Probiotics for Children: Are they worth the hype?
I'll explore what probiotics are, along with the why, what, when and how questions that come along with probiotics for tiny humans.
I’ve become increasingly aware of the probiotic claims that now find themselves on the front of so many kids packaged foods these days, and the wide range of chocolate probiotic balls and gummies at the chemist. While I know the role they can play in the adult diet, I’ve never taken the time to do a deep dive into the role they can play in tiny humans. I find the gut microbiome so incredibly interesting, and how everything from type of delivery (vaginal vs c-section) through to what we eat, think and feel can influence it.
If you’re interested in your tiny humans gut, and how you can best support it, come along with me as I do a deep dive and summarise the findings for you.
What are probiotics?
Your body (and your tiny humans body) is home to trillions of mostly healthy bacteria, know as the microbiota. These bacteria, which are mostly healthy or neutral, play an essential role in the following bodily functions: digestion and nutrient absorption, synthesis of vitamins and minerals (such as Vit K and some B vitamins) and supporting the immune system through fighting off pathogens (illnesses). Probiotics are live microbiota, often referred to as ‘good’ bacteria, that are aimed at contributing to the healthy balance of bacteria in your body.
The evolution of your gut microbiome
The development of your gut microbiome starts from when you are a fetus, with research suggesting that an initial microbiome is developed prior to birth in the placenta. The birthing process itself plays another important role in building the microbiome. Natural labour causes the baby to come in contact with the mother’s vaginal bacteria, and which then makes its way to the baby’s gastrointestinal tract (sounds yum hey?). Research suggests that baby’s born vaginally have a different gut bacteria make-up to those delivered via a caesarean, with vaginally birthed babies having a higher make up of Bifidobacterium. Why is this interesting? Well, Bifidobacterium is the most commonly found bacteria in healthy infants, with some studies suggesting that it may influence the development of asthma and eczema. Other influencing factors of a baby’s gut microbiome are genetics, the gestational age (preterm vs full term), use of antibiotics during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and being breastfed vs formula fed. Following this, the introduction of food to your baby brings the next round of bacteria.
What’s the research showing?
To further promote good gut bacteria in infants, research has been looking at whether probiotics play a role during pregnancy, in regards to gut health and immunity. Currently, the outcomes are still relatively limited (as research often is in pregnant women, due to the nature of the situation and ethics). An area that does have a good basis of evidence is the maternal supplementation of Lactobacillus in the prevention of atopic eczema in children. The research to date has shown that maternal supplementation of probiotics during pregnancy and afterwards can reduce the baby’s risk of developing eczema by up to 80%! So if you’re thinking of gearing up for another baby, and have a history of eczema, then this might be something you would like to discuss with your GP.
Moving forward to when your baby has come out, and through the younger years, the research is still very much evolving. Some of the promising studies coming out are showing:
Probiotics have been studied for their role in preventing and managing diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea. Certain strains of probiotics (specifically, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus reuteri and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12) may help reduce the duration and severity of diarrohea in children.
Some research suggests that probiotics may have a role in preventing or alleviating certain allergic conditions, such as eczema. Some studies looking specifically at Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) have suggested a reduction in the severity and incidence of eczema in infants at high risk for allergic diseases when given LGG. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and more research is needed in this area. This was one that I used with Harvey (at ~5 months) when his eczema was flaring up as a baby, and found it to be really helpful (the specific probiotic I used is here, which I mixed into coconut yoghurt at breakfast time).
Probiotics might have a positive impact on respiratory health in children. Some studies suggest that they may help reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory infections, such as colds and upper respiratory tract infections. The strains commonly used in these studies were: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12.
While this is very exciting, the unfortunate reality is that more research is needed to understand the finer details of probiotics, such as which strain of probiotics are most beneficial for which illnesses, and in what quantities when. But with it taking on average 17 years before research becomes evidence-based, there may be quite a lag in when we can confidently give recommendations. So while probiotics are still an evolving field of nutrition, giving your little one just any probiotic supplement may be pouring money down the drain, as it might not be the right strain to support the illness prevention you’re looking for.
If this is something you are wanting to do, or the above research was of interest to you, then I would recommend first discussing this with your GP or health practitioner. This will ensure that the symptoms or illnesses are treated appropriately in line with the current medical guidelines. There are particular instances you might consider supplementing your tiny humans diet with probiotics as a supportive measure such as:
Eczema flare ups
During or following antibiotics. Note: antibiotics kill all bacteria (good and bad) so it is pointless taking them at the exact same time. Instead, aim for in between periods, such as a few hours before/after taking an antibiotic.
During colds/respiratory sickness.
From there, you can then look for a probiotic that contains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), as this is the most commonly researched probiotic with some evidence to back it in these areas. There is a range of probiotics for infants that offer this (and they are usually a bit more expensive), but the trusty probiotic chocolate balls we tend to reach for don’t, so keep this in mind. Also, ensure the probiotics you purchase are keep in line with the recommended storage, and not mixed in with hot food, as this will kill the good bacteria, rendering the probiotic useless. Cold yoghurt or fruit puree can be a good mixer.
What about food sources?
Providing your tiny humans with a well balanced diet will ensure most of their nutritional needs will be met through their diet alone. There are probiotics found in a variety of foods, and you may find some of these are already in your tiny humans diet. Natural sources of probiotics include:
Breastmilk
Yoghurt
Kefir
Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Introducing this into your little ones diet, and continuing to offer them regularly, will help support their gut microbiome. However, one of the most impactful things you can do for your tiny humans gut microbiome is to ensure they are getting adequate prebiotics which help feed the good bacteria in their guts. Prebiotics are found in nuts, seeds, wholegrains, garlic, onion, most vegetables, and legumes - all of which are important foods in a well-balanced diet.
Another very interesting area is the use of probiotics in mastitis, which I’ll delve into soon and share. To keep up-to-date with the latest research and all things nutrition for your tiny human, subscribe to my free newsletter! This will deliver it straight into your inbox.
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Note: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or the nutritional needs of your child. Read our full disclaimer here.