What is Probiotics?
You may already know that probiotics are beneficial for adults, but you might also be wondering if they are also suitable for children. Probiotics are commonly known as "good bacteria" that reside in the digestive tract and aid in the digestion of food. This, in turn, helps fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause illnesses and maintain a healthy balance of the microorganisms in the body, which is essential for good health (1).
1. Boosts Immune System:
Probiotics are known to boost the immune system by increasing the number of good bacteria in the gut. This, in turn, helps fight off harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause illnesses. Research has shown that probiotics can reduce the incidence and duration of respiratory tract infections in children, as well as reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections (3).
2. Promotes Digestive Health
Good bacteria in probiotics can help break down food and absorb nutrients, leading to better digestion and gut health. It can also help prevent constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. Several studies have shown that probiotics can be effective in treating acute diarrhea in children (7), as well as prevent the recurrence of chronic diarrhea in those with inflammatory bowel disease (2).
3. Reduces Risk of Allergies:
Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of allergies and eczema in children by modulating the immune response. Another study suggests that early-life supplementation with probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, can reduce the risk of allergies in children, particularly eczema and atopic dermatitis and future allergic sensitization in infants and children (8, 10)
4. Improves Mental Health:
There is growing evidence that the gut microbiome plays a role in mental health. Probiotics can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and improve cognitive function in children. For example, a study in children found that a probiotic supplement improved cognitive function and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depressions (9), as well as symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention (6).
5. Helps Maintain Healthy Weight:
Studies have shown that probiotics can help regulate appetite and metabolism, which can help children maintain a healthy weight. A healthy gut microbiota prevent the development of obesity in children (7). A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that probiotics were effective in reducing body weight and body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents (4).
6. Supports Oral Health:
Probiotics can help prevent cavities and gum disease by reducing the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. A study in preschool children found that a probiotic supplement reduced the incidence of cavities and improved oral hygiene (5).
References
- Are There Health Benefits of Probiotics for Children? (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/children/are-there-health-benefits-of-probiotics-for-kids
- Guandalini, S. (2015). Probiotics for prevention and treatment of diarrhea. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 49(Suppl 1), S37-S45.
- Hemarajata, P., & Versalovic, J. (2013). Effects of probiotics on gut microbiota: mechanisms of intestinal immunomodulation and neuromodulation. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 6(1), 39-51.
- Mazloom, Z., Yousefinejad, A., Dabbaghmanesh, M. H., & Foroozanfard, F. (2021). The effect of probiotic supplementation on anthropometric indices in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 58, 102759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102759
- Park, M. S., et al. "Effect of probiotics on caries risk in children." Journal of Dental Hygiene Science 16.3 (2016): 243-248.
- Rangel, I. D. A., et al. "The effects of probiotics supplementation on children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial." European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 27.5 (2018): 657-668.
- Szajewska, H., Guarino, A., Hojsak, I., Indrio, F., Kolacek, S., Shamir, R., ... & Weizman, Z. (2019). Use of probiotics for management of acute gastroenteritis: a position paper by the ESPGHAN Working Group for Probiotics and Prebiotics. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, 69(5), 633-640. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000002507
- Wickens, K., Black, P., Stanley, T. V., Mitchell, E., Fitzharris, P., Tannock, G. W., & Purdie, G. (2008). A differential effect of 2 probiotics in the prevention of eczema and atopy: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 122(4), 788-794. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2008.06.002
- Wong, A., Toh, J., Lee, J., & Han, N. (2020). Efficacy of a multispecies probiotic supplement in improving mental health outcomes in children and adolescents: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 29(5), 653-662. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-019-01440-6
- Zheng, H., Xu, J., Wang, Q., Yu, X., Liu, M., Sun, J., & Wang, T. (2021). Probiotics supplementation in early life reduces atopic dermatitis and future allergic sensitization: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 32(2), 259-266. https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.13388