Lots of us have heard about probiotics and most can usually associate them with gut health but often that’s as far as our knowledge goes. We might opt for some of the probiotic drinks in a bid to be a bit healthier but most wont prioritise them like they do other vitamins and when it comes to probiotics and children again lots of parents are a bit lost, hopefully this article will help you understand the benefits of probiotics for kids and where to start with introducing them into their diet.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as “good” or “beneficial” bacteria, that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These microorganisms are primarily bacteria, though some types of yeast can also be considered probiotics. They are commonly found in fermented foods and dietary supplements. They have multiple benefits for both adults and children.
What are the benefits of probiotics for kids?
1. Supporting Digestive Health
The benefit that most people will be aware of are the ones connected to gut health and digestive health but what does that actually mean? Well probiotics can help children with
- Diarrhea Prevention and Treatment: Probiotics can help reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea, especially if caused by infections or as a side effect of antibiotics.
- Easing Constipation: Alternatively they can also help regulate bowel movements and alleviate constipation, a common issue in children.
- Reducing Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Some probiotic strains may help children with IBS by improving digestion and reducing abdominal discomfort too.
2. Boosting the Immune System
We all know that as soon as children start nursery, pre school or school, they become walking germ carriers and catch every cough, cold and infection on the go, so improving their immune function is a must. Probiotics can do this by
- Reducing the Risk of Infections: Probiotics can improve your child’s immune response which should mean they have fewer colds, respiratory infections and stomach bugs, therefore also improving their overall health.
- Preventing Allergies: Some research suggests that probiotics can reduce the risk of allergic reactions in young children, especially when introduced early in life or even during pregnancy.
3. Restoring Gut Flora After Antibiotics
- Replenishing Good Bacteria: Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of bacteria in a child’s gut, leading to digestive issues or yeast infections. Probiotics help restore this balance, minimising side effects like antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
4. Promoting Oral Health
Young children don’t always have the best oral health, especially when they start to take responsibility for cleaning their own teeth! So another great benefit of probiotics for kids is that it promotes oral health by
- Preventing Tooth Decay: Certain strains of probiotics can contribute to better oral health by reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can lower the risk of cavities and gum disease.
5. Improving Mental Health and Behavior
Mental health in children is a hot topic at the moment and as parents we want to do all we can to help our children manage their own mental health and understand their own feelings and responses in a bid to promote good mental heal as they get older. Probiotics can help with this because
- Gut-Brain Connection: Research suggests that gut health may influence mood and behavior in children. Probiotics can help regulate the “gut-brain axis,” potentially improving issues like anxiety, focus, and even ADHD symptoms.
6. Supporting Skin Health
Probiotics often help from the inside but they can also have benefits on the outside to including skin health.
- Reducing Eczema and Skin Conditions: In addition to digestive benefits, probiotics may help reduce the likelihood of developing skin conditions like eczema, particularly if given early in life.
How can you increase the probiotics in your child’s diet?
There are a few ways you can introduce probiotics in to your child’s diet. You can increase the number of probiotic-rich foods and drinks you offer them, these usually come in the form of drinks and yoghurts, or you can introduce daily supplements that include probiotics. Personally, I find the inclusion of supplements to be better for our family as I know they have had all the vitamins, minerals and probiotics they need before they have even started the day so although I will also ensure they have a good balanced diet with plenty of fruit and veg I don’t need to over worry about ticking each vitamin, mineral or probiotic too, whichi s especially helpful when it comes to our picky eater!
Introducing BioGaia
BioGaia are world leaders in researching and developing probiotic products designed to promote gut health and overall well-being. Their products are clinically proven and have been supporting families since 1990. BioGaia probiotics primarily contain strains of Lactobacillus reuteri, a probiotic bacterium that has been extensively studied for its health benefits. If you are looking for kids probiotic products (or adults) then this is the place to start.
They have a number of products available for both children and adults but here are some the most popular probiotics for kids..
- BioGaia Protectis Drops with vitamin D – These award winning drops are a popular daily probiotic supplement for infants and younger children, often recommended for colic, digestive issues like constipation and diarrhea, and to promote gut health. They are easy to administer, just squeeze the liquid on to a spoon for precise dosage. Suitable from birth.
- BioGaia Protectis Chewable Tablets – Probiotic supplements in chewable form designed for children, teenagers and adults to support digestive and immune health. These are an easy and convenient way to increase your child’s probiotic intake as they are chewable and strawberry flavour. Suitable from age 3.
- BioGaia Protectis Tablets for immune support with vitamin D – Suitable from age 12 these tablets are also award winning and are designed to improve your immune health.
BioGaia’s probiotics are available online at BioGaia and to make health more affordable they offer a subscribe and save deal.
Hopefully this article has given you a better understanding of children’s probiotics, the benefits and where to start but if you need more support or have specific questions relating to your child’s personal health conditions then do speak to your child’s doctor.