Probiotics are healthy bacteria that play an important role in digestion as well as the immune system. A number of probiotic products are available that can relieve common stomach problems in children. While it is still unknown if infants need probiotics to stay healthy, these bacteria may help to alleviate infant indigestion and colic. If your child is experiencing stomach problems, discuss the use of probiotics with your pediatrician.
Culturelle for Kids
Culturelle for Kids is a probiotic supplement that contains the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus GG. According to the East Tennessee Children's Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Services, Culturelle has been shown to be effective for treating upset stomach and diarrhea in children. Culturelle also helps relieve bloating. This supplement comes as a capsule or pill that can be broken up and added to foods or juices. Culturelle is generally safe and free of side effects. Discuss its use with your child's physician before giving her probiotics.
Udo's Choice Children's Probiotic
Dr. Alan Greene, an expert on the pediatric use of natural medicines, explains that probiotic Lactobacillus bacteria can have a role in maintaining the health of your child. To ensure that infants get adequate amounts of probiotics, Dr. Greene recommends that your child use a probiotic supplement such as Udo's Choice Children's Probiotic, a blend of eight different probiotic bacteria specifically developed for children. Udo's Choice Children's Probiotic can help your child maintain a healthy balance of intestinal probiotics and absorb more vitamins and nutrients to ensure healthy growth.
BioGaia Probiotic Drops
Probiotics can benefit the digestive health of infants as well as older children. Imbalances in intestinal bacteria can bring discomfort to your baby and are often a cause of colic in infants. To help alleviate colic, BioGaia has developed a probiotic product that treats digestive issues in infants. BioGaia Probiotic Drops is a liquid that can be added to infant formula to help aid digestion. A 2007 clinical study published in "Pediatrics," the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, concluded that BioGaia Drops can treat colic in breast-fed babies.
References
- Pediatrics: Lactobacillus reuteri (American Type Culture Collection Strain 55730) Versus Simethicone in the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Prospective Randomized Study
- East Tennessee Children's Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Services: Culturelle
- DrGreene.com: Probiotics: Powerful Prevention?
Member Comments