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What You Should Know About Probiotics and Children probiotic gummies for kids

Probiotics are beneficial organisms that assist maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract. They are predominantly bacteria (but some are yeast). “Not only are bacteria colonized on the outside of our bodies, but they are also found in our airways and gut and play a vital role in the regulation of the immune response,” says Vincent Pedre, M.D., an internist and clinical instructor in medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, and author of Happy Gut. probioticseverything.comprobiotic gummies for kids

If you’re considering about giving your kids probiotics, here’s what you should know:

How do they work?

“While we’re still figuring out exactly how probiotics operate in human system,” Dr. Greer explains, “they’re thought to win over harmful microorganisms in the GI tract by producing metabolic products that have a favorable impact on the immune system.” probioticseverything.comprobiotic gummies for kids

“Probiotics produce ‘colonization resistance,’ also known as the ‘barrier effect,’ which means they outnumber and fight bad microorganisms in the stomach by preventing them from sticking to the gut,” explains Dr. Pedre. “Probiotics can also help reduce inflammation and eliminate unwanted bacteria, parasites, and yeast, which can divert the immune system’s attention away from protecting the body from viruses.” probioticseverything.comprobiotic gummies for kids

Who stands to gain?

“There is no evidence that probiotic supplements help prevent sickness,” Dr. Greer explains, “but they may be able to shorten the course of an illness like acute diarrhea.” Rumsey notes that these compounds may also aid with antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, probiotics have not been proved to help with indigestion, constipation, or chronic conditions like pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (in randomized controlled trials). probioticseverything.comprobiotic gummies for kids

“Extensive use of antibiotics, especially for childhood ear infections, has shifted favorable gut flora to the more hazardous form in certain youngsters,” Dr. Pedre explains. “Those who have been exposed to many courses of these medicines may benefit from the good bacteria of probiotics.” “In susceptible youngsters, probiotic supplementation may reduce the incidence of sinus, ear, and upper respiratory infections.” Probiotic supplements have also been related to a lower risk of allergic eczema, according to new research. probioticseverything.comprobiotic gummies for kids

When should you begin?

Healthy children of all ages might benefit from a probiotic-rich diet. Probiotic foods are provided to babies all over the world, so talk to your doctor about adding yogurt, miso, and other probiotic foods to your baby’s diet. probioticseverything.comprobiotic gummies for kids

If a supplement is required, your pediatrician can advise you on the appropriate dosage and frequency. Rumsey states that probiotics are administered from birth and are even supplemented in some NICUs. Breastfed babies, on the other hand, do not require probiotics because these gut-friendly microorganisms predominate in human milk-fed infants, according to Dr. Greer. While cow’s milk isn’t suggested for children under the age of one, yogurt produced from cow’s milk can be given to them between the ages of four and eight months. “At this point, any yogurt eating is usually insufficient for babies to ingest enough milk protein to cause harm,” Rumsey explains. probioticseverything.comprobiotic gummies for kids

Who wouldn’t want to take them?

As previously stated, probiotics are not recommended for children who are significantly or chronically ill, or who have an immune-compromised condition, such as preterm infants, children undergoing chemotherapy, or children on steroids, according to Dr. Greer. Rumsey notes, “This stance derives from the fact that probiotics haven’t been properly explored in these populations.” Because probiotics include bacteria or yeast, she explains, there’s a risk of infection if the immune system isn’t working properly. Dr. Greer also reminds parents that probiotics aren’t regulated as supplements or food additives, and there’s little information about how much to take, which ones work best, and how often to take them. probioticseverything.comprobiotic gummies for kidsprobiotic gummies for kids

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