We all know how important it is to maintain a healthy balance of anything, so what about when it comes to the bacteria in your gut? If you're looking to support the healthy function of your child's digestive system, then kids' probiotics may be the best choice.
As defined by the NHS, probiotics are live bacteria thought to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your stomach. There are a number of benefits to including probiotics in your childs diet. So, below, we've taken a look at some of the frequently asked questions regarding probiotics for kids, as well as a shortlist of some of our favourite:
Best at a glance:
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Best overall kids probiotics for a healthy gut: Wellkid Peppa Pig Pro-tummy™ Microbiotic Supplement, 30 Chewables, buy on Vitabiotics
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Best kids probiotics for no artificial colouring: Chewy Vites Kids Multi + ProBio, 30 Chewables, buy on Amazon
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Best kids probiotics for flavour: Bioglan Biotic Balance ChocBalls for Kids, 75g, buy on Holland & Barrett
We also chatted to Caroline Hind mBANT CNHC, Registered Nutritional Therapist for Vitaminology, the largest online directory for vitamins and supplements. Caroline specialises in metabolic health and disease prevention, in addition to running a private nutrition practice.
What are the benefits of probiotics for kids?
From helping with digestion to healthy gut function, there are so many benefits to probiotics. They're not only found in supplements, but they also occur naturally in foods too. And it's not just children who can benefit from probiotics, but adults as well.
Registered Nutritional Therapist, Caroline Hind, says, "Probiotic supplements can help to re-balance a child’s gut microbiome if it has been disrupted. Severe stress, medications and other circumstances can deplete beneficial bacteria and other microbes that help to digest food and keep the digestive tract and its immune-supporting function healthy.
"A child who has had repeated courses of antibiotics, for example, might need a little gentle support to bring beneficial bacteria back up to the quantity needed to keep other microbes at bay. Similarly, a baby delivered by C-section may have missed out on the colonising microbes babies receive when born vaginally."
Can kids take probiotics?
Yes, healthy kids are able to benefit from probiotics made specifically for children. However, in cases of children with compromised immune systems, they may actually cause infection according to research. Therefore, they should be avoided in certain instances.
Most probiotic supplements will have an age range that they are suitable for, including an ingredient list and potential allergens. There are also some that will be suitable for those with dietary requirements or intolerances. Always read the instructions carefully on the back of the packaging before giving any supplement or powder to your children.
In summary, you should check with your doctor or a healthcare professional to make sure that probiotics are the right choice for your child.
How to give a kid probiotics?
As well as occurring naturally in certain food and drink, you can give probiotics to your kids in the form of supplements or powders. Informing your kid of what probiotics are and how they work will allow them to learn all about the fascinating aspects of the human body.
Some probiotic supplements even come in the form of gummy sweets to make them much easier for kids to digest. Additionally, you can mix probiotic powder into some of their favourite drinks so that they can get their intake that way, too. Involving probiotics as part of their routine will create some consistency for your child.
There is some conflicting advice on whether it's best to take probiotics on an empty stomach, or during mealtimes. However, this all depends on the individual probiotic so be sure to check this beforehand.
13 best kids probiotics
Best kids probiotic
Suitable from: 4 years+
Containing no added sugar, gluten, dairy or soy, Garden of Life probiotics are the best choice for those with digestive issues, intolerances and even sensitive eaters. Containing over 14 probiotic strains, 5 billion cultures and Vitamins C and D, these one-a-day tablets are brilliant for restoring a healthy balance.
Reviews: "My child struggles with intestinal issues. We tried the regular name brands and nothing worked. Enter these and they definitely make a difference and taste good enough for my picky child to willingly take them. I definitely recommend them."
Pros
- Delicious flavour and taste.
- Great source of vitamins.
Cons
- The cost.
Best kids probiotic yoghurt
www.ocado.com
Suitable from: 3 years+
Of course, Actimel is one of the most widely known probiotic yoghurts out there. With three live cultures, Vitamin D and Vitamin B6, this yoghurt is one you can incorporate as part of their routine. Pack away in their lunchbox with packaging that's easy to drink from. Its smooth banana and strawberry flavour (which contains no artificial colours or preservatives) will go down a treat.
Pros: Affordable, easy to drink, source of vitamins.**
Cons:** High sugar content.
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Reviews:** "Bought it for our 5 year old and he likes it. It feels a little thicker than the standard Actimel. Nice flavour and will buy again."
Pros
- Affrordable and easy to drink.
- A fantastic source of vitamin.
Cons
- High sugar content.
Best kids probiotic featuring a favourite character
www.vitabiotics.com
Suitable from: 3 years+
With a face that they know and love, Wellkid incorporates Peppa Pig into their microbiotic chewable supplements so that your little one looks forward to taking one or two every day. These gummies contain five billion cultures, six strains of bacteria, and a great source of calcium. They're a vegan friendly formula made without synthetic colours or artificial sweeteners, with a delicious orange flavour.
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Reviews:** "The Wellkid Peppa Pig vitamins are the first vitamins my five-year-old son has ever willingly taken! Normally, he can't bring himself to chew let alone finish a gummy vitamin but he actively looks forward to taking these. I've had to hide the jar from him as he's so keen!"
Pros
- A great tasting microbiotic supplement.
- A familiar character kids love and vegan friendly.
Cons
- Kids may not be keen on taste or texture.
Best strawberry flavoured kids probiotic
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Suitable from: 4 years+
Another way to help boost your child’s live culture intake and provide their gut with the good bacteria they need is with these gummies from Bioglan. Each strawberry flavoured supplement contains one billion live bacteria with Vitamin C to help support their immune health.
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Reviews:** "My daughter loves these probiotics. We had a break from them for a while but realised these really help with her dairy intolerance so we reordered another batch. They taste good and I feel they are better value for money than the powdered versions. No waste and no battle getting her to have them!"
Pros
- Delicious gummies that kids will love.
- Great taste and helps with constipation.
Cons
- High in glucose.
Best kids probiotic for intolerances
Suitable from: 3 years+
With 11 different nutrients and minerals along with one billion live cultures, these gummies will be easy for your little one to take. Their natural fruit-pectin based formula is free from artificial colours, sweeteners and preservatives. As well as this, the ingredients are free from most common allergens and is also suitable for vegans.
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Reviews:** "These are my kid's favourite. What I love about them is that they contain probiotics which is always a win."
Pros
- No artificial colouring and vegan friendly.
- Free from most common allergens.
Cons
- High in glucose.
Best vegan friendly kids probiotic
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Suitable from: 12 months+
This probiotic powder contains five billion live organisms, using eight researched strains of bacteria. Simply mix into their drinks, yoghurt or sprinkle on their cereal for their daily intake. Free from sugar, artificial flavours or artificial colours. Nature's Aid Kidz Pro-5 is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
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Reviews:** "Perfect vitamins for little ones, so easy to use. I pop it in my daughter's yoghurts after dinner! I was recommended this product by a specialist and am very glad I took their advice!"
Pros
- Great product and reasonably priced.
- Vegsn friendly.
Cons
- Maltodextrin raises blood sugar levels.
Best kids probiotic to support a healthy immune system
www.boots.com
Suitable from: 4 years+
Boots chewable tablet for kids contains the appropriate amount of biotic cultures and friendly live bacteria to promote healthy gut functions. As well as this, these supplements also contain a daily top up of Vitamin C to support your little one's immune system all year round.
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Reviews:** "Kids love these! First brought to keep tummies happy and healthy whilst holidaying in the Caribbean. No tummy issues in sight, keep them regular and stress free holiday! Now keeping as part of everyday routine especially whilst there are tummy bugs around to give them the best chance."
Pros
- Great source of vitmains and tastes delicious.
- No need to store in the fridge.
Cons
- Contains artificial sweetener.
Best chocolate flavoured kids probiotic
www.hollandandbarrett.com
Suitable from: 4 years+
If your kid is a chocolate fiend, here's one way for them to get their daily intake of probiotics. A combination of chocolate, live bacteria and fibre all rolled into one milk chocolate ball. Each ball contains two live strains of bacteria in addition to a great source of fibre.
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Reviews:** "Taste like chocolate. A good way to get probiotics into little ones."
Pros
- A grest source of fibre.
- These are very tasty and great for the urinary tract.
Cons
- Selling quickly on various websites.
Best probiotic powder for babies
Suitable from: Birth
Considering what you get with Optibac, these probiotics for babies and children are great value for money compared to other brands. With three billion live bacteria, three strains and added vitamins - this flavourless probiotic powder is easy to disguise in their food and drink due to its neutral flavour. It's suitable for vegetarians, free from artificial sugars, dairy, gluten and soy.
Review: "My child had been having lots of tummy issues after a few course of antibiotics back to back. Toileting 4+ times every day and complaining of tummy ache several times a day. Tried so many things, other gummy probiotics, live yogurt, kefir, gluten free diet. Read the reviews on these and thought we've got nothing to lose. OH MY GOD literally the next day the excessive pooping stopped! Back to once a day and in 3 weeks we've had 2 complaints of tummy ache compared to several daily! Buy these you won't regret it!"
Pros
- Easy to use and doesn’t change the taste for little ones.
- Good value for money.
Cons
- May take time to dissolve.
Best probiotic powder for toddlers
Suitable from: 12 months - 4 years
From Lovebug Probiotics, this powder is a fantastic way for your toddler to get their intake of probiotics. As they come in individual sachets, it makes taking them on the go that much easier. Containing eight strains of bacteria, just mix it in with their favourite drink or yoghurt snack for added benefits.
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Reviews:** "I love these probiotics for my girls (ages 1 and 3). I mix it with their milk in the morning and they are good to go. I started using them after my youngest was having some bowel issues after a double round of antibiotics and have kept her on it. I love the little travel packets for convenience and have even taken them on vacation. They dissolve great and don’t have any flavor so my girls don’t even know it’s in there."
Pros
- You can mix in with your little ones cereal.
- Great source of vitamin.
Cons
- Vague ingredients list.
Best probiotic powder for kids
Suitable from: 3 months+
While this might be a costly option, this probiotic powder for kids is long lasting. According to reviews, it also shows results, with fellow parents noticing an improvement in their kids digestive health. Containing a blend of organic ingredients such as raw fruit and veggies, it's one way for them to get healthy nutrients.
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Reviews:** "I have been giving this to my son who is a fussy eater. Having the organic fruit and veg makes me happy to know that he’s getting a lot of different fruit and veg he doesn’t eat. Also, it has opened up his appetite. One thing I would suggest (as this is my second bottle) is to store it in a cool place as it can become hard."
Pros
- Dissolves really well and has a mild taste to it.
- Contains organic ingredients.
Cons
- Running out of stock quite quickly.
Best orange flavoured kids probiotic
uk.iherb.com
Suitable from: 12 months+
It's hard to believe that three billion cultures are contained in such a tiny chewable micro pearl. Made with a tasty tangy orange flavour with no added sugars, these will go down a treat with your tot. Suitable for vegetarians and free from most common allergens, like dairy, soy, gluten and wheat, they're another great choice for kids with intolerances.
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Reviews:** "Very small and easy to swallow which is a blast with the kids. Also have a nice flavour to it! Effect wise I don’t know if it is a placebo effect but her eczema seems to have improved."
Pros
- Free from most common allergens.
- No added suagr, but has a delicious flavour.
Cons
- The cost.
Best kids natural probiotic powder
www.wildnutrition.com
Suitable from: Birth
Wild Nutrition's probiotic powder can be mixed into their drinks for their daily intake. Not only does it contain ethically sourced and natural ingredients, but it's also free from common allergens so it's a great choice for kids with intolerances. With eight strains of bacteria and ten billion colony forming units, this probiotic will help get their gut working right.
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Reviews:** "I buy this product regularly for my 4 and 6 years olds. It is a very good quality probiotic and my kids love it, every morning they remind me to give it to them. I definitely recommend it to all mums."
Pros
- Suitable for vegetarians.
- Great for immune & energy support
Cons
- Low in stock.
The best probiotics for kids: our verdict
In our opinion, the best probiotics for kids is the Garden of Life Dr Formulated Probiotics Organic Kids+ from Amazon. This is due to the high ratings from fellow parents across the site believing them to be the best on the market down to the taste and texture, even when it comes to sensitive eaters.
FAQs
What is the recommended age for kids to take probiotics?
"There are probiotic powders that are suitable for babies from birth. Rather than a blanket use of probiotics for all children, it is preferable to respond to the needs of the individual child," explains Caroline.
"In the absence of digestive disturbances, a child might not need a supplement. Probiotics can be useful to support children’s immunity, but a children’s multivitamin and mineral supplement might be tried first and it is best to speak with a doctor if a child is having repeated infections."
How many probiotics can kids take?
This all depends on each individual probiotic, as well as the age of your child. "For children and adults alike, a good strategy can be to start with a very low dosage and build up slowly to the manufacturer’s full recommended dosage," Caroline recommends.
When it comes to supplements, usually one tablet daily is the recommended amount, but this depends on the brand. Probiotic powders are slightly different as these are usually measured in teaspoons and vary in measurement depending on your child's age.
"This is because even small increases in probiotic quantity can affect digestion, causing extra gas and bloating. Some parents even report worsened behaviour if they don’t start with a very tiny amount of a probiotic product. Just a small dot of a baby probiotic powder is a sufficient starting point for young babies and those with digestive complaints."
Always check the packaging and never give more than the recommended dose.
What are the side effects of kids probiotics?
Probiotics should rarely cause side effects in healthy children, but it's best to be aware of the potential side effects just in case. These can include allergic reactions, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, bloating or gassiness.
If you're concerned that they may be showing side effects, always seek advice from a medical professional or your GP.
This article contains expert advice from Registered Nutritional Therapist, Caroline Hind.