24 Best Probiotics for Kids

Medically Reviewed on 9/8/2022
24 Best Probiotics for Kids
Probiotics help in the development and growth of healthy bacteria in the gut for kids and adults.

Gut health is key to both physical and mental health. Probiotics are often used in adults to improve digestive and immune health. Probiotics have similar benefits in children. They improve gut health and the immune system and address specific conditions, such as constipation and acid reflux. However, the use of probiotics in kids still needs more research.

  • Trillions of bacteria live in the skin and body, especially in the gut. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have health benefits.
  • The most common probiotic bacteria are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.
  • These probiotics are usually present in yogurt, fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir), and dietary supplements.
  • These probiotics are used in beauty products. Research on probiotic supplements in children is lacking. The U.S. FDA does not regulate probiotics as medicine.

Before giving a probiotic diet or supplements to a child, caregivers should talk to their pediatrician about the risks and benefits of using probiotics.

17 probiotics for kids

Best chewable probiotics for kids

  1. NatureWise Probiotics, Strawberry
  2. NOW Foods, Berry Dophilus, Kids
  3. Culturelle Kids Chewable Daily Probiotic
  4. Renew Life Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotic
  5. Pedia-Lax Probiotic Yums

Best probiotic gummies for kids

  1. UP4 Probiotics Kids Gummies
  2. UP4 Probiotics + Prebiotics Kids Gummies
  3. Nordic Naturals Probiotic Gummies for Kids
  4. Smarty Pants Kids Probiotic and Prebiotic Immunity Formula
  5. OLLY Kids Multi+Probiotic

Best dissolvable probiotics for kids

  1. Florastor kids
  2. Best easy-to-swallow probiotics for kids
  3. Dannon Activia Yogurt
  4. Stonyfield Organic Kids Yogurt
  5. Replenish The Good Kids Probiotic

Best vegan probiotics

  1. Renzo’s Yummy Tummy Probiotic
  2. Hyperbiotics Pro-Kids
  3. Intelligent Labs Probiotics with Prebiotics

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7 best probiotics for kids

  1. Renew Life Kids Ultimate Flora Probiotics
    • Available in chewable form.
    • Are manufactured with 3 billion bacterial cultures and six strains.
    • The active ingredient in this includes Bacillus coagulants, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus plantarum.
    • Are berry flavored and designed to reduce digestive imbalance and improve immune health. This brand of probiotics is free of gluten, sugar, and dairy. This is best for kids with food allergies.
    • Do not have any artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners. It is shelf-stable, budget-friendly, and available for $10 for a pack of 30 chewable tablets.
  2. OLLY Kids Multi+Probiotic
    • Is specially formulated to improve gut health in children than in teens and adults. Kids ages two years and older can use this probiotic.
    • The active ingredient is Bacillus coagulans.
    • Is berry flavored and contains vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12 and two minerals: zinc and iodine.
    • They were designed to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and antibiotic-related diarrhea.
    • An easy-to-chew, fruity formulation that makes it a great probiotic gummy.
    • Free of gluten, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
  3. Florastor Kids
    • Dissolvable probiotics are the best alternative for children who are not willing to take any medication.
    • The active ingredients are Saccharomyces boulardii, as well as a small amount of lactose.
    • Saccharomyces boulardii helps produce digestive enzymes and digest lactose.
    • Contains 5 billion colony-forming units (CFU).
    • It can be used in the long term and does not have any known side effects.
    • Gluten-free, vegetarian, and non-GMO and has a trace amount of soy.
    • Best for children who have lactose intolerance.
    • Shelf-stable but a bit expensive.
  4. Dannon Activia Yogurt
  5. Renzo’s Yummy Tummy Probiotic
    • Offers 3 billion CFU.
    • Active ingredient includes Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bacillus coagulans, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
    • Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten and sugar-free.
    • Are lightly flavored and melt fast.
    • A good alternative for kids who dislikes chewable.
  6. Hyperbiotics Pro-Kids
    • Are unique because the company uses a slow-release delivery method: beneficial bacteria are released slowly for 8 to 10 hours.
    • The beneficial bacteria have a better chance of survival and can do their work where needed in the gut.
    • Active ingredients are lactobacillus and bifidobacterium families including, B infantis.
    • Easy to swallow or chew and are usually sugar, lactose and gluten-free, and non-GMO.
    • Researchers have reported that there is an increase in immunity in children who used Hyperbiotics Pro-Kids.
    • Children with autism had gastrointestinal improvements.
    • Some studies have reported improvements in the case of ear, nose, and throat issues.
  7. Intelligent Labs Probiotics and prebiotics for kids
    • Considered the best probiotics for kids.
    • Are free of allergens, kosher, non-GMO, gluten, soy, sugar, salt, and animal-derivatives-free and do not contain preservatives.
    • The active ingredient includes B lactis and L acidophilus. These probiotics are perfect for infants and kids until they reach their teens.

Do probiotics benefit children?

Probiotics help in the development and growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. These probiotics potentially help prevent several medical conditions, such as:

Consider the following things before giving your child probiotics:

  • Speak to your pediatrician
  • At what age probiotics can be given
  • Are there benefits to giving probiotics
  • What is the best probiotic supplement for infants
  • What is the best probiotic supplement for toddlers
  • What is best for teens
  • If the child likes chewable probiotics
  • Are these probiotics available in liquid drops or swallowable pills
  • If the kid has immune deficiencies
  • Do probiotics react with live vaccines
  • Components of the probiotic
    • Colony forming unit count
    • Strains
    • Form
    • Dietary needs
    • Cost

Side effects of probiotics in kids

Sometimes, they may worsen digestive issues, such as bloating and gas. Consult your doctor immediately if this happens

Serious allergic reactions are very rare.

It may not be suitable for immunocompromised children and those with certain metabolic disorders present at birth.

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Medically Reviewed on 9/8/2022
References
Image Source: iStock images

Kids Probiotic 2 Billion Cell Oral Powder Packet - Uses, Side Effects, and More. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-166253/kids-probiotic-oral/details

The pros and cons of probiotics for kids. https://www.geisinger.org/health-and-wellness/wellness-articles/2018/02/09/13/53/the-pros-and-cons-of-probiotics-for-kids