Probiotics are a hot issue in the media today – especially with regard to their bowel health benefits. What is often not discussed is their role in children and if the pediatric population can benefit from their completion as well as adults. Let’s look at what the current research says about how probiotics work and if children need them.
What are probiotics?
Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when administered in optimal quantities, can positively affect bowel health. In simpler terms, probiotics can help strengthen the community of microorganisms in the gut/intestine and provide beneficial effects on health.1
Research supports the idea that consuming probiotics in adults can help various aspects of their health. Specifically, research suggests that probiotic supplementation in a healthy adult can lead to improvements in gathering germs of the bacteria. It can also help in the immune response, stool consistency, normal bowel movements and a healthy vaginal environment.2
How do probiotics work?
Probiotics have various mechanisms in which they work. However, the exact way they affect the body is not completely clear. This said, research shows that probiotics can improve the acid levels in the gut, produce significantly healthy fats and help the bowel immune system work well.3
It is also important to note that not all probiotics are equal. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate probiotics, so it is always better to talk to your doctor before entering your child’s diet.1
Are probiotics safe for children?
Countless research studies have examined the benefits of probiotics to the adult population.2 But are the probiotics safe for children? A research article examined the collection of current literature on probiotics on children and their supposed effects. He found that some probiotic strains were effective in treating gastroenteritis (commonly known as “stomach flu” or “Gi error”) and in preventing antibiotic -related diarrhea.4
Another article published in PubMed examined the current research on probiotics in the pediatric population. He found that probiotics can prevent C. Difficile associated with antibiotics, a bacterial infection that sometimes occurs in antibiotic response. They are also effective in preventing viral diarrhea and the treatment of gastroenteritis.5 With this in mind, we can assume that probiotics can affect children with gastroenteritis or to prevent antibiotic -related diarrhea.4.5 As for the average healthy child, there is no definitive research on the benefits that the probiotic benefits can offer or if they are safe for children.
A common question about probiotics is whether they can cause constipation. Research in adults actually shows the opposite! In fact, probiotics can help relieve constipation due to their effect on the gut germ.6.7 As for the pediatric population, again, there is no definitive research that proves the effectiveness of children’s probiotics in constipation. There are also concerns about safety about the use of probiotics in children who are immunosuppressed, critically ill, or timely weakened.8 To repeat, it is optimal practice to consult your doctor before inserting any probiotic or supplement to your child.
Best types of probiotics for children
As mentioned earlier, not all probiotics are made or attribute the same benefits.1 When examining children’s probiotics, research has found that Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces Boulardii positively affect intestinal health in children-especially in cases of gastroenteritis and antibiotic-related diarrhea.4 However, the current study does not provide sufficient information on dosage recommendations and therapeutic regimens for the probiotic use of children.5
Although there is insufficient data right now to support the use and recommended doses of probiotics for children and toddlers, adequate consumption of prebiotics in the diet can still help.9
The best rich in probiotic foods for children
In terms of nutrition in general, it is always better to consume food first (instead of supplementing) when possible.10 If you buy probiotics for your children, the choice of sources of food rich in probiotics instead of supplements would probably be more beneficial.11 The FDA does not regulate supplements, but regulates food products. This makes the first approach additional important in this situation.12 Rich in probiotic sources of food that you need to consider in your children include:13
- Yoghurt
- Cheese
- Pickle
- Lip
Prebiotics
Prebiotics should also be an important part of your child’s diet. These are non -dietary substances found to positively affect bowel health. Proper consumption of prebiotics can contribute to the development of children early in their lives.9
Food examples containing prebiotics include:14
- Bananas
- Barley
- Tomatoes
- Soy
- Peas
- Beans
- Wheat
- Asparagus
- Garlic
- Onion
Providing your child with a colorful dish at lunch and constantly exposing them to new foods can help ensure that eating prebiotics in the diet is sufficient.
The bottom line
Although probiotics have been shown to be effective in the adult population, we need more research before making recommendations for their use in the pediatric population. As always, consult your doctor before starting any kind of supplement with your child. Focus on your children with a nutritional diet rich in fruits and vegetables. This can positively affect the health, growth and growth of the bowel.9
