Table of Contents
Table of Contents
If you’re a parent, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered about probiotics.
Maybe your child was prescribed an antibiotic, and you’re trying to avoid diarrhea. Maybe they’re constipated. Or maybe you’ve seen all those probiotic gummies in the store and wondered: does my kid need one of these?
The short answer is maybe. Probiotics can be helpful for some kids and for certain problems. But they’re not something every child needs to take.
Here’s what we know about probiotics for kids, what they may actually help with, and what to look for if you’re thinking about trying one.
We usually hear the word “bacteria” and think: bad. But our bodies are actually full of bacteria that belong there. Your child’s gut is home to trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms! Together, they’re called the gut microbiome.
Think of the gut microbiome like a tiny community inside your child’s digestive system. When things are working well, the helpful bacteria keep that community in balance. They also break down parts of food, make useful compounds, and support the gut lining, which is the barrier between the digestive system and the rest of the body.
So where do probiotics come in?
Probiotics add live, helpful microorganisms to the mix. Depending on the type, they may help support the good bacteria already living in the gut and make it harder for less-helpful bacteria to take over.
You can get probiotics from foods with live cultures, like yogurt and kefir, or from supplements. Kids’ probiotic supplements come in easy-to-take forms like gummies, powders, chewables, and liquid drops.
Probiotics may provide benefits for kids in certain circumstances. But sometimes marketing can get ahead of the science. There’s good evidence for certain uses. For others, we’re still figuring it out.
Here’s where the research stands:
For healthy kids, probiotics are generally considered safe.
Most healthy kids do just fine with probiotics. Your child might have a little extra gas or bloating when they first start taking a probiotic. Their poop consistency and color may change a bit, too.
That said, we still don’t have great information about what happens when healthy children take probiotic supplements every day for years.
In rare cases, the bacteria or yeast found in a probiotic can actually cause an infection. And this risk is higher in children who have weakened immune systems, were born prematurely, have certain complex medical conditions, or are seriously ill.
If you’re standing in the supplement aisle staring at 20 different probiotics, this is a great time to bring the question to your pediatrician. And be sure to explain why you’re considering one, so that your child’s doctor can select the best probiotic for their unique health needs.
As a general rule, it’s always a good idea to consult your pediatrician before starting your child on any supplements.
Some foods naturally contain live cultures and are a great source of probiotics for children. Kid-friendly options can include:
For many families, yogurt is probably the easiest place to start. It’s familiar, most kids like it, and it also provides nutrients like protein and calcium. Check the label for words like “live and active cultures.”
When it comes to the different types of probiotic supplements for kids, you’ll quickly realize there’s no shortage of choices. They’re available as:
There are also refrigerated and shelf-stable probiotics. Some products contain one bacterial strain, while others contain what feels like every strain imaginable. Let’s break down the different choices in greater detail.
Gummies are popular for an obvious reason: Kids usually don’t mind taking them. For older children who can safely chew them, they can be an easy option.
If you have a baby or young toddler, drops are the only safe choice.
Always check the label, since some probiotic drops also contain vitamin D or other nutrients. That can be useful, but you don’t want to accidentally double up if your child is already getting these nutrients from a multivitamin or other supplement.
Chewable tablets can work well for kids who are old enough to chew safely, but aren’t ready to swallow a capsule.
Powders can be a lifesaver for kids who refuse anything that looks like medicine. Depending on the product, you may be able to stir the powder into yogurt, applesauce, or water.
Just follow the directions on the package. And be careful about mixing probiotics into something very hot, since heat can kill some of the live microorganisms.
For most healthy kids, probiotics are considered safe. Side effects are usually mild, like gas or bloating. But children who are seriously ill, have weakened immune systems, were born prematurely, or have certain medical conditions may need to avoid them. When in doubt, ask your pediatrician before starting one.
It depends on what you’re hoping the probiotic will do. There isn’t a set number of days where you should suddenly expect to see a difference. Some studies looking at digestive problems see changes within days. Other probiotics may be studied over several weeks.
And if you’ve been giving your child a probiotic and nothing seems to be happening, don’t assume they just need more. It may simply be the wrong strain, or probiotics may not be the answer to that particular problem.
There’s no perfect time that works for every probiotic. Check the label on the product you’re using. Some probiotics are meant to be taken with food, while others have different directions.
From a practical standpoint, consistency helps. If breakfast is when you’ll actually remember it every day, that may be the best time for your family.
Yes, many probiotic supplements are designed for daily use. If you’re planning to give your child a probiotic long term, talk with your pediatrician about potential benefits and risks.
Yes, certain probiotics may help. Antibiotics can disrupt some of the helpful bacteria in the gut. That can lead to diarrhea. Research suggests that certain probiotic strains can lower the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in otherwise healthy kids.
If you feel like probiotics are everywhere right now, you’re not imagining it. When deciding if one makes sense for your child, start with the reason you’re considering a probiotic. Then talk with your pediatrician about which strain might be helpful, as well as the recommended form and dosage to support your child’s long-term health.
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DISCLAIMER: These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
