Recently, interest in the probiotic foods for kids has grown significantly. However, there are some questions from parents: Should we use probiotics for kids? If yes, how and what are the probiotic foods for kids? Probiotics are foods with probiotics or products that contain live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administrated in adequate amounts. Probiotic properties have been studied and reported in many genera of bacteria and yeast. However, the most common probiotics belong to groups often found in probiotic-rich foods and the best probiotic foods list, which are considered the best sources of probiotics. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. In addition, other bacteria genera such as Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, and some non-bacterial yeast strains of Saccharomyces are used as probiotics.
In a child’s health context, the significance of probiotic foods for kids cannot be understated. They not only aid in digestion but also contribute to preventing several diseases. Furthermore, they help maintain a balanced gut microbiota, critical for overall health.
Incorporating foods with probiotics into your child’s diet may seem challenging, but it is simpler than you think. Every parent can include probiotic foods in their daily meals to ensure their children get the best probiotic benefits.
Also Read: Babies and Honey: When is it Safe to Introduce Honey to Your Baby’s Diet?
Benefits of Probiotic foods for Kids
Probiotics are crucial in promoting a healthy gut microbiome, which may have various effects on the body. However, different probiotics can act differently in different human bodies. Generally, probiotics might produce substances that have beneficial effects, may influence immune response, and help to maintain healthy microbial communities.
National Institute of Health (NIH)-National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health Research states, “Probiotics have shown prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and enterocolitis, periodontal disease treatment, and maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis” in different scientific studies in adults. These studies have also highlighted the positive impact of probiotics on immune health. Some scientific studies published in peer-reviewed journal articles have mentioned the benefits of probiotic foods for kids.
Probiotics can help to maintain a healthy digestive system in children.
A review paper published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2018 concluded that probiotics could reduce the risk of Clostridium difficile diarrhea in children who receive antibiotics.
Probiotics may help to prevent colic and constipation in infants.
A study by the Valerie Sung group at the University of Melbourne, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found probiotics may help prevent colic in infants. However, this study recommends larger, rigorously designed studies for definitive conclusions.
Probiotics may prevent dental carries in infants and young children.
A study published in BMC Oral Health Journal by Trifa Hedayati-Hajikand group in Sweden found probiotic chewing tablets for children could reduce early childhood caries development.
Taking probiotics may have low and few upper respiratory infections.
In 2015, Qiukui Hao and group evaluated 12 studies with 3720 participants, suggesting probiotics may have low and few upper respiratory tract infections. However, this study recommended large-scale studies to address the conclusion.
Are Probiotics Safe for Kids?
There are hundreds of probiotic supplements and probiotic foods for kids. One of the parents’ most common concerns is whether these supplements and probiotic foods are safe for kids. Probiotic foods have a long history of safe use, particularly in healthy people, and probiotic side effects are generally rare. In this reference, the answer is yes. However, not many research studies have looked at the safety of probiotics in detail; therefore, we do not have a lot of clear information about how often side effects happen and how serious they might be.
In some cases, probiotics could potentially cause problems, like infections or the creation of harmful substances by the probiotic microorganism. Children with compromised immune systems or those with a catheter or other medical devices may be at a higher risk of experiencing probiotic side effects. In this condition, seeking professional advice before introducing new substances into your child’s diet is always best.
Despite these precautions, foods with probiotics are safe for regular use in healthy children and can be a valuable addition to their diet.
Natural Probiotic Foods for Kids
Probiotics can be found in various forms, including foods and supplements with different bacteria and yeast cultures. Probiotic foods are foods that contain live and active bacterial cultures. These foods undergo a fermentation process, encouraging beneficial bacteria growth. For parents who prefer natural options, several fermented foods that serve as excellent sources of probiotics are available. Natural probiotics for kids are rich in beneficial bacteria and can be easily incorporated into your child’s diet.
The primary advantage of probiotics foods is that they are natural sources of beneficial bacteria. They not only provide probiotics but also offer other nutritional benefits like vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Furthermore, the probiotics in these foods with probiotics are thought to be more resilient, surviving stomach acid better than those in supplements because the food matrix protects them.
However, it is important to understand that not all fermented foods contain probiotics. Some foods undergo processing methods that kill the bacteria, so they offer no probiotic benefits. Thus, when choosing probiotic foods with active cultures, you must read labels carefully to ensure you get a product with live and active cultures.
Top Probiotic Foods for Kids
Probiotic Yogurt for Kids
Probiotic yogurt for kids, Yogurt is one of the most accessible and most popular foods with probiotics to incorporate into your child’s diet. It’s widely available and comes in various flavors that kids love.
Yogurt is a natural source of beneficial bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are excellent for gut health. In addition to providing probiotics, yogurt with probiotics for kids is a good protein and calcium source, making it a top choice for kids yogurt with probiotics.
When choosing a probiotic yogurt for your child, look for one with active cultures. Also, try to avoid yogurts with a high sugar content, as this can counteract the benefits of probiotics.
Probiotic Kefir
Kefir, a fermented milk drink, is another excellent source of probiotics. It’s made by adding kefir grains to milk, which ferments over 24 hours. The result is a tangy, slightly fizzy drink packed with beneficial bacteria and is considered among the best-fermented foods for gut health.
Probiotic cheese
Aged cheese, such as Swiss, gouda, gruyere, provolone, cheddar, edam, and cottage cheese, matured and not heated post-production, is rich in beneficial bacteria. However, not all cheese qualifies as a source of these microbes; hence, selecting raw cheese that has been fermented and properly aged is crucial.
Pickles
Fermented vegetables like pickles undergo fermentation, yielding a crisp and tangy flavor while being packed with beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli. These probiotic-rich pickles are part of a healthy trend of incorporating probiotics into your child’s diet. You can add these tangy treats to sandwiches or wraps for a nutritious addition to your kid’s lunch or dinner.
Probiotics Supplements for Kids
While probiotic foods are a natural source of beneficial bacteria, probiotic supplements offer a more concentrated option, which might be considered among the top 10 probiotics for kids. These supplements come in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders, and liquids, and are designed to deliver a specific count of live bacteria, known as colony-forming units (CFUs).
Probiotic supplements can provide similar benefits to probiotic foods, including specific strains of bacteria that may help alleviate certain health conditions. These targeted benefits make them contenders for the top 10 probiotics for kids.
However, unlike probiotic foods, supplements may not offer additional nutritional benefits. They also have varying success rates regarding the survival of the probiotics through the digestive tract. Some may require refrigeration to maintain their potency, while others use delivery systems designed to ensure the bacteria reach the gut alive.
Probiotics supplements can be expensive, especially compared to probiotic foods, and they are not regulated as strictly as medications; the quality can vary significantly between brands.
Probiotic Gummies for Kids
If your child is not a fan of yogurt or other probiotic-rich foods, probiotic gummies for kids can be a good alternative. They come in fun shapes and flavors that kids love, making it easier for them to take their daily dose of probiotics.
Probiotic gummies usually contain a variety of probiotic strains and a significant number of colony-forming units (CFUs) to ensure your child gets a substantial dose of probiotics, potentially ranking them among the top 10 probiotics for kids.
When selecting the top 10 probiotics for kids, prioritize probiotic gummies with minimal sugar content and devoid of artificial colors or flavors. It’s crucial to scrutinize the label for the specific strains included in the gummies to ensure they are among the best for children’s health.
Chewable Probiotics for Kids
Chewable probiotics, another favored choice among the top 10 probiotics for kids, are often fruit-flavored tablets that deliver a significant dose of beneficial bacteria. Probiotics for kids are an excellent choice for children who have difficulty swallowing capsules or pills.
Similar to probiotic gummies, when searching for the top 10 probiotics for kids in chewable form, opt for products that boast a diverse array of strains and maintain a low sugar content. Additionally, verify that they contain a substantial number of CFUs to maximize health benefits.
Culturelle Probiotics and Seed Probiotics for Kids
Culturelle probiotics and seed probiotics for kids are two popular probiotic supplement brands. Culturelle probiotics contain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a well-studied strain known for its health benefits. They come in chewable tablets and packets that can be mixed with food or drink.
On the other hand, some seed probiotics offer a daily synbiotic, a combination of both probiotics and prebiotics, ranking them among the top 20 probiotic foods for optimal gut health. Their kids’ formula is specially designed with 14 probiotic strains and is available in a kid-friendly chewable format.
In the quest for the top 20 probiotic foods, when comparing different brands, it’s important to evaluate the variety of strains, the CFU count, and the method of delivery to ensure optimal gut health.
Probiotics Foods vs probiotic Supplements: Which is Better?
So, when weighing the benefits of the top 20 probiotic foods against supplements, the superior choice hinges on personal health objectives, dietary inclinations, and lifestyle considerations.
Incorporating the top 20 probiotic foods into your diet is an excellent way to enhance your overall health and enjoy a diverse range of nutrients. These foods offer multiple nutritional benefits and deliver probiotics in a form that’s easy for the body to use and absorb. However, they might not provide as many CFUs or specific strains as supplements might.
On the other hand, probiotics supplements, which may include some of the top 20 probiotic foods in concentrated form, could be more suitable for those dealing with specific health issues, as they can contain high concentrations of targeted probiotic strains. Yet, their quality varies significantly and often comes with a higher price tag.
Selecting the Best Probiotic for Kids
When selecting the best probiotic for kids, several factors must be considered. First, consider the type of strains included. Different strains offer different benefits, so choosing a product that contains strains known to benefit children’s health is essential.
Next, consider the number of CFUs. While it may be tempting to go for a product with the highest number of CFUs, this is not always necessary. A product with a lower CFU count but more beneficial strains can be just as effective.
Lastly, consider the delivery method. Some kids may prefer chewable tablets or gummies, while others might find a liquid supplement easier.
How much probiotics for kids
Determining how much probiotics for kids can be tricky. The right amount can depend on various factors, including the child’s age, weight, and overall health. American Family Physician states, “Dose of 5-10 billion CFUs daily is often recommended for children”.
However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the correct dose for your child. They can provide a personalized recommendation based on your child’s specific needs.
It’s also worth noting that while probiotics can provide several health benefits, including improved digestion, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Ensuring your child gets a balanced diet, regular exercise, and enough sleep is still crucial.
Summary
Probiotics play a vital role in children’s health, supporting digestive health, contributing to a strong immune system, and can even help manage certain conditions. Incorporating foods with probiotics into their diet is a beneficial practice. Probiotic foods for kids in your diet can be a simple yet effective way to boost their health.
Whether you choose foods with probiotics or supplements, ensuring your child receives a regular dose of these beneficial bacteria is essential. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your child’s probiotic needs.
Remember, a healthy gut contributes to a healthy child. So, start incorporating foods with probiotics into your child’s diet today and help them grow into healthy, strong adults.
