Considering Probiotics For Your Kid? Here Are 8 Dietitian-Approved Choices

Published on 8/21/2023 at 5:35 PM

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"Gut health" seems like it's everywhere — on social media wellness accounts, in headlines, and in conversations with pediatricians. While some people may recommend supplements as a gut health booster, they can be met with pushback — partly because you can get probiotics from foods like yogurt without ever having to take a pill. So why might a pediatrician recommend probiotics for kids?

"Children tend to have pickier diets and may not consume as many foods that naturally promote gut health, like those that are high in fiber or are fermented," says Ali Bandier, MS, RD, CDN, and founder of Senta Health. "This makes them more susceptible to gastrointestinal issues, and a probiotic can help fill in the gaps in their diet."

Taking a probiotic can also help address GI issues in younger children. "The gut microbiota plays a vital role in shaping our health and well-being," says Dani Lebovitz, MS, RDN, a Tennessee-based food and nutrition education expert and founder of Kid Food Explorers. "Providing a probiotic may offer valuable support tailored to their child's individual needs. Understanding the impact of the gut microbiota empowers parents to make informed decisions about their kid's health and explore probiotic options that can make a difference for their children's well-being."

But part of that conversation should include a discussion with a child's doctor, as probiotics aren't recommended for everyone.

"Certain populations should avoid the use of probiotic-rich foods or probiotic supplements," says Madelyn Larouche, RD, a dietician. "These groups of people are those who are immunocompromised and those who have chronic health conditions." With these populations, taking a probiotic comes with a higher risk of infection, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

As a safety precaution, "always consult with your pediatrician before giving your child a probiotic supplement," Larouche says. Once you get the green light, there are tons of options for kids' probiotics on the market. But should you go with probiotic gummies for kids? How about a chewable? Is one option better for infants? How about older children? Here, dietitians recommend some of the best probiotics for kids depending on their preferences, habits, and age.

Best Probiotic For Infants

Enfamil Breastfed Infant Probiotics & Vitamin D Liquid Drops ($26)

Infants consuming exclusively human milk require vitamin D supplementation if the lactating parent is not supplementing it. Some formula-fed or combination-fed (human milk and formula) babies may also need vitamin D supplements. Bandier loves this probiotic from Enfamil that adds strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp, which may help improve infant health.

Enfamil Breastfed Infant Probiotics & Vitamin D Liquid Drops

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$26

Best Probiotic For Kids Who Like Gummies

Nordic Naturals Kids Nordic Flora Probiotic Gummies ($16)

These gummies pack a punch — and not just because of the flavoring (merry berry punch), though that's a perk.

Bandier loves that the probiotic contains Bacillus coagulans, a strain that can survive passage through the GI tract and may help with gas and constipation. It's third-party tested, vegan, and dairy-free, with no artificially derived colors or flavors.

Nordic Naturals Kids Nordic Flora Probiotic Gummies

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$16

Best Berry-Flavored Probiotic For Kids

NOW Supplements BerryDophilus Kids Chewables ($15)

Some children have issues taking medication and supplements because of their taste. But these berry-flavored chewables from NOW Supplements Kids may help. These probiotics have an NPA A-Rating Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) certification, signifying that manufacturing processes such as laboratory and testing methods for stability and potency have been tested. The rigorous testing gives a registered dietitian nutritionist confidence.

"I personally love the NOW brand of supplements, as they go through extensive testing of all their products to make sure it's safe for the consumer and ensure what's on the label is in the bottle," says Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist. "These chewable probiotics are fun for kids to take, providing 2 billion CFUs from a combination of 10 probiotic strains."

One caveat: Lebovitz cautions that this probiotic contains xylitol. This sugar alcohol can cause diarrhea, so speak with a child's pediatrician and monitor their progress should you go this route.

NOW Supplements BerryDophilus Kids Chewables

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$15

Best Probiotic For Older Kids

Hyperbiotics Pro Kids ($23)

Liquid and gummies may be the preferred — and necessary — probiotic forms for infants and toddlers. However, older kids can handle capsules. Hyperbotics Pro Kids are small, easing the transition from supplements kids are used to ingesting.

Lebovitz adds that the probiotic features "a time-release formula to bypass stomach acid, and no added sugar, but it is sweetened with stevia, which some people may dislike."

Hyperbiotics Pro Kids

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$23

Best Multivitamin With Probiotic For Kids

Culturelle Kids Multivitamin + Probiotic For Kids ($15)

Experts share that looking at nutrition facts is crucial when choosing kids' probiotics, as some are loaded with several grams of added sugar. Lebovitz loves that Culturelle's is not (it contains 1 gram of added sugar) but does boast other essential vitamins like vitamins A and C.

"This one has less sugar, is vegan friendly, and has single-strain subtilis DE111," Lebovitz says. "It is safe for use in children [2 and older] and supports a healthy gastrointestinal tract with a reduced duration of vomiting, hard stools, and overall gastrointestinal discomfort. It's accessible and tastes great."

Culturelle Kids Multivitamin + Probiotic For Kids

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$15

Best Powdered Probiotic For Kids

Florastor Kids Daily Probiotic Supplement ($18)

Lebovitz loves that Florastor's probiotic can be mixed with food or beverages, potentially increasing a child's acceptance. She's also a fan of the three-year shelf life (without refrigeration), unflavored nature, and ability to work with antibiotics to strengthen gut health.

Florastor Kids Daily Probiotic Supplement

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$18

Best Chewable Probiotic For Kids

BioGaia Protectis Kids For Gut Comfort ($20)

Lebovitz says the probiotic contains Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, which has been well-studied for helping with diarrhea, constipation, and IBS. The natural lemon flavoring is also a hit, she says.

BioGaia Protectis Kids For Gut Comfort

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$20

Best Yogurt With Probiotics For Kids

Stonyfield Organic Probiotic ($5)

Supplements may help your child, but experts share that food is the best source of probiotics.

"Probiotics are available in supplement form, but it's always best to get your nutrients from food before you reach for a supplement," Larouche says.

Experts like that Stonyfield's yogurt doesn't contain added sweeteners and is plain. Still, it doesn't have to be boring. Think of it as a blank canvas.

"You can add yogurt to smoothies, milkshakes, or chia seed pudding," Ehsani says. "Stonyfield also has a billion probiotics in each three-quarter-cup serving, which is easy to try to incorporate each day."

Stonyfield Organic Probiotic

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