The Best Probiotics for Kids: Benefits, Safety & How to Choose the Right Children’s Probiotic
Written by Kate Shore - 29th January, 2024
Probiotics. Perhaps you’ve seen them on the supermarket or pharmacy shelves, or heard them mentioned by other parents as something that will instantly fix whatever you’re kid is struggling with… asthma, recurrent colds…. but maybe you’re wondering which childrens probiotics are best? Well, I have a short answer and a long answer…
The short answer is that the best probiotics for kids, and the ones that I use in my clinic, are those that are strain-specific. What does that mean? Well, that brings me to the long answer…
What are Probiotics?
First up, a quick recap on probiotics….
Probiotics are live microorganisms, mostly bacteria and yeast, that offer health benefits when consumed at appropriate doses. Common probiotics that you might have heard of include Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. You probably know already that these tiny microorganisms can be beneficial for your child’s digestive system and general gut health, but research is increasingly proving their benefits move far beyond this - to immune function, mental health and more.
What are the Benefits of Probiotics?
Probiotics produce beneficial effects within our gut environment by interacting with our microbiome, ultimately leading to the production of many health-promoting substances essential for overall well-being. I frequently recommend probiotics for kids in consultations, as they are easy to get kids to take due to the tasty, chewable products that have been formulated, and I love their holistic effect. But the important thing to note is that different strains of probiotics result in different benefits!
What are Probiotic Strains?
Bacteria such as probiotics are categorised into genus, species, and strain, with each strain having different characteristics.
In the world of probiotics, the genus is like the broader category of "dog." A common genus you might have heard of is Lactobacillus.
Each genus can then be further broken down into species. For example, like with dogs you have different types, such as Poodles and Pitbulls. They’re both dogs, but they have unique qualities that distinguish them from each other. Similarly, for probiotics, we can break down each genus into species. For instance, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
To break it down even further, to go back to the dog analogy, just as there is variation between a Poodle and a Pitbull, each individual dog is also unique! For example, a specific Poodle named Zoe might be good at fetch, whereas another Poodle named Teddy might be good with kids.
The same is true for Probiotic strains, which have their distinct characteristics. For example, in the species Lactobacillus plantarum, there are a variety of different strains, such as Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL 19 and Lactobacillus plantarum LP01.
These can be distinguished by the last couple of letters or numbers in the name, and this is the key feature we need to look for when using probiotics therapeutically.
Why Does This Matter?
Different probiotic strains have different health benefits, even when they sound similar or closely related. The best probiotic for your child depends on their health needs. For example, Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL 19 is used for osteopenia to prevent bone resorption, while Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 helps with constipation and diarrhea - two very different clinical applications, and why it’s not enough information if a product simply says ‘Lactobacillus species’.
How to Choose the Right Probiotic
So how do you know which probiotic will be helpful?
As we can see above, different strains offer unique benefits, and we must also take into consideration age, existing health conditions, specific needs, and form (i.e. powder, sachet, capsule or gummies). With all this in mind, it’s no wonder that choosing an inner health plus over a baby biotic from your local health food store or chemist warehouse is confusing!
When choosing a product, you need to be sure:
It’s a clinically researched product/strain
It provides an effective dose
It’s safe to use in children
It contains the specific strain you’re seeking, and it’s labelled properly
When trying to determine which product and strain is appropriate for your child, here are a couple of my favourites:
Recurrent infections and poor immune system function: Look for strains such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) that improve the mucosal defences found in the intestinal, oral and lung lining which will help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria your child comes in contact with (1). In randomised controlled trials, LGG supplementation in children, in comparison to placebo, was found to reduce the incidence & duration of upper respiratory infections by 38% (2). This strain is particularly useful when seeking probiotics for toddlers or babies starting childcare that seem to continually bring home germs, to reduce the occurrence and duration of the common cold.
Constipation: Consider strains that increase the frequency of bowel movements, improve stool consistency, and reduce discomfort associated with bowel motions, such as Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 (3)
Diarrhoea: In cases of infections like gastro and traveller's diarrhea, studies show that the yeast probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii) HANSEN CBS 5926 can help lessen the frequency and duration of diarrhea (6). SB benefits the gut by inhibiting the growth of harmful germs, attaches to and eliminates species such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli from the gut, and counteracts toxins created by bacteria like Clostridium difficile (4). Additionally, probiotics after gastro can enhance the production of immunoglobulin A, an important antibody that reinforces the gut's defences (5).For use with antibiotics: Probiotics can help mitigate the impact of antibiotics on the gut microbiome. Numerous studies have shown that antibiotics can greatly reduce the number and variety of microbes in the gut, causing an imbalance known as intestinal dysbiosis. This imbalance makes it harder for the gut microbes to fight off harmful bacteria, leading to an increased risk of infections and inflammation, often resulting in diarrhea. Research has found that using probiotics alongside antibiotics reduces the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea by 51%, with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG being the most effective, reducing the risk by 71% (8).
Reflux in babies: Choose strains that help reduce regurgitation and improve gut motility, such as Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (renamed Limosilactobacillus reuteri). L. reuteri DSM 17938 has also been found to reduce abdominal pain in babies with gas and infantile colic in both breast-fed and formula-fed babies (7).
Asthma & lung health: Look for probiotic strains that have antiallergic and antiinflammatory actions specific to the lungs. In a research study, the probiotics Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS01 and Bifidobacterium breve B632 were tested on 422 children with asthma for four months. The group taking the probiotics had 64.2% fewer asthma symptoms compared to the group taking a placebo(9).
Eczema: A well-researched strain for improving eczema is Lactobacillus salivarius LS01, used for its modulating effect on immune cells typically out of balance in kids with atopic dermatitis.
Other FAQ’s About Probiotics for Kids
Do probiotics work?
Absolutely, but it depends hugely on if the right strain is prescribed. It’s also important to consider that there can be underlying factors for any condition. E.g. if your child is constipated because they aren’t drinking any water, or eating any fibre, a probiotic alone won’t likely be enough.
Are probiotics safe for children?
Extensive research supports the safety of probiotics for children. However, it's important to choose appropriate strains and products and adhere to recommended dosages. Consult an experienced health practitioner before introducing new supplements to your child's routine to sure it’s the right product, safe for their current health conditions, and also determine if it is necessary.
What are the side effects of probiotics?
Probiotics have a very good safety profile and I rarely see side effects in the clinic. But more is not always more; you can have too many probiotics. The most common side effect that I see is temporary bloating, that subsides after a few days. Excessive consumption could lead to issues such as diarrhea or constipation, so it's essential to follow recommended dosages.
Does my child need a probiotic?
Determining if your child needs a probiotic depends on various factors such as diet, health conditions, and recent antibiotic use. If your child experiences digestive issues, frequent infections, or antibiotic treatments, introducing probiotics may be beneficial.
Are there natural probiotic options?
Yes! Incorporating natural probiotic-rich foods into your child's diet is an excellent way to promote gut health. Foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and miso are delicious options that introduce beneficial bacteria.
Should my child take a probiotic for general gut health?
While it’s not likely to be harmful in the short term, taking a general multi-strain probiotic to improve gut health or heal leaky gut is most likely unnecessary and expensive. Unless there is a clear need to supplement, it is more beneficial to focus on probiotic foods like yoghurt and sauerkraut, as well as prebiotic fibres that feed the beneficial bacteria and help them populate. Prebiotic fibres include garlic, onion, banana, legumes and more. Read more about supporting children’s gut health here here.
Is yakult good for kids?
You might have seen the probiotic milk beverage in the supermarket, and wondered if it’s a good kids probiotic? Well, the strain contained in Yakult is the Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota strain, which interestingly does have research behind it in conditions including constipation and stress ! However, I’m not particularly a fan due to its high sugar content and excessive packaging. It’s not so much that is unsafe or bad, but there are better, more specific probiotics I would recommend.
Is there anything to avoid in choosing a probiotic?
Avoid probiotic products with added sugars, such as gummies. Additionally, be cautious about where you purchase probiotics, steering clear of unreliable sources that lack information on strains or have no clinical evidence. A product's label should indicate the strain of probiotics and all properties associated with that strain.
The Best Probiotics for Kids
While there are many probiotics I prescribe in the clinic, including some practitioner-only brands available after consultation, some stand out as reliable choices for children:
Activated Probiotics: Biome Daily Kids Probiotic is a great option for kids with run-down immune systems that catch all the common colds going around, but Activated Probiotics have an extensive range known for their strain-specific products, with delicious powder sachets that are easy to get kids to take.
BioGaia Protectis: Chewables or baby drops, containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, ideal for colic, reflux, diarrhea & constipation.
Ardeypharm Yomogi: Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Boulardii) HANSEN CBS 5926 capsules that be can opened up and mixed in food/drinks for small kids; useful for gastro and travellers diarrhea.
Incorporating probiotics into your child's health routine can help support digestive and immune functions, provided that appropriate strains are chosen. However, it is crucial to recognise that probiotics alone do not encompass the entirety of digestive health. A well-rounded approach, involving a balanced diet with ample fibre is essential for optimal digestive and overall well-being. It is advised to consult with a healthcare practitioner, particularly if your child has pre-existing health issues when considering supplements to ensure appropriateness and safety.
Disclaimer: this article is for educational purposes and does not constitute individual health advice. It is important to seek the advice of a practitioner to assess what is right for your child. If you have questions, book a free chat here.
More about Kate Shore - Paediatric Naturopath:
Kate Shore is a children’s naturopath with a special interest and clinical focus on gut health, behaviour, and mental health. Kate received her Bachelor of Health Science from Torrens University and has established her practice in North Warrandyte, Melbourne, where she sees clients both locally and all over the world. Her approach draws heavily on nutrigenomics, microbiome testing, nutritional foundations, and lifestyle support. She works with a range of children and conditions, from anxiety and depression, ADHD and ASD, OCD, and PANS/PANDAS.
If you want to get in touch or have any more questions about the above, you are welcome to get in touch here or make an time for a free chat here.
If you want to keep learning, keep reading the research here:
(1) Segers, M.E. and Lebeer, S. (2014) ‘Towards a better understanding of lactobacillus rhamnosus GG - host interactions’, Microbial Cell Factories, 13(Suppl 1). doi:10.1186/1475-2859-13-s1-s7
(2) Liu, S. et al. (2013) ‘Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation for preventing respiratory infections in children: A meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials’, Indian Pediatrics, 50(4), pp. 377–381. doi:10.1007/s13312-013-0123-z. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23665598/
(3) Del Piano, M. et al. (2010) ‘The use of probiotics in healthy volunteers with evacuation disorders and hard stools’, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 44(Supplement 1). https://doi.org/10.1097/MCG.0b013e3181ee31c3
(4) Rajkowska, K., & Kunicka-Styczyńska, A. (2012). Probiotic activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii against human pathogens. Food Technology and Biotechnology, 50(2), 230-236.
(5) Mourey, F. et al. (2020) ‘A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of saccharomyces boulardii in infants and children with acute diarrhea’, Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, 39(11). doi:10.1097/inf.0000000000002849.
(6) Mahyar, A. et al. (2021) ‘The effect of the yeast probiotic saccharomyces boulardii on acute diarrhea in children’, Journal of Comprehensive Pediatrics, 12(4). doi:10.5812/compreped.117391.
(7) Urbańska, M. and Szajewska, H. (2014) ‘The efficacy of lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in infants and children: A review of the current evidence’, European Journal of Pediatrics, 173(10), pp. 1327–1337. doi:10.1007/s00431-014-2328-0.
(8) Blaabjerg, S., Artzi, D. and Aabenhus, R. (2017) ‘Probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in outpatients—a systematic review and meta-analysis’, Antibiotics, 6(4), p. 21. doi:10.3390/antibiotics6040021.
(9) Drago, L. et al. (2022) ‘The probiotics in Pediatric Asthma Management (PROPAM) study in the primary care setting: A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial with ligilactobacillus salivarius LS01 (DSM 22775) and Bifidobacterium breve B632 (DSM 24706)’, Journal of Immunology Research, 2022, pp. 1–7. doi:10.1155/2022/3837418.