Best Probiotics For Kids

Best Probiotics for Kids: An Evidence-Based Guide for Parents

Introduction

As parents, we’re constantly looking for ways to support our children’s health. Probiotics have emerged as one of the most researched supplements for promoting gut health and overall wellness in children. But with so many strains available, which ones actually work? This comprehensive guide examines four scientifically-backed probiotic strains that have demonstrated real benefits for children’s health through rigorous clinical studies published in peer-reviewed medical journals, making them arguably some of the best probiotics for kids.

What Are Probiotics and Why Do Kids Need Them?

Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that support digestive health, immune function, and overall wellness. Children’s gut microbiomes are still developing, making the early years crucial for establishing healthy bacterial communities. Modern factors like cesarean births, antibiotic use, and limited breastfeeding can disrupt this natural colonisation process. Both my boys had to be delivered by cesarean so we knew it was going to be important to support there microbiomes in the early years – not just with pro and prebiotics but also with key attention to weaning and their diets when on solid food, as well as their mum’s diet when breastfeeding.

The 4 Best Probiotic Strains for Children

1. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)

What the Research Shows:

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is one of the most extensively studied probiotic strains in peadiatric medicine. Research demonstrates several important benefits:

Preventing Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea A systematic review found that children taking LGG alongside antibiotics experienced significantly lower rates of diarrhoea compared to those taking antibiotics alone. The treatment reduced diarrhoea risk from approximately 22% to 12%, with moderate quality evidence supporting its effectiveness in children specifically.

Reducing Respiratory Infections Studies show that LGG supplementation can reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in children. Research indicates a reduced risk of upper respiratory infections and a 24% reduction in acute otitis media (ear infections). Children over one year old who received LGG also experienced fewer overall respiratory infections.

Managing Acute Gastroenteritis While evidence is mixed, multiple studies confirm that LGG can reduce the duration of diarrhoea in children with acute gastroenteritis, particularly when administered at doses exceeding 10 billion CFU per day and in cases caused by rotavirus.

Supporting Malnourished Children Research on malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years found that daily LGG supplementation at approximately 1 billion CFU reduced upper respiratory infections, gastroenteritis episodes, urinary tract infections, and hospitalisations while improving nutritional markers like BMI.

Recommended Product: Babies And Children

2. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938

What the Research Shows:

This strain has gained significant attention for its effectiveness in several peadiatric conditions:

Infantile Colic Relief Multiple randomised controlled trials demonstrate that L. reuteri DSM 17938 significantly reduces crying time in breastfed infants with colic. One landmark study showed that infants receiving this probiotic cried for a median of 35 minutes daily after three weeks, compared to 90 minutes in the placebo group.

Treating Acute Diarrhoea A systematic review of multiple studies found that L. reuteri DSM 17938 reduced the duration of diarrhoea by approximately 21 hours and increased cure rates on days one and two of treatment. More recent trials confirm these benefits, with children experiencing approximately 0.87 days less diarrhoea compared to placebo groups.

Functional Abdominal Pain Clinical trials show that children aged 4-18 years with functional abdominal pain experienced less severe pain and significantly more pain-free days when taking L. reuteri DSM 17938 at 100 million CFU daily for 12 weeks. The strain also reduced school absences related to abdominal discomfort.

Safety Profile Phase-one controlled studies in healthy children aged 2-5 years confirm that L. reuteri DSM 17938 is safe and well-tolerated with no adverse effects reported.

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3. Bifidobacterium breve M-16V

What the Research Shows:

This strain shows particular promise for premature infants and children with allergic conditions:

Protecting Premature Infants Systematic reviews indicate that B. breve M-16V supplementation in preterm neonates may reduce the risk of late-onset sepsis and mortality, though researchers note that more high-quality trials are needed. Retrospective studies comparing periods before and after routine probiotic supplementation found reduced incidences of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) when B. breve M-16V was administered.

Supporting Allergic Conditions Clinical studies suggest that B. breve M-16V supplementation in infants with cow’s milk allergy and atopic dermatitis increases beneficial bacteria in the gut and may improve allergic symptoms. The strain appears to suppress Th2 immune responses that contribute to allergic reactions.

Gut Colonisation Studies on low birth weight infants show that B. breve M-16V successfully colonises the intestinal tract, with the strain detected in 83% of fecal samples several weeks after supplementation ended.

Preventing Necrotising Enterocolitis Research demonstrates that B. breve M-16V can reduce the risk of developing NEC in premature infants by promoting healthy bacterial colonisation, supporting gut barrier function, and modulating inflammatory responses. The strain helps develop mucosal immunity through up-regulation of transforming growth factor-beta signalling.

Recommended Product: Babies And Children

4. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12

What the Research Shows:

BB-12 is one of the world’s most documented probiotic strains with extensive research in children:

Reducing Respiratory Infections A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 109 infants starting at one month of age found that those receiving BB-12 experienced significantly fewer respiratory tract infections compared to the placebo group over several months of supplementation.

Preventing Acute Gastroenteritis Research shows that a probiotic mixture containing BB-12 and another strain reduced the incidence of acute gastroenteritis by 82% and reduced episode duration by 45% in healthy children. The same mixture reduced upper respiratory tract infection incidence by 84%.

Managing Infantile Colic A randomised controlled trial found that exclusively breastfed infants with colic who received BB-12 at 1 billion CFU per day experienced greater reductions in crying time and episodes compared to placebo. The treatment also increased beneficial bacteria and anti-inflammatory markers while decreasing inflammatory markers.

Supporting Preterm Infants Studies demonstrate that BB-12 supplementation in preterm infants significantly increases bifidobacterial colonisation of the gut, with higher numbers observed in probiotic groups compared to placebo groups.

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Multi Strain Formulas

A pilot study with 57 preschool children aged 3-6 years found that a multi-strain probiotic formula combining four bacterial strains (two Lactobacillus acidophilus strains and two Bifidobacterium strains) along with vitamin C significantly reduced upper respiratory tract infections over a 6-month period. Children taking the probiotic blend experienced 33% fewer upper respiratory infections, had 21 fewer days of cold symptoms, and missed 30% fewer days of preschool compared to those taking a placebo. The probiotic group also required less cough medicine, though the study found no significant effects on lower respiratory infections or immune markers like immunoglobulin A. These findings suggest that multi-strain probiotic formulas may help support respiratory health in young children, particularly for reducing common colds and their impact on daily activities.

Produce used in study: For For School

How to Choose the Best Probiotics for Kids

When selecting a probiotic supplement for your child, consider:

1. Specific Health Needs: Different strains address different conditions. LGG excels for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and respiratory infections, while L. reuteri is particularly effective for colic and abdominal pain.
2. Age Appropriateness: B. breve M-16V is especially beneficial for premature and low birth weight infants, while other strains have been studied in older children.
3. CFU Count: Look for products delivering the dosages used in clinical studies (typically 1-10 billion CFU for most applications).
4. Quality and Viability: Choose products from reputable manufacturers that guarantee strain identity and viability through expiration.
5. Delivery Method: Probiotics come in various forms including drops for infants, chewable tablets, and powders that can be mixed with food or beverages.

Important Considerations and Safety

General Safety

Clinical trials consistently demonstrate that these probiotic strains are safe and well-tolerated in healthy children with minimal to no adverse effects reported. However, always consult with your paediatrician before starting any supplement, especially if your child:

• Has a compromised immune system
• Has underlying health conditions
• Is taking medications
• Is a premature infant

Storage and Administration

• Store probiotics according to package instructions (many require refrigeration)
• Administer at recommended dosages
• For best results, continue supplementation for the full recommended duration
• Probiotics can be given with or without food, though some research suggests taking them with meals may enhance survival through the stomach

The Bottom Line

Scientific evidence strongly supports the use of specific probiotic strains for various paediatric health concerns. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, Bifidobacterium breve M-16V, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 have all demonstrated meaningful benefits in well-designed clinical trials.

While probiotics are not a cure-all, they represent a safe, evidence-based approach to supporting children’s digestive health, immune function, and overall wellness. As always, work with your healthcare provider to determine whether probiotics are appropriate for your child’s individual needs.

References

1. Szajewska H, Kołodziej M. Systematic review with meta-analysis: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children and adults. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2015;42(10):1149-1157. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26365389/
2. Wang S, Huang M, You X, et al. Efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in treatment of acute pediatric diarrhea: A systematic review with meta-analysis. World J Gastroenterol. 2019;25(33):4999-5016. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6737314/
3. Wang ZH, Gao QY, Fang JY. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation for preventing respiratory infections in children: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2013;67(9):978-984. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23665598/
4. Durmaz Y, Altunyurt SA, Durmaz B, Demirel G, Sancak B. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG can protect malnourished children. Benef Microbes. 2019;10(3):237-245. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30638398/
5. Urbańska M, Gieruszczak-Białek D, Szajewska H. Systematic review with meta-analysis: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for diarrhoeal diseases in children. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2016;43(10):1025-1034. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26991503/
6. Patro-Gołąb B, Szajewska H. Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for Treating Acute Gastroenteritis in Children. An Update. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2762. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31739457/
7. Savino F, Cordisco L, Tarasco V, et al. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in infantile colic: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pediatrics. 2010;126(3):e526-e533. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20713478/
8. Jadrešin O, Sila S, Trivić I, Mišak Z, Kolaček S, Hojsak I. Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 is effective in the treatment of functional abdominal pain in children: Results of the double-blind randomized study. Clin Nutr. 2020;39(12):3645-3651. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32362486/
9. Wong CB, Iwabuchi N, Xiao JZ. Exploring the science behind Bifidobacterium breve M-16V in infant health. Nutrients. 2019;11(8):1724. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31349739/
10. Athalye-Jape G, Rao S, Simmer K, Patole S. Bifidobacterium breve M-16V as a Probiotic for Preterm Infants: A Strain-Specific Systematic Review. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2018;42(4):677-688. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28796951/
11. Patole SK, Rao SC, Keil AD, et al. Benefits of Bifidobacterium breve M-16V Supplementation in Preterm Neonates – A Retrospective Cohort Study. PLoS One. 2016;11(3):e0150775. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26953798/
12. Horigome A, Hisata K, Odamaki T, et al. Colonization of Supplemented Bifidobacterium breve M-16V in Low Birth Weight Infants and Its Effects on Their Gut Microbiota Weeks Post-administration. Front Microbiol. 2021;12:610080. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8058467/
13. Taipale TJ, Pienihäkkinen K, Isolauri E, et al. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in early childhood. Pediatr Res. 2016;79(1):65-69. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26372517/
14. Nocerino R, Cecere G, Micillo M, et al. The therapeutic efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12® in infant colic: A randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2020;51(1):110-120. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31797399/
15. Manzoni P, Meyer M, Stolfi I, et al. Bovine lactoferrin supplementation for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in very-low-birth-weight neonates: a randomized clinical trial. Early Hum Dev. 2014;90 Suppl 1:S60-65. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16971641/
16. Vizioli C, Jaime-Lara R, Daniel SG, et al. Administration of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Strain BB-12® in Healthy Children: Characterization, Functional Composition, and Metabolism of the Gut Microbiome. Front Microbiol. 2023;14:1165771. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37333640/

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician before starting any new supplement regimen for your child.