Best Probiotic Supplements For Kids

As parents your top priority is to ensure your kids are healthy and safe. A balanced digestive and immune system in kids starts by incorporating a daily probiotic supplement in their diets. Tummy aches and upset stomach is a normal side effect in the beginning. Adding good bacteria over a period of time can help improve your child’s immune health and digestive system.

Children, like adults, need special care to prevent and address acid reflux, constipation, bowel movements, and other issues. The right probiotic can go a long way towards ensuring your kid stays healthy with a fit gut. This guide will walk you through the top 4 probiotics available on the market right now for kids and the best out of all.

1. MetaKids™ Probiotic

MetaKids™ Probiotic offers several strains of gut friendly pure bacteria, which have been shown to address and support gut and immune health. The proprietary blend comes in a delicious grape flavored chewable form. The probiotic is backed by Metagenics ID Guarantee for clinical reliability, purity, and safety through the scientific identification of bacterial strains. Learn more to find out the best product for your child.

The probiotic is formulated for daily digestive support and immune health. The proprietary blend effectively combines B. lactis Bi-07 and L. acidophilus NCFM with a natural grape flavor to get your little ones to beg for more.

These are a few salient benefits of MetaKids™ Probiotic:

• Helps balance and maintain intestinal flora
• Daily support for immune and GI health
• Facilitates the digestion of lactose in kids
• Prevents tooth decay (Xylitol is a natural sweetener that has been shown to be beneficial for teeth)
• Perfect for kids that don’t like swallowing tablets (chewable format)

The recommended dosage is 1 – 2 chewable tablets each day for children above the age of 3 or as directed by their healthcare practitioner. The best part is that MetaKids™ Probiotic is gluten free and vegetarian.

2. HLC Child + Multi

HLC Child + Multi effectively combines the goodness of probiotic bacterial strains with that of multivitamins. Your child can get as many as 12.5 billion CFU per dose with a healthy sprinkling of vitamins as well. HLC Child + Multi probiotic formula is manufactured in a unique process to help maintain probiotic stability and potency.

The formula is manufactured at an ambient temperature (59-86 degrees F) for increased shelf life expectancy. Each chewable packet comes with a 2-year shelf-life if stored in ambient temperatures. Refrigeration helps in extending shelf-life beyond what is mentioned on the label. However, most practitioners that do not have refrigeration facilities and are concerned about product viability choose HLC Child + Multi for its ambient manufacturing and storage feature.

The chewable tablets are great tasting and acceptable by most kids of all ages. It comes in natural blackcurrant flavor for increasing compliance. Each probiotic formula delivers two strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteriumbifidum and Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp. Lactis, which are essential for maintaining your child’s gut flora health.

3. HMF Fit for School

HMF Fit for School from Genestradelivers a unique combination of well-researched probiotic strains along with the goodness of vitamin C. The probiotic supplement reduces the incidence of child-related upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms.

57 schoolchildren were given HMF Fit for School’s formula plus 50 mg of vitamin C daily or a placebo randomly in a clinical trial. The probiotic/placebo was given daily for 6 months to all children. The group that received the probiotic with vitamin C combination showed a 33% decrease in the incidence of URTI. The same group also reported a 30% decrease in absenteeism from school.

The probiotic also includes 25 mcg (1000 IU) of vitamin D to make it the perfect health supplement for your kid. Each tablet delivers 12.5 billion CFU of live microorganisms for temporarily modifying the gut flora. The tablets come in a delicious natural blackcurrant flavor.

Key probiotic strains include Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp. lactis (CUL 34), Bifidobacteriumbifidum (CUL 20), Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-21), and Lactobacillus acidophilus (CUL-60).

4. Nordic Naturals Probiotic Gummies

The Nordic Naturals vegetarian probiotic gummy includes 1.5 billion live cultures delivered in a natural berry punch flavor. Most kids enjoy the flavor and don’t say no to their daily dose of good bacteria. The probiotic is made without any added preservatives or artificial ingredients. It also includes prebiotic fiber to help maintain and activate the good gut friendly bacteria delivered by the supplement.

The probiotic can be provided to children as young as 2 years of age. The formula is dairy free, gelatin free and non-GMO. The recommended dosage is 1 – 2 gummies each day.

Final Word

The bottom line is that good quality probiotics are an excellent way to boost your immunity to fight off a variety of illnesses and harmful viruses lurking in the environment. Choose the right options that will provide you and your family with the strongest immunity boost.