Factors to Consider Before Buying Probiotics for Kids
Probiotic supplements for kids range in ingredients and strains that could impact your child’s overall health. Before picking a probiotic for your child, there are a few key factors to consider.
- Ingredients – Each probiotic for kids includes different probiotic strains and ingredients, so be sure to research each for your child’s safety. Some probiotics for kids include dairy, gluten and other common allergens, and some include sugar and are made with artificial colors. You’ll want a probiotic supplement that’s sugar-free and without fillers to give your child the best healthy bacteria possible.
- Pediatrician recommendations – Before shopping, talk to your pediatrician about the best probiotic for your kids. You’ll want to keep a few factors in mind including your child’s diet, allergens and any digestive or immune system changes. You’ll also want to ask about probiotics that include prebiotics to stimulate good bacteria. While some probiotics may seem helpful, your pediatrician will be able to determine if probiotics are necessary for your child specifically.
- Number of CFUs – Probiotics are measured in colony-forming units (CFUs), or the number of bacteria bodies. According to the American Family Physician, kids should take 5 to 10 billion CFUs a day for a healthy immune and digestive system, and any good probiotic should have at least 1 billion CFUs per serving. Most gummy or tablet probiotics for kids have at least 3 to 5 billion per serving and can help to reach the recommended daily intake.
Top 10 Probiotics for Kids
Our take
The Culturelle kids probiotic is a pediatrician favorite as it helps to support your child’s digestive, immune systems and tummy aches using Lactobacillus GG. It’s a berry-flavored chewable gummy, free of gluten, sugar, dairy and unnatural colors.
Stand-out features include
- Made for children at least 3 years old
- Supports kid digestion and immune systems
- 5 billion CFUs per dosage
Our take
The up4 Kids soft melt probiotic is naturally vanilla flavored and dissolves in your children’s mouth without chewing or swallowing. Up4 Kids sugar-free melts are for kids at least three years old to help build a healthy digestive and immune system. It’s safe for shelf storage without needing to be refrigerated.
Stand-out features include
- Made for children at least 3 years old
- Gluten, soy and preservative-free
- 1 billion CFUs per dosage
- Best Vitamin Probiotic for Kids
Our take
OLLY’s probiotics for kids are naturally flavored to fill nutrition gaps in your child’s diet. This kid vitamin probiotic helps kids have a balanced digestive system with several nutrients including Vitamin A for healthy tissue and bone growth, and zinc to fit bad bacteria and viruses.
Stand-out features include
- Made for children at least 2 years old
- Includes Zinc and vitamins A, C, D3, E, B6 and B12
- Naturally flavored chewable gummies for a tasty vitamin
Our take
The Lil Critters probiotic is a chewable gummy bear supplement that includes natural cherry, orange and grape flavors so you know your kids will love the taste. This probiotic also includes prebiotics to boost good bacteria for a balanced digestive system. This supplement is free from synthetic colors, high fructose corn syrup and gelatin for the best health possible.
Stand-out features include
- 1 billion CFUs per dosage
- Includes prebiotics to stimulate the good bacteria in your child’s body
- Gluten and gelatin-free
Our take
The Nordic Naturals vegetarian probiotic gummy has a natural berry punch flavor for your child to enjoy. It includes 1.5 billion live cultures to add good bacteria to your child’s body while destroying more harmful bacteria. This kid probiotic is made without artificial ingredients or preservatives, and also includes prebiotic fiber to help activate to good bacteria the supplement adds.
Stand-out features include
- Made for children at least 2 years old
- Includes prebiotics to stimulate the good bacteria in your child’s body
- Non-GMO, gelatin and dairy-free
Exploring the Different Strains of Probiotics for Kids
Every probiotic strain is different so before you start shopping for probiotics, think about what health problem you’re trying to solve for your child. Different probiotic strains help treat and prevent different health concerns. Here are a few of the most common to look for in probiotics for kids.
Probiotic Definitions
- Lactobacillus acidophilus – The Lactobacillus acidophilus strain is most commonly used to help with lactose intolerance and Crohn’s disease. It’s also commonly used to help with diarrhea, constipation, allergies and eczema for children.
- Bifidobacterium lactis – The Bifidobacterium lactis strain is known to help prevent the cold and flu. It’s also helpful to treat diarrhea and constipation.
- Saccharomyces boulardii – The Saccharomyces boulardii strain improves the overall digestive system and decreases the negative effects of gluten. It also helps fight allergies, eczema and colic for newborns.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG– The Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain is most helpful to prevent and cure diarrhea, and treat intestinal infections for children.
Probiotics for kids are the best way to make sure your child has a balanced digestive and immune system. Regular dosage of probiotics helps prevent and reduce the risks of many health concerns that parents face. Remember to consult with your child’s pediatrician for the best probiotic option for your kids.
Kid Probiotics FAQs
A probiotic is a microorganism that stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria for a balanced digestive and immune system. There are various probiotic strains for kids that actively treat and prevent common illnesses. Some probiotics for kids can treat diarrhea, eczema and prevent common colds.
There’s a common debate amongst parents as to whether or not probiotic supplements are helpful. Before buying probiotics for your kids, consult with your pediatrician to determine which probiotic strains your kids need most. Make sure you understand the benefits and side effects of each supplement before buying.
Kids should have anywhere between 5 to 10 live cultures or CFUs daily for a balanced system with plenty of good bacteria, and most probiotic supplements help kids reach this goal. To determine the right amount of probiotics for your child needs, consult with your pediatrician as CFUs can vary.
When first taking a probiotic supplement such as a chewable or gummy, there may be a few side effects such as gas, bloating or constipation. Remember to consult with your pediatrician for more side effects and the best probiotic for your kid to take.
