More and more adults are discovering the power of probiotics for their health. Numerous studies have now confirmed the benefits of probiotics in supporting healthy gut flora, the immune system and recovery after antibiotic use. But what about children? Can they benefit from probiotics as much as adults? In this article, we explain what science says about the use of probiotics in children and what you as a parent should pay attention to.
In this article, you will read:
- What probiotics are
- What the benefits of probiotics are for children
- What probiotics can help with
- Whether probiotics are safe for children
What are probiotics?
Our bodies contain hundreds of billions of bacteria, collectively known as the microbiome. This complex ecosystem consists of hundreds of different bacterial groups, which we call strains. These contribute to important processes such as digestion, the immune system and even mental health.
Probiotics are living microorganisms, usually bacteria or yeasts, that can support and strengthen the balance within this microbiome, especially in the intestines. By restoring the right balance between beneficial and less beneficial bacteria, probiotics can contribute to various health benefits. They occur naturally in some foods, such as yoghurt and kefir, but are also available as supplements.
Probiotics for children
There are various situations in which probiotics can be used in children, for example as a supplement to their daily diet to support healthy intestinal flora:
Gut health and immunity
Did you know that a large part of the immune system is located in the gut? Especially in children, who are growing rapidly and come into contact with all kinds of new stimuli every day, good gut health is essential. Healthy gut flora helps the body to defend itself against external influences.
Probiotics, the “good” bacteria, are part of the natural intestinal flora. They contribute to the diversity of microorganisms in the intestines. The composition of this intestinal flora is linked to various processes in the body. The presence of these bacteria supports the balance in the intestinal environment. A well-functioning microbiome is an important link in overall health.
There are also other problem-related functions of probiotics:
After antibiotic use
Antibiotics can affect not only harmful bacteria but also beneficial bacteria in the gut, causing a temporary imbalance. Probiotics are sometimes used as a dietary supplement in periods following antibiotic use, with the aim of supporting the diversity of the intestinal flora.
Diarrhoea with stomach flu
Diarrhoea can disrupt the natural balance in the intestines. Probiotics can help to replenish the bacteria that occur naturally in the gut.
Constipation
The composition of the gut flora may play a role in constipation. Some probiotic products are used as dietary supplements for children with irregular bowel movements.
Skin and allergies
The intestinal flora can play a supporting role in the development of young children's immune systems. Research is being conducted to determine whether probiotics can make an additional contribution in situations involving skin sensitivity or allergic reactions. When used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, research is being conducted to determine whether there is a link with the prevention of certain skin reactions in young children.
What does the science say?
The scientific evidence for probiotics in children has grown significantly in recent years:
Research has shown that probiotics are effective in preventing diarrhoea in both adults and children. This is particularly true for diarrhoea following antibiotic use.
It has also been shown to be effective in acute diarrhoea. A review study shows that probiotics can shorten the duration of diarrhoea in children by an average of one day, especially if they are started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. Although the effect depends on the type of strain, this is a promising application.
The effects vary greatly depending on the strain, dosage and duration of use. Therefore, when choosing a probiotic, it is important to pay attention to the type of bacterial strain and the scientific evidence.
Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086 (Weizmann Coagulans) is a well-researched probiotic strain. Various clinical studies have investigated how this strain behaves in the gastrointestinal tract. Bacillus coagulans is a so-called spore-forming bacterium, which can survive the acidic environment of the stomach and becomes active in the intestines. Research has shown that this strain can contribute to maintaining healthy intestinal flora and that it is well tolerated by both adults and children. There are also studies that suggest that Bacillus coagulans can contribute to better digestion and balanced bowel function, even in situations such as antibiotic use or mild gastrointestinal complaints.
What should you look out for as a parent?
If you are considering giving your child probiotics, keep the following points in mind:
- Check the expiry date and correct storage method.
- Choose child-friendly dosage forms (such as drops) that are easy to use.
- Make sure the probiotics contain as few additives and sugars as possible.
- Consider probiotics that also contain prebiotics for effective results.
- Consult a doctor if your child has health problems.
Conclusion
Probiotics can be useful for children in certain situations, especially for diarrhoea after antibiotics and possibly for other complaints such as constipation. Research indicates that probiotics are generally well tolerated by healthy children. If in doubt, always consult a doctor. At VitaminFit, we follow scientific developments with a vision based on nature to create products with carefully selected bacterial strains.
Would you like personal advice? We are happy to help!
