How to Find the Best Probiotic Supplement for Your Child
A Free Guide Written By Parents, For Parents Who Are Considering Giving Their Child Probiotics
help your child?
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably heard some of the buzz about the bacteria that naturally live in our digestive systems. Doctors, scientists, and the general public are all (finally) becoming aware of the benefits of maintaining a balanced microbiome in the gut.
This is particularly important in the young, fragile bodies of growing children. Studies link low probiotic levels to several health problems:
Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of a disrupted digestive system in a child is that it can impact brain development. Scientists are beginning to refer to the gut as the “second brain,” because it contains a complex neural network that influences brain chemistry, emotional behavior, pain perception, and how we respond to stress.
As parents, it’s all too easy for us to make an assumption when our child is ill or showing difficult behavior. Sometimes, when we get wrapped up in the stress of caring for our child, we fail to recognize the possibility of a deeper problem.
It’s important to remember that it’s not your fault. I know I’ve done it. When my 5-year-old son gets sick or throws a tantrum, I’m usually more concerned with solving the problem than I am with thinking about what caused it…And I never would have suspected that it could have anything to do with bacteria in his digestive system.
Scientific research shows nearly unanimous results though: The benefits of a good probiotic supplement are wide-ranging, lucrative, and extend far beyond the bounds of comfortable digestion. A good probiotic supplement will provide your child with:
Now, the issue is just finding the best one when ALL probiotics on the market claim to be the best. None of them are particularly bad, but there are some that are truly superior to the other ones and can make the biggest difference for your child.
How do I find a good probiotic supplement?
These are the 3 biggest factors to consider when searching for the best probiotic supplement for your child:
1) Variety of Strains: Generally speaking, you want a wide variety of strains in your child’s probiotic supplement. The greater variety, the better. There’s more to it than that though: You want to make sure that the specific strains are thoroughly researched and serve a real, scientifically documented purpose. A reputable company with a good probiotic supplement will be able to explain the scientific reasoning behind EVERY strain they put in their supplement. In the best cases, they’ll even share their research with you so you can see for yourself—yes, these companies really are out there.
2) Number of CFUs: The number of colony-forming units (CFUs) in a probiotic supplement is just as important as the specific strains it contains. The important thing to keep in mind about the number of CFUs listed on a bottle is this: Those are the numbers of live cultures in a supplement when it is first manufactured. It does NOT reflect the number of CFUs that actually reach your child’s small intestines, which is where most digestion takes place and where the gut microbiome lives. I advise to shoot for a supplement with higher than 8 billion CFUs to ensure your child’s intestines get the amount of probiotics they need.
3) Made in USA: Probiotic supplements are among the safest supplements to take for both adults and children. However, just to be TRULY safe, I advise only buying American-made probiotic supplements that are manufactured under FDA and cGMP guidelines in an isolated, low-moisture, low-oxygen lab. High quality Probiotic supplements should also be free from fillers, starch, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, preservatives, chemicals, and metals.
On top of these 3 main factors, you should also consider the following:
Our Recommendations: Now, it’s time to tell you which probiotic supplements I found to be of the highest quality and most effective for children. With the help of my research team, I analyzed 27 different probiotic supplements. We tested them in our own independent lab and judged them by the standards mentioned above. At the end of our analysis, very few brands were left standing. You can read the detailed reviews of our top products below.
SpectrumBiotics
By Cellular Research Institute
Overall Rating: Excellent
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#1 – Spectrum Biotics is our top recommendation for 2016 for children and teens.
This is excellent probiotic blend for kids, research behind strains indicates it is helpfull with with digestive issues, malabsorption issues, immune imbalance, allergies and food sensitivities. It contains 8 of the top studied and research backed strains of probiotics. Spectrumbiotics is 15 billion CFU's and is designed to be stable and acid resistant, thus allowing the probiotics to reach the small intestine where they have the most affect.
This product is gluten free, vegan and is free from dangerous and unhealthy chemicals and additives, and is made here in the United States in a FDA registered facility.
Cons:Goes Out of Stock, and is on back ordered frequently.
Return PolicyReturns accepted ,within 90 days even if opened.
Complete Probiotics for Kids 33 MG - NATURAL RASPBERRY
By Dr. Mercola Premium Supplements
Overall Rating: Excellent
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Helps maintain a healthy balance of intestinal microflora , assists in food digestion and supports immune health. The company provides single serve packets to support the digestive health of active children on the go, ages 4 and up, tastes good for kids and contains strains of probiotics that resist stomach acid. It is 2 choice and is great for active kids .
Cons:Contains Sodium and Silicon Dioxide, also doesn’t indicate if its GMO or NON-GMO.
Return PolicyReturns accepted within 30 days, must be unopened.
UP4 Kids Cubes 1 BILLION
By U.A.S. Laboratories
Overall Rating: Excellent
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UP4 Kids Cubes 1 BILLION - Is our # 3 choice for children and teens. This product contains 60 chewable cubes, that tastes good for kids and convenient to give to an active child. Preservative free and sugar free, contains vitamin D 3.
Cons:
Contains maltitol and palm oil, also Skim Milk Powder ( might not be a good supplement for kids with lactose intolerance)
Returns accepted within 30 days, must be unopened.
*Results may vary based on the individual. This report is created based on research, customer reviews, and clinical studies reviewed by the editors. Additional information can be found in the "Disclosure" and the "Research" section of Herbalistreport.