Top 15 Best probiotics for kids

Top 15 Best probiotics for kids
Let's look at some of the probiotic products for children that we can find on-line:
Culturelle probiotics for kids with fiber
Talking about Culturelle means talking about quality since it is a well-known probiotic company that belongs to the Dutch DSM group.
The composition of this probiotic for children has a single microorganism: Each dose has 5 billion of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, one of the strains with the most studied therapeutic properties and, in particular, its ability to treat cases of diarrhea, especially diarrhea associated with antibiotics (3)
It is therefore a highly recommended product to prevent diarrhea when the child is being treated with antibiotics.
It is supplied in powder form in packets that can be mixed with meals and can be administered to children from 1 year of age.
PROS
- Trusted brand
- The formula has LGG, a strain with many clinical studies
CONS
- Formula with only one probiotic


OLLY Probiotics for Kids – Gummies Multivitamin
Probiotic with a single strain of the species: Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856. It has a total of 250 million cfu of this bacteria.
It is presented in the form of gummies, which makes it easy to administer to kids from 4 years old.
This bacteria, Bacillus coagulans has beneficial properties for the digestive system. It reduces symptoms of gas after meals (4) and improves symptoms of pain and diarrhea in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (5) (6)
It also has properties to strengthen the immune system with a lower incidence of nasal congestion, itching, eye redness, and headache (7).
It is a very complete probiotic because it also has a vitamin complex composed of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, Choline, Folic Acid, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Iodine and Zinc.
It also contains FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) as a prebiotic component that promotes the growth and balance of the child's microbiota.
It has many reviews from its consumers and all of them are very positive.
Olly is an American company specialized in producing products with vitamins, minerals and supplements.
PROS
- Well-studied probiotic strain
- Contains a wide vitamin complex
CONS
- Formula with only one probiotic

Align Probiotics for Kids Supplement – Gummies
Another probiotic with 5 billion Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856. The label indicates LactoSpore® which is actually a registered trademark containing the above-mentioned strain.
It is a probiotic very similar to the one we have seen from the Olly brand, but it differs in that it has double the amount of probiotics, although on the other hand it does not contain the vitamin complex that the Olly probiotic does have.
The ability of this strain to form spores allows it to have greater resistance to gastric juices and the acidic environment of the gastrointestinal tract, with a greater guarantee of reaching the intestinal tract where it produces its beneficial effects.
It is a highly recommended probiotic to strengthen the immune system of our child if we do not need to provide a vitamin supplement.
It also has a prebiotic, Inulin, very similar to FOS which contains Olly probiotic.
Align is a well known brand belonging to Procter & Gamble.
PROS
- Trusted brand
- Well-studied probiotic strain
- With Prebiotics (Inulin)
CONS
- Formula with only one probiotic
- No vitamin supplements


Lil Critters Probiotic Gummies
Probiotic for children from 2 years old, with 1 billion of Bacillus coagulans IS-2, a strain different from the previously seen MTCC 5856.
However, although it is another strain, it is the same species and has similar beneficial effects in gastrointestinal disorders according to several studies conducted against placebo (8)
Bacillus Coagulans IS-2 has shown improvement in symptoms caused by gastrointestinal disorders in children. In IBS cases, it significantly reduced pain intensity and improved symptoms: less bloating and urgency and improved stool consistency (9).
Likewise, this strain has shown significant improvements in children with constipation problems.(10)
This probiotic also contains Inulin, a prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of microbiota or native intestinal flora.
PROS
- Formula with Bacillus coagulans IS-2, a strain widely studied in children with intestinal problems.
CONS
- Formula with only one probiotic


SmartyPants Kids Probiotic – gummies
Product, recommended for children from 3 years of age and with 4 billion of 2 probiotic strains in each gummy:
- 3 billion cfu of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856
- 1 billion cfu of Bacillus subtilis DE111®
One of them is Bacillus Coagulans MTCC 5856, the same that we have evaluated in Olly's probiotics.
But this product also contains Bacillus subtilis DE111® which has several clinical studies on its beneficial effects on the immune system as well as its ability to stabilize the intestinal microbiota and therefore improve gut health (11) through gentle modulations of the microbiome in kids (12)(13)(14)
It also has a prebiotic, specifically beta-glucan, which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in your child's intestine.
The product has many very high ratings from its consumers.
PROS
- With 2 strains of Bacillus
- With Beta glucan as prebiotic
CONS
- No vitamin supplements
BioGaia Probiotic Drops
Product with a unique probiotic strain: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 that creates a natural balance in the kid's gut.
Each daily dose (5 drops) provides 100 million cfu of Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938, a species that was first identified in breast milk and has been extensively studied, with more than 100 clinical trials conducted in children.
It is a probiotic that can be administered to the baby from its first days.
This strain Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (also known as Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis®) is one of the strains of choice in the treatment of diarrhea in children (15) (16) (17), with numerous studies, and recommended by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) together with rehydration therapy, in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children.
In addition, one of the pathologies in which Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 has been most studied is in the treatment of infant colic (18)(19). The results showed a lower percentage of pain, which was manifested by a shorter duration of infant crying.
Similarly, studies on abdominal pain and bloating also reflect the positive effect of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (20).
It is, therefore, a well-studied and safe probiotic. Highly recommended for infants and children with the above mentioned symptoms and to stabilize the intestinal flora.
PROS
- With Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, a strain specially recommended by ESPGHAN.
- Indicated in the treatment of colic in children, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
CONS
- Somewhat more expensive than other probiotics


Digestive Advantage, Probiotic Gummy for Kids
In this case it is a probiotic with the strain Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086, that is, the same species as other probiotic products for children but different strain.
The concentration per gummy is 250 million microorganisms or bacteria in each gummy.
Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 is a proprietary strain, also known as GanedenBC(30). Numerous studies have been conducted that conclude its effectiveness in reducing bowel movements in cases of irritable bowel syndrome. (21)
Its ability to form spores makes it especially resistant to pass through the entire gastrointestinal transit.
Recommended for children between 4 and 12 years of age.
PROS
- Formulated with Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 with numerous clinical studies.
- Ability to form spores, which gives it greater resistance.
CONS
- Formula with only one probiotic


Nature’s Way Primadophilus Kids
Probiotic chewable tablets recommended for children between 2 and 12 years old.
Each chewable tablet has a total of 3 billion cfu of the following probiotic strains:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14
- Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115
- Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-02
These are very specific strains of each species from the renowned firm Danisco (Dupont) with numerous studies and clinical trials behind them, as well as being considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA.
The Bifidobacterium bifidum Bb-02 strain, administered with Lactobacillus, may contribute to a reduction in the symptoms of diarrhea in children (22).
On the other hand, Lactobacillus acidophilus La-4 and Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115 have shown great resistance to gastric acids and bile, which gives them a greater capacity to cross the extremely acidic area of the stomach and reach the intestinal area.
Also, these strains in particular have shown an ability to increase the immune response to certain vaccines tested in clinical trials (23)(24).
PROS
- Trusted brand
- Formula with 3 patented probiotics and GRAS granted
CONS
- Formula without Bacillus

NaturesPlus Animal Parade Source of Life Chewable Inner Ear Support
This probiotic for children is composed of a total of 3 billion of two probiotic strains:
- 2 billion cfu of Lactobacillus rhamnosus,
- 1 billion cfu of Streptococcus salivarius K12
The presence of Streptococcus Salivarius K12 stands out in this probiotic. This is a strain closely related to oral health as well as to throat and ear health, since it is a strain that naturally lives in the oral cavity and therefore its presence is very important in the balance of the oral microbiota.
In a study carried out based on tests and existing literature on this microorganism, the relationship of this probiotic with the health of throat, mouth and ear was confirmed, with a reduction of the severity of serous otitis media and it also has a therapeutic effect in the prevention of streptococcal or viral pharyngo-tonsillitis in kids (25).
PROS
- Very specific probiotic for ear, nose and throat problems (ENT).
- With a blend of Chamomile and Mullein Extracts
CONS
- No vitamin supplements


PRO-Kids ENT: Children’s Oral Probiotics
Product with a total of 3 billion cfu of microorganisms of 5 different strains per dose:
- Lactobacillus reuteri
- Lactobacillus paracasei
- Lactobacillus sakei
- Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12™
- Streptococcus salivarius BLIS M18™.
Here the presence of Streptococcus salivarius K12 stands out, which, as we have already seen above, has a therapeutic benefit in the prevention of tonsillitis.
But in addition, its formulation also contains Streptococcus salivarius M18, with studies confirming how its administration increases the possibilities of reducing the presence and development of dental caries in kids (26)(27)
It is therefore a probiotic highly recommended for situations with ear, nose or throat problems (ENT) and in case of problems related to the oral microbiota.
The dosage is 1 tablet per day, after brushing teeth.
PROS
- Complete probiotic formula for Ear, Nose and Throat problems.
- With 2 strains of Streptococcus salivarius
CONS
- no prebiotics in formula


OptiBac Probiotics for Babies & Children
Excellent product with a combination of a prebiotic, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Vitamin D and three well-studied, specially selected, and clinically proven probiotic strains in infants and young children.
Contains 3 billion of:
- Bifidobacterium breve M-16V
- Lactbacillus rhamnosus GG
- Lactbacillus rhamnosus HN001
Bifidobacterium breve M-16V is a very safe bacterium, tested in thousands of children, with no adverse effects and with the ability to increase bifidobacteria levels in infants and young children while strengthening and regulating their immune system.
Lactbacillus rhamnosus HN001 is associated with a reduction in episodes of eczema, a common condition in infants and young children (28)(29).
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, as mentioned above, is one of the most widely studied strains with the highest number of documented clinical studies for the prevention of diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections.It is indicated for infants, children of all ages, up to 12 years old.
Easy to take, just mix with any food or drink.
Gluten free. Suitable for children with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
PROS
- Formula with well-studied collection probiotics
- With Vitamina D
- New formula
CONS
- Slightly more expensive


Kids KyoDophilus
Probiotic with 1 billion viable cells of three strains not very common in these products:
- Lactobacillus gasseri KS-13
- Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1
- Bifidobacterium longum MM-2.
These are chewable tablets, easy to take and especially intended for children.
The combined administration of these three bacteria has a positive effect in the treatment of rhinitis with a reduction of nasal congestion, as demonstrated in a study conducted with these three strains (30)
As for its formula, according to a 2017 study, the Bifidobacterium bifidum G9-1 strain managed to help reduce gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus (31)
Another similar study, but with the combination of L. gasseri and B. longum compared to administration of another probiotic, showed positive results with a reduction in the duration of diarrhea (32).
It is a probiotic indicated to stabilize the intestinal microbiota after antibiotic treatment, as well as to improve allergic rhinitis symptomatology and intestinal function, with fewer cases of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
PROS
- Trusted brand
- The formula has LGG, a strain with many clinical studies
CONS
- without additional supplements


Probiotics for kids with Prebiotics, Sunfiber and Fos
One of the probiotics for children with the highest amount of microorganisms and in easy to take chewable tablets.
Contains 6 billion viable cells of two species:
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Both are common microorganisms in probiotics for children.
L. Acidophilus produces lactic acid at the intestinal level, creating a hostile environment for pathogenic microorganisms in a way that inhibits their growth. It is able to ferment lactose, making it also a beneficial microorganism for lactose intolerant people (33).
On the other hand, B. Lactis has positive effects on colic processes in children by modulating the microbiota (34) (35).
Both L. acidophilus and B. lactis species have more beneficial properties, but these depend on the specific strain in question. In this case, it cannot be determined, since the manufacturer does not state on the label which particular strains the product has for these two species.
It has two prebiotics, fructooligosaccharides (FOS) but unlike other similar products, this one also has a preformulated prebiotic called Sunfiber® which is derived from guar gum.
Sunfiber® is a fiber that regulates the speed in the gastrointestinal tract both in cases of constipation and in diarrhea processes in children. It favors the growth of short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria (36) while normalizing stool consistency through changes in the intestinal microbiota (37).
PROS
- High amount of probiotics in formula
- Patented prebiotic fiber SunFiber®
CONS
- No patented probiotics. Unknown strains


Hyperbiotics PRO-Kids
Probiotic for children with 3 billion probiotic microorganisms from four species of beneficial bacteria:
- Lactobacillus plantarum
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium infantis
- Bifidobacterium lactis
It has fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic that act as a substrate for microorganisms that exist in the intestine.
Its probiotic microorganisms and combinations of them make it suitable for the treatment of diarrhea and other intestinal disorders.
It contains Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus acidophilus with studies concluding that its administration in combination reduces diarrhea episodes (38). The formula also includes Lactobacillus plantarum which acts by reducing diarrhea associated with antibiotics (39).
On the other hand, its formula also includes Bifidobacterium lactis with several studies that confirm its capacity for the stabilization of the microbiota or intestinal flora during a treatment with antibiotics (40)
PROS
- Small, easy-to-swallow tablets
CONS
- No patented probiotics. Unknown strains
- Somewhat expensive


LoveBug Probiotics for Kids Immune Support
Contains a total of 10 billion cfu of 6 probiotics of the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus Gg
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bi 04
- Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14
- Lactobacillus reuteri Lr08
- Lactobacillus plantarum - Lp 115
- Bifidobacterium infantis Bi-26
It is one of the probiotic products with the highest number of cfu compared to other probiotics for children and, in addition, these are patented and registered strains in the Dupont collection (DuPont Global Culture Collection).
Reinforces the intestinal microbiota in case of previous antibiotic treatment, and is indicated for gastroenteritis. It also strengthens the child's immune system and defenses.
The probiotic strains present are, on the one hand, B. infantis and L. acidophilus which have demonstrated their therapeutic effect, reducing episodes of diarrhea when administered together (41).
There is also Bifidobacaterium lactis, specifically strain BI-04, with several studies confirming its ability to stabilize the intestinal microbiota or flora during antibiotic treatment (42). Similarly, this strain has been studied for its immunomodulatory capacity with positive results (43).
In addition, the presence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus reinforces its role in the treatment of diarrhea in children, which, together with B. Longum, has been proven to have an impact on the reduction of stool frequency (44).
It also has one more species in its formula: Lactobacillus acidophilus, which together with Lactobacillus plantarum Lp-115 have shown an ability to increase the immune response (45)(46).
Finally, it also has fructooligosaccharides (FOS) which act as a prebiotic to favor the growth of the autochthonous microbiota and contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C), fundamental in the development of the child due to its antioxidant properties and its mediation in the absorption of minerals such as iron.
PROS
- High quantity and wide variety of probiotics
- Fórmula con cepas patentadas y registradas
- With Vitamin C
CONS
- Somewhat expensive


All bibliographic references to scientific articles ----> Here