Probiotics are being studied in children for a variety of preventative and healing uses. Studies are conflicting about some of the purported benefits of probiotics for children, but some of the most promising research has found Lactobacillus acidophilus to be helpful in children with acute diarrhea, may be protective in children with eczema and could be more helpful than simethicone for babies with gas and colic. A study from China, published in the August 2009 journal "Pediatrics," found that children given L. acidophilus in a drink mixture missed fewer days of school due to colds and needed fewer antibiotics when they became ill.
Probiotics are considered dietary supplements. They are not regulated by the FDA, so there can be variability in manufacturing and label discrepancies. Check a product's quality with a reliable source such as ConsumerLabs to find the most reliable and safe product.
Culturelle Probiotics for Children (Amerifit Brands)
This product contains 1 billion cells of Lactobacillus GG, the strain of bacterium most consistently shown to be of benefit in clinical studies. The formula for kids is recommended until the child reaches 100 pounds. Culturelle comes in a packet that can be mixed with any cold food or drink, and is tasteless and odorless.
The product is dairy, lactose, corn, yeast and gluten free. It does not contain artificial dyes, preservatives or flavors. It does contain mannitol and inulin, which are natural sweeteners, and silicon dioxide.
Baby's Only Essentials Probiotic (Nature's One)
This product contains three types of bifidobacteria; B. longum, B. breve and B. infantis. The bifidobacteria are thought to be helpful in eliminating nitrates from foods, helping to prevent rotavirus-induced diarrhea, and may inhibit some strains of E. Coli from inhabiting the intestinal tract.
Baby's Only Essentials does not contain lactose, gluten or egg, but the culture media may be either dairy or fish-based, so the product could contain traces of cow's milk protein. The product also contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are prebiotics made from beet sugar and added to support the bacteria by acting as a food source.
Florastor Kids (Biocodex Inc)
This brand of children's formula probiotic contains Saccharomyces boulardii, a type of yeast. The 5 billion live cells are freeze dried and packaged in a one-time use sachet to be mixed with water, apple juice, infant formula or soft baby foods. S. Boulardii lyo acts as a temporary bacterial flora to help protect the intestinal tract. Florastor Kids also contains fructose, lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica and flavoring.
Childs Life Essentials
In addition to three types of bacteria; bifidobacterium bifidum, bifidobacterium infantis, and lactobacillus acidophilus, this product also contains colostrum, a component of human breast milk. In addition, FOS prebiotic is added to support the bacteria. The supplement is a powder that is sprinkled in water, juice, infant formula or food. It can be used for children 6 months to 12 years.
The product does not contain soy, egg, yeast, wheat, corn, alcohol, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. It does contain milk proteins, and because the colostrums is obtain from bovine, it should be used with caution for children with beef sensitivities. The product is sweetened with a fruit juice concentrate and flavored with a natural orange-pineapple flavoring.
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