Up4 Probiotics + Prebiotics Kids Gummies
*This is actually Up 4s new product, Up4 Probiotics & Prebiotics, that is a fruit-flavored probiotic and prebiotic blend.
Prebiotics are just as they sound- they provide yummy nutrients to feed those helpful gut bugs. In addition to 1 Billion CFUs of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans and Inulin this product contains added vitamin C. This is a vegan product that does not contain food dye, GMOs, or gluten making it one of the best prebiotic gummies for toddlers, as well as older children.
Due to the absence of possible allergens, this is considered as the best probiotic for 4 year old children and older with hypersensitivity issues including allergies to gluten, food dye and other food ingredients.
What We Love
Great for vegans or those who appreciate gluten-free products!
Probiotics Vs Prebiotics For Kids
Many people confuse probiotics and prebiotics, but they are actually two separate things with different roles.
Probiotics and prebiotics work together to keep your gut healthy.
Prebiotics are nondigestible carbohydrates/fibers . They are the food for the probiotics in your gut.
Probiotics are live microorganisms and they need prebiotics to survive so they can reproduce.
More probiotics in the gut is a good thing, it keeps your gut healthy. The more probiotics you have, the easier it is for them to get rid of the bad bacteria that might enter your gut.
You can think of probiotics as the seed you plant and prebiotics as the water that helps them grow.
What About Probiotics For Constipation Or Colic
Gas and bloating may be one cause of your newborns colic.
Some studies show probiotics may reduce colic symptoms and crying in infants who are breastfed. But you should discuss with your babys pediatrician before offering probiotics to infants younger than six months old.
There are many reasons kids get constipated. One reason is children dont eat enough fiber to keep their GI tract moving. Little ones prefer bland diets, which are very low in fiber-containing leafy green vegetables and whole grains.
Doctors generally dont recommend probiotics to treat constipation because there isnt enough evidence that its beneficial. So, stick to natural stool softener foods to keep your little ones bowels regular.
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Culturelle Kids Chewable Daily Probiotic For Kids
$ as of February 28, 2022 8:37 am
Features
- PROBIOTICS FOR KIDS From the #1 Pediatrician Recommended Probiotic Brand, Culturelle Kids helps your childs digestive tract to work better and support a healthy immune system when taken regularly
- EASY FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES TO TAKE Chew 1 naturally berry flavored tablet daily to support immune and digestive health. Best for toddlers and children ages 3+ Free of gluten, dairy, lactose, milk, added colors, preservatives, yeast and soy.Egg free
- HAPPY TUMMIES, HEALTHY KIDS, RELAXED PARENTS. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG the key ingredient in Culturelle Kids Daily Probiotic Chewables is clinically proven to help reduce occasional tummy troubles, including diarrhea and occasional digestive upset
- PROVEN EFFECTIVE Not all probiotics for kids are created equal. Pick Culturelle Kids Chewables, exclusively powered by LGG, the Proven Effective Probiotic.
- During the summer months products may arrive warm but Amazon stores and ships products in accordance with manufacturers recommendations, when provided.
Best Probiotics For Kids
Anjali Shah This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.
Probiotics can be one of the most natural, effective, and safest ways to boost your familys digestive health and immunity. But how do you find the best probiotic for kids? In this helpful guide, youll find out what to look for when choosing a probiotic for your child. Well review the 10 best probiotics for kids, infants and even teenagers, in addition to answering all of your questions about probiotics, things to consider, where probiotics can naturally be found, and why your kids might benefit from them.
If youre like most parents, the word bacteria might send you into a panic. Even a little infection can have huge consequences for your kids. So anything you can do to keep your kids healthy will probably be high on your list of priorities.
But its important to remember that not all bacteria are bad. In fact, we need certain types of good bacteria in our bodies in order to function at our best.
Research shows that having the right type of gut bacteria can improve digestive function, reduce gastrointestinal issues, and boost immunity A healthy gut flora may also promote weight loss, enhance skin health, and reduce the risk of numerous diseases in adults.
So if youre wondering what is the best childrens probiotic? this guide is for you!
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Renzos Yummy Tummy Probiotic
This product offers 3 billion CFU of four bacteria strains: Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bacillus coagulans, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
The tabs are lightly flavored and melt quickly, making them a good choice for kids who dislike chewables.
These probiotics are vegan, non-GMO, and sugar and gluten free.
Now Supplements Berry Dophilus Kids Chewables
The kids version of this brands popular BerryDophilus product comes packed with 10 different strains of bacteria. These strains are meant to help with tummy troubles, of course, but they also may aid in nutrient absorption. Kids ages 1 and up can take this chewable tabletalthough youll want to break it up into food depending on age since it could be harder for younger kids to chew.
Buy NOW Supplements BerryDophilus Kids Chewables, $6.98
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How Can Children Benefit From Probiotics
Keep in mind that while probiotics will often provide different advantages for adults, children can still benefit from incorporating this healthy bacteria into their regular wellness routine.
Children who need immune support or are more susceptible to stomach bugs, digestive problems, and other illnesses may find some relief with probiotics. In cases involving children with acute gastroenteritis, for example, certain probiotics were found to reduce the duration of a stomach bug.
In addition, children who need to take an antibiotic for recurring ear infections, dental illnesses, or other issues may experience side effects and probiotics can help to counteract those symptoms.
Other reviews suggest that probiotics may prevent respiratory tract infections, which may be helpful for families who rely on daycare or preschool. Children with gastrointestinal disorders, like IBS , may experience improved symptoms after incorporating different strains of probiotics into their routines, too.
While many parents might dismiss the idea of probiotics for children, preliminary research suggests that these helpful bacteria can make a positive difference for many kids.
Mayo Clinic Minute: Should You Give Your Kids Probiotics
Probiotics. They are marketed as popular health supplements. Are they helpful, harmful or hype? Dr. Robert Jacobson, a Mayo Clinic pediatrician says when science says probiotics are good for you, researchers are often studying the natural probiotics that humans have in their bodies.
Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg is in the downloads. Read the script.
Your body is home to more than 100 trillion bacteria. Some are friendly bacteria known as probiotics.
Theyre the bacteria that live within us and help us fight off infections,” says Dr. Jacobson.
The popularity of yogurt as a kids snack has skyrocketed. Dr. Jacobson says yogurt is a great dairy source, but no one should be eating it because it might contain a probiotic.
Instead, eat a wide variety of healthy foods. Make sure that youre aiming for five to nine fruits and vegetables a day.
Dr. Jacobson says the concern is about testing for safety and effectiveness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesnt regulate food products or supplements sold as probiotics.
In this country, there are about 50,000 injuries reported by supplements, vitamins and minerals all going unregulated, causing harm.
So keep the yogurt for the taste and the dairy serving, as Dr. Jacobson reminds you, “There is no good proof that buying something labeled probiotic will actually deliver probiotics or do any good.
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Should My Child Take Probiotics
If you eat a varied diet, and your children are growing normally and dont seem to have any digestive issues, then you probably dont need a probiotic supplement, says Gregg Kobak, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist and probiotics expert at Childrens Hospital Colorado.
Probiotics, or beneficial gut bacteria, already exist in some of the food we eat, such as yogurt. The more varied your fresh food intake, the more diverse the bacteria in your gut. Dr. Kobak says that theres still a lot we dont know about this gut bacteria, called the microbiome. But we do know that, in general, a more diverse microbiome means a healthier digestive tract.
We are just starting to appreciate the importance our microbiome plays in human health and diseases ranging from digestive problems, heart disease, autoimmune disease and even obesity, Dr. Kobak says.
Probiotics For Asthmatic Children
Its estimated that 1 in 11 children suffer with asthma14. Some probiotics have been researched in asthmatics and shown to have beneficial effects, but research into the gut-lung axis is still in its infancy.
In addition to their benefits for immune health , L. acidophilus Rosell 52, B. infantis Rosell 33 and B. bifidum Rosell 71 were shown in a clinical trial with 78 children to reduce wheezing-like symptoms. Symptoms were reduced after 3 months and disappeared after 6 months. This result was still maintained at 9 months15. Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis® has also been shown to significantly reduce bronchial airway inflammation in 43 asthmatic children16. Finally, there is evidence for Bifidobacterium breve M-16V® in reducing the frequency of wheezing and noisy breathing in infants17. You can find more information here: Probiotic Potential for Asthma.
Healthcare professionals can find more information on the Probiotic Professionals site: Probiotics for Asthma
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Probiotics Might Help Some Kids With Digestive Problems
For kids who experience GI distress, taking probiotics in conjunction with other medications might help. Dr. Kobak has seen certain probiotics improve serious cases of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea where other treatments werent working on their own. They can also help temper the effects of antibiotics, and might help reduce the amount of medication your child is taking.
But, Dr. Kobak says, probiotics usually dont solve a serious digestive problem on their own, so your child will probably still have to take other medicine.
Given the complexity of probiotics, Dr. Kobak recommends parents keep these three things in mind if they are considering giving probiotics to their children:
Are Probiotics Safe For Kids Heres What You Need To Know
You may have passed them in the health food aisle at your local grocery store or seen a reference to them in your favorite healthy living blog probiotics.
Many adults use these supplements to help regulate their digestive systems. Some claim that probiotics can help with conditions like eczema and even yeast infections.
But probiotics dont always work the same for children.
Probiotics are useful for keeping your digestive tract healthy, says Dr. Joy Drass, pediatrician at Geisinger Port Matilda. But its important to know which probiotics you can give to your child, since they may not work the same way they do in adults.
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Working With Your Healthcare Provider
Finally, probiotic supplements can be extremely expensive. Many manufacturers market their product as an essential part of ones daily preventive healthcare regimine. This can be misleading and lead to unnecessary spending.
While probiotics might serve an important role in your familys health, especially during specific times like when recovering from infections or antibiotic use, its important to work with your healthcare team when making supplement decisions to help determine what is safe, necessary and helpful, and what is not.
Probiotics For Childhood Constipation
There are many reasons why a child may suffer from regularity issues, such as a low-fibre and/or high-sugar diet, dehydration, medications, and stress/anxiety. The NHS states 3 or fewer bowel movements a week may mean your child has constipation7. Rather than laxatives, trying probiotics for kids’ constipation can be a good natural option that may help in numerous ways, including aiding the movement of the colon, known as peristalsis.
One of the most researched probiotic strains for occasional constipation is Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12®, which has also been researched in children8. In clinical trials, individuals who took B. lactis BB-12® had significantly more bowel movements per week9 without causing loose stools10. The strain Bacillus coagulans Unique-IS2 has also been shown to reduce occasional constipation and straining in children25.
Another strain, Bifidobacterium breve M-16V®, has been shown to improve stool consistency in young children28. In one clinical trial, children who took B. breve M-16V® for 12 weeks had a softer stool consistency compared to the control group. If after a few days your child has still not had a bowel movement or they often suffer from regularity issues, then consult with your childs doctor.
Practitioners may also like to read Best Probiotics for Constipation on the Probiotic Professionals site.
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Your Guide To: Probiotics For Children
As a parent, you want to give your baby the best start in life. You are conscious of your babys health and development and want to ensure they grow up happy and healthy. There is a lot of talk today about a healthy gut being the foundation for a healthy child and how probiotics can build up your babys gut health.
If you didnt know, probiotics are defined as Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. In plain language, probiotics are good microbes that are meant to help the person taking them. These friendly microbes help us digest food, maintain health and fight disease. Many Canadians are hearing about how great probiotics are, and are looking to supplement their diet with them.
Not every child will need to be given probiotic. Early life exposures to microbes in the world we live in, playing outside, having a pet, eating variety of food are all factors supporting good gut microbes and in turn good health.
For probiotics in children and young adults, clinical evidence supports the use of probiotics as an intervention for:
- Colic, regurgitation in infants
- Adjunct to treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases
- Certain liver health diseases
The handy acronym list makes it easy for you to find the product that has clinical evidence for your specific condition:
AAD: Antibiotic associated diarrhea- prevention
BV: Bacterial vaginosis
CDAD: Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea prevention
LH: Liver Health
Are Probiotics Good For Kids
If your children are generally fit and healthy, you might wonder why they need probiotics. However, if you read the second article in our Early life microbiome’ series, Child Microbiome: Dr Kate’s Guide, you can see that the balance of the gut microbiome is very important. Childhood years come with factors such as school, stress, high-sugar & low-fibre diet, medications/antibiotics, and busy lifestyles which can all impact your childs microbiome composition and reduce levels of friendly bacteria. There are many ways to support gut health, and you can read more about this in our article Gut Health, All You Need to Know. But giving your children probiotics, also known as live cultures or good/friendly bacteria, are an easy way to ensure they have extra support they may need in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
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The Meaghers Verdict On Children’s Probiotics
In conclusion, probiotics do not harm children, and they are necessary for children as they boost their immune and digestive systems. Caregivers should not replace any medications with probiotics.
Before administering any probiotic for children, it’s advisable to seek a paediatrician’s advice to help you identify the best strains that will suit your family and always keep the probiotics safe and out of children’s reach to avoid misuse.
As with any medicinal supplement, always ensure that you do thorough research before buying any probiotic products. Ask your GP or pharmacist to help you determine which products are suitable for your health.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Child’s Probiotic Requirements
We’re hopeful this guide has given food for thought on ensuring the best course of action when considering a healthy, balanced diet to improve your child’s overall gut health – and illustrating how the effects of probiotics can form a strong aide in that mission.
If youd like to ask our team about choosing the right dose of probiotics for your child or any other family health-related questions, please contact us today. We would be delighted to help you make a more informed decision on the best way forward for your child’s health and happiness!
What Is The Microbiome
A healthy gut relies on the work of billions of helpful bacteria, viruses and even fungi. These micro critters create what is called the microbiome. It helps with digestion and regularity, and plays many roles in the immune system and other body systems.
The microbiome is established in the first years of life and can change with age, diet, environment, medication use and other factors.
Related: Download our free picky eaters guide for strategies that help your remove the stress from mealtimes.
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Why Trust Verywell Family
A personal note on my recommendations written above. As a dietitian, I am careful to recommend supplements, especially for babies. I spent time reviewing the most current research on probiotic supplementation for infants, and I looked at multiple brands and products. I believe the supplements in the round-up are made by trusted brands that are devoted to product purity and are composed of high-quality ingredients. Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN
How To Choose The Best Probiotic For Your Child
There are several factors to consider when determining which probiotic is right for your child, including:
- CFU count. While the recommended dosage may vary depending on your childs age and health needs, most studies show that doses ranging from 10 million to 10 billion CFUs may be beneficial .
- Strains. Some strains of probiotics may be better suited to address certain health problems. Look for a supplement formulated to treat the aspects of health that are most important to you.
- Form. Probiotics are usually found as gummies, powders, or chewable tablets. Some kids may prefer gummies, while powders may be more suitable for infants and younger children. Keep in mind that gummy supplements should be kept out of reach of children.
- Dietary needs. If your child has any allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions, its important to find a probiotic tailored to their needs.
- Cost. Probiotics can vary quite a bit in terms of price, so be sure to consider your budget.
Keep in mind that probiotics should be used only as recommended by a healthcare professional. Be sure to talk with your childs pediatrician before starting supplementation.
8 ).
However, probiotics may not be suitable for all children, including premature infants and children who are immunocompromised or critically ill .
In some cases, probiotics may also cause or worsen digestive issues such as bloating and gas .
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