplement by mixing it with juice, cold water, or any soft food such as applesauce 2 times a day.
4. Renew Life Kids Ultimate Flora Probiotic
One of the most chosen probiotic for children Formulated using 6 strains of probiotics and 3 billion live cultures, Renew Life Kids Ultimate Flora Probiotic berry-flavored chewable tablets help relieve digestive issues and also improve immune health. This brand is the best probiotic for children as it is free of gluten, sugar, and dairy products. Additionally, it doesn't make use of artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colorings. The product goes through many tests, ensuring great potency and purity.
5. Culturelle Kids Purely Probiotics Chewables
Culturelle Kids Purely Probiotics Chewables is the best probiotic for kids between the ages of 3 to 12 years. It is a chewable tablet with no added sugar and is sweetened using only xylitol. Moreover, they have no dairy, soy, nuts, gluten, or lactose in them, making them suitable for kids allergic to these ingredients. They are formulated using 5 billion CFU, ensuring improved digestive health. Make your kids take 1 or 2 tablets daily to get rid of digestive issues.
6. Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+ chewable probiotics tablets have 5 billion CFU and 14 bacteria strains which makes them the best probiotics for kids of ages 4 or above. They contain vitamin-rich organic amla and the study says that vitamin C is essential for healthy bone growth. This product is completely free of gluten, soy, dairy, sugars, and artificial sweeteners, making it a nutritious option. The best thing is they have three flavor options; watermelon, berry cherry, and strawberry banana.
7. up4 Kids Probiotic Gummies
up4 Kids Probiotic Gummies are the most nutritious probiotics for children with 1 billion CFU that are suitable for kids of 3 years of age or above. They are a great source of vitamin C that helps strengthen the immune system of the kids and contain inulin that promotes digestive health. The product is vegan and contains no dairy, artificial flavors, gluten, artificial preservatives, and soy. It is recommended to take 1 gummy one time a day.
How To Choose the Best Probiotics For Kids?
You can consider these factors while picking the best probiotics for your kids:
- Form: Probiotics come in chewable tablets, gummies, or powders form, so choose according to your kid’s preference.
- Ingredients: Pick probiotics formulated using high-quality ingredients and should also contain no artificial additives or preservatives.
- CFU count: The probiotics dose may vary between 5 million and 5 billion CFU per serving, so pick one that suits your kid's health needs.
- Dietary needs. If your kid has some dietary restrictions, allergies, or intolerances, it is very essential to pick the probiotic suitable to their health needs.
Potential Side Effects of Probiotics For Kids
According to the study, probiotics are well-tolerated and safe when consumed as instructed. However, they might not be the appropriate choice for some children such as premature infants or immunocompromised kids (who can't fight off infection due to a weak immune system). The most common side effects of probiotics are gas, constipation, and boating. If your kid struggles with any of these symptoms, consult the pediatrician.
Final Thoughts
Adding probiotics to your kid's diet is an effective way to improve their health and overall well-being. We have listed the best probiotics for kids which you can choose according to their nutritional needs and taste. From improving digestive health to boosting immunity, these products significantly benefit your little one's health. However, before incorporating probiotics into your children's diet, discuss with the pediatrician whether these supplements are suitable for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I give my child a probiotic?
Probiotics-rich foods like yogurt, Kefir, or Sauerkraut are generally recommended by pediatricians instead of supplements.
What is the best kids probiotic?
NOW BerryDophilus Kids is the best probiotic for toddlers.
What foods are high in probiotics for kids?
Non-dairy yogurts, a fermented milk drink, cottage cheese, and fermented veggies are some high probiotics-rich foods.
Do pediatricians recommend probiotics?
Pediatricians may recommend probiotics but with some exceptions.
What is the youngest age for probiotics?
Over 1 year is the best age for probiotics.
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