Probiotics for Kids

You may be aware of probiotics for adults – the "good bacteria" that can benefit gut health. But are they safe and beneficial for kids? Our expert dietician, Caroline Salozzo, MBA, RD, LDN, answers all your questions about probiotics, including what they are, how they work and if they are safe for children of all ages.

What are probiotics? 

The intestinal microbiome is composed of microbes that reside in the gut and may be altered by diet, lifestyle, exposure to toxins and antibiotic use. A microbiome that has more “bad” bacteria than “good/beneficial” bacteria can result in an unbalanced microbiome. 

Probiotic supplements are capsules, powders or liquids that contain these good bacteria (often yeast or bacteria) and can offer health benefits.  

Do probiotics work? 

Every human body is home to trillions of microorganisms that help support our bodily functions and health. Probiotic effectiveness can be species, dose and disease specific.

Some studies suggest that probiotics can be beneficial in treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea, clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome or other gastrointestinal condition symptoms. This area of research continues to grow.  

How do probiotics work? 

Probiotics are food and health products that contain live, beneficial microbes within your gut and elsewhere, to keep your body healthy and balanced. When they work, they can help digest food and balance out bad bacteria.  

Not all probiotics are the same and may function differently in an individual’s body. Probiotics are measured in colony-forming units (CFU), which indicates the number of live bacteria in a probiotic product. Look for probiotics that have completed third-party testing.  

Are probiotics safe for adults?

Many probiotics are marketed as dietary supplements, which are not subject to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and must adhere to Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs). Consult with your healthcare provider to better understand if probiotics are right for you. 

Are probiotics safe for children?

Because the FDA doesn’t regulate probiotic supplements, there are no official recommendations for dosage. This also means the quality and actual strains and amounts of bacteria can vary between products. In general, probiotics are considered safe for children, however, caution is advised in immunologically vulnerable patients.   

Children can still reap the benefits of probiotics through food instead of over-the-counter supplements. Foods that have probiotics include: 

• Yogurt and cottage cheese
• Kefir, a fermented milk drink
• Miso soup
• Kombucha
• Sauerkraut or kimchi 
• Tempeh
• Pickles when fermented  

Always talk to your child's pediatrician before making any changes to your child’s diet or nutrition. They can provide personalized advice based on your child's health history and specific needs. 

While probiotics may be safe and beneficial for some, remember that your pediatrician is your most valuable resource. By working together, you can make informed decisions that support your child's overall well-being. 

Learn more about our Division of Gastroenterology

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