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  • Current: Probiotics and children

Probiotics and children

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What are probiotics?

Probiotics are healthy bacteria (live microorganisms) that can have positive health benefits when consumed in the right amounts. They help increase the amount of healthy bacteria in your tummy.

Although research supports the benefits of probiotics in some situations, there is still a lot more to be learned about the full benefit of probiotics, who might benefit the most, and how much and for how long they should be given.

Probiotics can be found in fermented foods. They are also available in supplement forms, such as capsules, powders, or liquid drops.

Are probiotics safe?

Probiotics are generally safe for healthy infants and children.

Children who are seriously ill or who have a compromised immune system should talk to their health care provider before taking probiotics.

What are health benefits of probiotics?

Some studies suggest that probiotics may help:

  • digestion
  • reduce colic symptoms
  • prevent diarrhea associated with antibiotics
  • treat abdominal pain and bloating
  • prevent atopic dermatitis and eczema

What foods have probiotics?

Probiotics are naturally found in healthy foods that your child may already be eating, such as:

  • yogurt
  • kefir (a yogurt-like beverage)
  • sauerkraut (cabbage)
  • kimchi (made from fermented cabbage)
  • tempeh and miso (made from fermented soybeans)
  • pickles
  • sourdough bread

Does my child need a probiotic supplement?

Talk to your child’s health care provider, a pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before giving your child a probiotic supplement.

Probiotic supplements can be very expensive, and not all sources of probiotics are the same.

More information from the CPS

  • Colic and crying
  • Dehydration and diarrhea in children
  • Healthy bowel habits for children
  • Natural health products and children

Additional resources

  • What are the benefits of probiotics? (Dietitians of Canada)

Reviewed by the following CPS committees

  • Nutrition and Gastroenterology Committee

Last updated: June 2022

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