Probiotics have been touted as a health booster for decades. People have ascribed hundreds of benefits for immunity and gut health. Even for kids.
We sat down with Pharmacist Nazatul Amira Hamzah from Primabumi Sdn Bhd to help parents learn more about gut probiotics and whether their children really need such supplements.
Nazatul is a qualified pharmacist with 10 years of experience in pharmacy practice involving both hospital and community settings.
She currently holds the position of Pharmacist and Key Account Manager at a renowned pharmaceutical company in Kuala Lumpur.
Here’s a pharmacist’s insight on gut probiotics, their health benefits, downsides and what to look for if you’re interested in introducing them to your kids.
What are gut probiotics?
Gut probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that offer health benefits when consumed in sufficient quantities.
They are often referred to as ‘good bacteria’.
Your child can get their daily dose of probiotics by consuming foods that are high in probiotics or kids’ probiotic supplements.
What are the most common types of probiotics that benefit children’s digestive health?
Many types of probiotics have shown potential health benefits in children.
These include the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
The yeast Saccharomyces boulardii also offers similar benefits.
How can incorporating probiotics into a child’s diet improve digestive health?
Probiotics help your child to maintain and develop healthy digestive systems by keeping a balanced composition of gut flora.
The gut flora is a colony of bacteria and other microorganisms that live inside the intestines.
Together, they aid in food digestion and nutrient absorption.
The roles of the gut flora is particularly helpful for kids who suffer from digestive issues.
These include conditions like diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Are there specific probiotic-rich foods that are particularly beneficial for kids?
Here are some probiotic-rich foods you can offer to your kids:
- Yoghurt: Contains live cultures of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
- Kefir: A fermented milk drink rich in diverse probiotic strains.
- Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage rich in Lactobacillus.
- Miso: A Japanese fermented soybean paste (often used as a soup base).
- Tempeh: A traditional Indonesian food made from fermented soybeans.
- Pickles: Naturally fermented pickles, not vinegar-based ones.
- Cheese: Certain aged cheeses like Gouda contain probiotics.
Are prebiotics the same as probiotics? Does my child need prebiotics too?
No, they aren’t.
Prebiotics are complex carbohydrates and high-fibre foods that microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract use as an energy source.
Prebiotics are abundant in certain foods such as whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, and soybeans.
What are the potential side effects of probiotics in children, and how can they be managed?
It is safe for kids to take probiotics, as long as they are taken at the recommended dose.
However, there are potential risks that come with taking probiotics. These include the following undesirable effects:
- Digestive symptoms: gas, bloating, and stomach upset which usually subside after a few days
- Allergic reactions: These are uncommon but could happen, particularly in children with allergies to dairy or soy
- Infections: Extremely rare, but clinicians exercise extra caution when considering probiotics for high-risk groups such as premature infants and seriously ill children
It is critical that you follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging and closely monitor your child’s response to the probiotics.
Speak to your healthcare professional immediately if you observe any adverse reactions in your child.
At what age is safe to start giving children probiotics, and what at what dosage?
Starting probiotics as early as during infancy is generally safe.
This is particularly helpful for children who are experiencing digestive issues such as diarrhea or colic.
Nevertheless, it is important to consult with a paediatrician and select probiotics that are suitable for the child’s age.
Infants and young children may consume lower quantities, typically between 1 and 5 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per day.
The daily dose for older children can range from 5 to 10 billion CFUs.
Besides supporting the healthy functioning of children’s digestive systems, do probiotics also provide other health benefits?
Yes, numerous studies have shown that certain strains of probiotics may boost children’s immune strength in several ways, including:
- compete with harmful microbes for nutrients and space, reducing the risk of infection
- produce substances that inhibit the growth of pathogens (a type of microorganism that can cause disease)
- stimulate the body’s immune response
Probiotics also play an important role in the production of B-group vitamins and vitamin K.
How do I determine if my child may need probiotic supplementation?
Your child may not need an additional intake of probiotics if they are eating well, active, and healthy.
Children who fall under any of the below categories might benefit the most from taking probiotics:
- frequently experience digestive problems such as bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation
- fall ill easily
- have respiratory issues
- Children who take antibiotics. Antibiotics kill the infection-causing bacteria but also disrupt the gut flora. Taking probiotics after completing an antibiotic treatment helps to restore the bacteria’s composition in the gut quickly.
How do I select a good probiotic supplement for my kids?
Under the guidance of a healthcare expert, you should select a probiotic that:
- contains probiotic strains that provide children with proven health benefits.
- contains a variety of bacterial strains because they typically produce better results than those with a single strain
- states the probiotic dose in colony-forming units (CFU), not in milligrams or grams*
- is in a form that kids can easily consume, such as chewable tablets, gummies, and powders
- contains zero or minimal sugars, artificial sweeteners, flavourings, and colourants
- produced by a reputable manufacturer in accordance with Malaysian health regulations and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- tested and certified by a third-party lab for purity and safety
*Probiotics should always be measured in CFU potency. This accurately determines the number of live bacteria or yeasts. Probiotics can only provide health benefits to your child if they are still alive. Exposure to extreme temperatures during storage, transportation, and administration could lead to the death of probiotics.
Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist at Primabumi Sdn Bhd
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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