The Top Probiotics for Kids and How They Can Help

By Jaime Rose Chambers, Accredited Practicing Dietitian (B. Nutrition & Dietetics)

The popularity of probiotics for kids has soared in recent years, with it available in supplements and in foods such as yoghurt. However, it has not been known until recently the best and saftest way to use them with high-quality studies shedding more light on their benefits for kids. 

Research has shown that specific strains of probiotics can help to manage and prevent certain paediatric conditions such as diarrhoea, infant colic, and allergy. Probiotics are also helpful for general health when consumed regularly1.

So, what exactly is a probiotic and why are they important for your child, you might be wondering? 

A probiotic is a live microorganism that has a certain health benefit when taken in the right dose. The role of probiotics in kids is to restore their microbiome by colonising the gut if it has been disrupted, usually following antibiotic treatment or from a poor or limited diet high in ultra-processed foods and refined sugars2.

Overall, probiotics have been shown to be well tolerated in kids and have minimal risk for adverse events1. Research has even shown that specific probiotic strains do their best work in paediatric conditions involving diarrhoea, such as acute gastroenteritis (gastro) and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. 

Did you know, kids who attend daycare have two to three times more respiratory infections than those who stay home3?

Studies have shown that same probiotic LGG, which is key probiotic strain used in Vaalia products, used by kids who attended childcare centres reduced the risk of respiratory tract infections and lead to less time away from kindergarten3.

Probiotics for fussy children

Now comes the often-dreaded part for parents – how can you sneak probiotics into a fussy child’s diet? As a dietitian, I always aim to get the nutrients we need from our food. But there are few cases where a probiotic may be necessary. 

Vaalia has made this simple with its variety of delicious flavours that kids will adore, making them the perfect snack to pop in the lunch box, into a smoothie, or even when your kids are on the go.  Not only will your little ones enjoy having this tasty yoghurt, but you also know it’s helping ward off infection and support a healthy immune system and digestion.

References

1 Depoorter, L., & Vandenplas, Y. (2021). Probiotics in Pediatrics. A Review and Practical Guide. Nutrients, 13(7), 2176.

2 Royal Hospital for Children. (2014). Retrieved from Fact Sheet: Probiotics for Infants and Children: https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedfiles/main/content/ccch/cpr_vol22_no1_factsheet.pdf

3 Hojsak, I. (2017). Probiotics in Children: What Is The Evidence? (Vol. 20). Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.