Probiotics for children: Everything you need to know

The use of probiotics is quite common in adults and especially in those who have gastrointestinal problems, irritable bowel syndrome or are taking some antibiotics.

Probiotics are now common and important even to young children. However, many parents have many questions and concerns about this issue.

What exactly are probiotics? When is it necessary for the body? Do they benefit or harm children’s health? Can they be taken through food or does it need supplementation? These and many more are questions that concern parents and will be analyzed below.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are commonly referred to as the “good bacteria” in the body found in the gut. The body needs these bacteria to stay healthy.

They help digestion, absorption of nutrients and fight other germs that cause disease. But beyond the “good bacteria” there are also the “bad bacteria”. When the balance between them is upset, various problems arise and that is why doctors recommend the additional administration of probiotics.

Good sources of probiotics

There are several foods that contain probiotics and can be enjoyed by children, while they can also be taken in the form of dietary supplements. Some of the best sources of natural probiotics:

• The yoghurt
• Kefir
• The sour milk
• Cottage cheese
• The trachanas
• The sauerkraut
• The pea
• The pickles

What are the benefits of probiotics?

1. Improve digestion

Many children from infancy suffer from abdominal problems, bloating, constipation or diarrhea. Probiotics, supplemented with diet, can reduce the risk of enterocolitis, as found through research, and build a healthy digestive system.

2. Improving the immune system

The introduction of probiotics in the diet of children contributes to the development of a healthy immune system. This is important to prevent disease in the future, to minimize symptoms in case of illness, and to get treatment faster.

3. Protect the skin and avoid allergies

Children’s skin is sensitive and reacts much more easily to changes compared to an adult’s skin. Changing weather, new foods and products for the body can cause skin problems such as rashes, itching and eczema. Consumption of probiotics has been shown to reduce these allergic reactions.

4. Growth of “good bacteria”

If a child is taking an antibiotic, it is advisable to take a probiotic at the same time to prevent side effects. Medications, in their attempt to fight unwanted strains of bacteria, can possibly kill some good bacteria. But probiotics will enhance the growth of new good bacteria.

When is additional probiotics needed?

1. When the child has gas pain

Throughout the development of a baby’s digestive system, it is normal to have abdominal problems, constipation, diarrhea and gas. But as he gets older, these problems need to be reduced. If they continue it is clear that probiotics are needed.

2. When the mother or child is taking an antibiotic

In the first case, through breastfeeding, the mother can pass the antibiotic to the child. However, in order to avoid unwanted side effects, it is necessary to give probiotics to children. Also, when children themselves take an antibiotic, they need probiotics to restore the good bacteria that may have been lost from taking the antibiotics. In both cases, however, the advice of a doctor is needed.

3. In cases of difficulty in swallowing and digesting food

Probiotics in these cases help to choose a wider variety of foods, without creating problems in the digestive system.

4. In cases of frequent colds

This is a sign that children have a weak immune system. However, in order to enhance and prevent upper respiratory infections, it is recommended to add probiotics to the diet.

In what form can they be administered?

Probiotics for children have different dosages depending on the age, weight, needs of the child and the problem he is facing. In any case, the dosage should be determined by the pediatrician.

Probiotics are available in various forms of supplements and depending on the needs of your child, you can choose the appropriate formulation.

1. Probiotics in jellies

Recommended mainly for children over 3 years. It is an easy way to consume probiotics pleasantly, without the supervision of parents and giving the impression that they are eating a sweet.

2. Probiotics in drops

This is an easy solution for children who find it difficult to try new flavors as well as for very young children who can not chew. These drops can be added to juice, water, milk or yogurt. In this way the children consume their meal and at the same time take probiotics without realizing it.

3. Probiotics that melt in the mouth

These are preferred when children find it difficult to consume capsules or try new, foreign flavors. Usually these tablets melt as soon as they enter the mouth and taste like fruit.

According to what was mentioned above, it is understood that probiotics play an important role in children’s health. In some cases it is recommended to take pediatric probiotics as a complementary treatment for 2-3 months in order to strengthen the immunity of children.

Our suggestions

• Biogaia Protectis Junior 30 chewable tabs strawberry: Probiotics in chewable tablets, with strawberry flavor, suitable for children from 3 to 12 years old. They contain the probiotic bacterium Lactobacilus reuteri Protectis, a natural lactobacillus that helps restore the balance of flora in the digestive system and strengthen the immune system.
• Frezyderm Prodilac Kids 30 chewable tabs: Chewable probiotics, with mandarin flavor, for children and teenagers from 2 to 16 years old. They help maintain the intestinal microflora and are indicated for gastrointestinal problems, such as gastroenteritis, constipation, diarrhea, etc. They can be taken to strengthen the immune system of children, as well as to improve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, lethargy, fatigue from study or exercise.

At Vita4you.gr you will find a wide variety of children’s probiotics in all forms!

References

1. Are Probiotics Healthy for Children?
2. Understanding Probiotics for Kids
3. Are There Health Benefits of Probiotics for Children?
4. The pros and cons of probiotics for kids