Probiotics for kids: What parents need to know
Many parents have heard of probiotics — those “good bacteria” that help with gut health. But are probiotics safe for kids? And do they really help? Caroline Salozzo, MBA, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, helps answer these important questions.
What are probiotics?
Our bodies are full of tiny living things called microorganisms. These include bacteria, which are not always harmful. In fact, many bacteria in the body help keep us healthy. “The intestinal microbiome is made up of these microbes that live in the gut. What we eat, how we live, and even medicines like antibiotics can change the balance of good and bad bacteria in our gut,” says Salozzo.
Probiotics are supplements that contain these helpful bacteria. They come in forms like capsules, powders, and liquids. People take them hoping to add more good bacteria to their body to keep their gut healthy.
How do probiotics work?
“When probiotics work well, they help digest food and balance out bad bacteria in the body,” Salozzo explains. The idea is that by adding more good bacteria, you can help your body stay healthy.
It’s important to know that not all probiotics are the same. There are many different kinds, and they can act in different ways. Some might work well for one person but not for another. The number of live bacteria in a product is measured in colony-forming units, or CFUs. Salozzo recommends looking for probiotics that have been tested by a trusted third party, so you know what you’re getting.
Do probiotics really help?
Research on probiotics is growing. Some studies show that certain probiotics can help with specific stomach problems. “There is evidence that probiotics may help with conditions like antibiotic-associated diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome,” Salozzo says. But scientists are still learning more about how probiotics work and which types are most useful.
Because probiotics are not all the same, what works for one child might not work for another. And the dose, or how much is taken, can also make a difference.
Are probiotics safe for kids?
For most healthy children, probiotics are considered safe. But parents should be careful. “Since probiotic supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are no official rules about how much to give children,” Salozzo explains. “The amount and types of bacteria can be different from one product to another.”
That’s why it’s so important to talk to your child’s doctor before starting a probiotic. This is especially true for children who have weakened immune systems or other health concerns.
Can kids get probiotics from food?
The good news is that children don’t always need to take a pill or powder to get probiotics. Many healthy foods contain these good bacteria. “Foods like yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, and fermented foods like miso soup, sauerkraut, and kimchi naturally have probiotics,” says Salozzo. Even pickles — when they are fermented — can have these good microbes.
Adding these foods to your child’s diet is often a safer and tastier way to provide probiotics. Plus, these foods offer other nutrients that help kids grow and stay healthy.
What should parents do?
Before making any changes to your child’s diet or adding a supplement, it’s best to check with your pediatrician. They can help decide if probiotics are a good choice based on your child’s health and needs.
“Your pediatrician is your best partner in making decisions about probiotics, or any nutrition choices,” Salozzo says. “By working together, you can choose the options that support your child’s well-being.”
As science continues to study probiotics, parents can focus on offering their kids a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. And when questions come up about supplements, the pediatrician is the best place to turn.
• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.