Being a parent, your number one goal is to keep your child safe and healthy. However, children are often the carriers of common illnesses when they are around other children in day care centers and school.
Specific probiotic strains have proven effective for improving respiratory infections, diarrhea, and immune health in young children.
Probiotics for kids help to support gut health from the inside out. Poor gut health can have an impact on digestion, immunity, skin health, and mental wellness. It is important to understand which probiotics you can give your child, as they may not work the same as they do in adults.
If you’ve been looking for a probiotic for your child, this article will discuss the benefits and ingredients to look for.
Probiotics For Kids (Our Review)
Overall Assessment
Hyperbiotics' PRO-Kids probiotic supplement can help your child with a variety of issues, including nutrient absorption. The product is made with high-quality ingredients and also helps to support the immune system.
This tiny micro pearl is extremely small, so young children are able to swallow it or chew it if necessary. Unlike many supplements for children, this is not a sugary product. Instead, stevia is used as a sugar substitute.
Keep in mind that these are probiotics for 3-year-olds and above, so it is typically not suitable for infants. However, a consultation with the pediatrician is recommended to ensure proper use and direction.
This product has a long shelf life and doesn't need to be refrigerated. Although, it is required to be kept in a cool, dry place.
Why It's Great
Unlike most probiotics, Hyperbiotics Pro-Kids has a proprietary time-release delivery system, which means the beneficial bacteria are delivered over time throughout your gastrointestinal tract rather than all at once.
The probiotics are delivered over an 8-10 hour period, bypassing stomach acids (which tend to kill most of the contained bacteria) and reaching deep into the intestinal system alive where they’re needed most.
Further, this postponed release may assist to alleviate stomach troubles.
Most children of chewing age and up will find it easy to swallow. PRO-Kids pearls are best swallowed rather than chewed, though chewing is fine too. They can also be hidden in food if your kids are picky.
Another advantage is that it is organically derived, as opposed to probiotic capsules derived from artificial sources. You won't have to worry about exposing your child to harmful chemicals at a young age.
Who It's Right For
- Children experiencing constipation
- Kids with stomach issues
- Kids with digestive conditions
Detailed Analysis
Ingredients
Not only are the probiotics gluten-free, but they are also sugar-free. There are no artificial ingredients and all of the formulations are vegetarian. With dietary restrictions in mind, they are free of yeast, dairy, soy, and nuts.
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus species are beneficial bacteria that you find in the digestive and
urinary systems of humans. They can be used to support bone health, blood sugar levels, hormone levels, mood, and immune response.
This type of bacteria helps the body break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off the bad bacteria that can cause illness.
You can find this type of bacteria in fermented foods like yogurt and dietary supplements.
Lactobacillus is the most frequent bacteria used to treat diarrhea, including viral diarrhea and diarrhea caused by antibiotic medications.
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium are a type of probiotic bacteria that we generally find in the intestines and stomach. Bifidobacterium are also made up of a number of species that can produce a variety of nutrients, such as vitamins, short-chain fatty acids, and organic acids while fighting off invaders that might cause illness.
When it comes to undesired germs, they make antimicrobial compounds that are especially targeted towards microorganisms that cause disease.
They also synthesize lactate and acetate, which balance the gut pH, keeping it stable enough for a healthy gut microbiome, but acidic enough to keep invaders at bay.
Bifidobacterium can be found as a common component in probiotics for dogs in order to efficiently break down food, fight off pathogens, and strengthen immunity.
There are a number of specific included in this genus, however, Bifidobacterium infantis has been shown to be well adapted to infant gut microbiome. In studies, it has been shown to promote immune response in new infants, control inflammation, and improve the intestinal barrier.
Bifidobacterium infantis is not like most bacteria in the gut. It is a hereditary bacteria that is passed on from the mother to her child following childbirth.
Fructooligosaccharides
Fructooligosaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. They can be derived from asparagus, Jerusalem artichokes, and onions, or they're made in a lab. The body does not digest fructooligosaccharides until they reach the colon.
They are broken down by beneficial bacteria, which is why they’re considered a prebiotic. This promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Effectiveness
The following are some of the advantages you can expect to see when using this product:
- The product is made from Bio-tract®, a patented delivery technology that protects sensitive bacterial strains and nutritional components from stomach acid. Since it is resistant to stomach acid, the product can reach the intestinal tract. The probiotics, unlike others, can tolerate the hostile stomach environment and ensure delivery.
- PRO-kids and an additional vitamin intake can help your children maintain a healthy immune system.
- Your child will be able to fully absorb nutrients, and their body will have a better chance of combating diseases as a result of using the product.
- Some parents have also reported that the attention span and concentration of their kids have improved dramatically. The kids have also started eating healthier foods, avoiding sugar, and increasing their vegetable consumption.
Probiotics are generally safe, however, they can cause side effects for children and adults with impaired immune systems, premature babies, and those who are critically ill.
It is always recommended to consult with the pediatrician before starting your child on a new supplement.
Price
The PRO-Kids probiotic is a reasonably priced product, costing around $20. It can be found on Amazon and the Hyperbiotics website.
Final Thoughts
Probiotics for kids can work a little differently in children when compared to probiotics for men or women. That being said, it is essential to find probiotic strains that are targeted for children.
Similar to adults, children can also consume probiotics through food sources. However, when you have a picky child that may not be getting much variety in the diet, a probiotic supplement may be recommended for support.
Hyperbiotics offer a wide range of high quality products not only for children, but they also carry probiotic supplements for cats, dogs, men, and women.
Before adding probiotics to your child's diet, check with their pediatrician to see if they are a good fit.
Did you find our blog helpful? Then consider checking:
- 3 Gut Healthy Recipes Your Kids Will Love
- How Long Does It Take For Probiotics To Work
- Can You Take Too Many Probiotics
- Which Probiotic Should I Take
- Probiotics With Antibiotics
- Probiotics Side Effects
- Do Probiotics Help With Diarrhea
- Difference Between Prebiotic And Probiotic
- Why We Need Probiotics (and why Most are Ineffective)
- Understanding Probiotics and the Human Microbiome
**This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.