Are all probiotics the same? How do I know which one to pick for my child? This is a question I get asked frequently.
Supplementing with probiotics can be wonderful in helping balance out gut flora, however, I don’t recommend a daily probiotic unless you see signs that your little one could use the extra support.
Here are some of the major reasons whys a probiotic may be a good option to supplement with:
- Mom was on a round of antibiotics when born or during breastfeeding
- The baby/child was on a round of antibiotics
- Was born c-section
- Formula-fed
- Suffers from colic or reflux
- Suffers from eczema, allergies or asthma
- Diapers have a bloody or mucus-filled stool
When to use them?
C-Section Delivery
When your baby is born, during a vaginal delivery, your baby will pick up a ton of microbial programming. Microbes from the birth canal and colon immediately latch on and populate the baby’s mucous membranes. This helps create an environment where major probiotic strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, can flourish and grow.
If your baby is born via c-section, they will not receive any vaginal microbes during birth and sometimes this can lead to such things as asthma, allergies, and eczema. This is why probiotics for newborns may be a good idea when the baby is born c-section to help support microbe growth.
Formula Fed
Another way that babies pick up microbial programming is while breastfeeding. Breastmilk also gives babies important immune signals and antibodies that protect against infection. It also offers prebiotic sugars that feed baby’s microbes, called HMOs ( human milk oligosaccharides). Prebiotic HMO’s not only will help feed the baby’s gut microbe but also supports the development of its immune system, strengthen the gut barrier and helps bind to any bacteria, viruses or toxins that come its way.
Supplementing with a formula that contains bifidobacteria can be beneficial as its actually this strain that digests HMOs directly.
There has also been a lot of studies that show that formula-fed babies who are on a formula that contains the L.rhamnosus strain are less likely to develop a cow’s milk allergy. Something to consider when purchasing your brand.
Post-antibiotics
When looking for a probiotic for your baby or child due to post-antibiotic treatment, the biggest takeaway is you want to purchase one that contains both strains of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Some common bifidobacerium strains to look for that help repair after antibiotics are breve, longum and infantis. Some lactobacillus strains you want to look for are L. Acidophilus, L. Plantarum, L. Salivarius, L.Casei, L. Rhamnosus, and L.gasseri. The more variety of these strains the better and you also want the probiotic to be 5-10 billion CFU per dose. ⠀
In Canada, Genestra HMF Natogen is an example of a great brand for post-antibiotic use.
If it was Mama who was on the antibiotics, look for lactobacillus stains, like:
- Lactobacillus gasseri
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lactobacillus fermentum
- Lactobacillus salivarius
Colic & Reflux⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Probiotics can help to soothe inflammation and reduce gas. Which means your baby will sleep easier.
A major strain you want to look for is Lactobacillus Reuteri. It does a fantastic job helping to fight microbes and eradicate yeast. There is only two brands that contain this strain which is BioGaia and Gerber. ⠀⠀⠀
If your child has an extremely sensitive belly, then investing in GutPro Infant Powder may be something to consider. GutPro is a clean probiotic that only contains strains of good-for-baby bacteria. There are no fillers and no prebiotics, which can sometimes be a problem in babies with sensitive tummies. I will warn you that it is EXTREMELY expensive compared to other probiotics and there are limited sources on how to purchase it in Canada. However, keep in mind that this product can last a full year, so it’s almost like paying in bulk, as you use a very tiny amount each day. It can also be extremely beneficial for eczema and allergies as its a low-histamine probiotic, so you may end up using it multiple times. GutPro does not contain L. Reuteri, however its probiotic/prebiotic combination has been known to be extremely effective with colic and reflux.
Eczema, Allergies & Asthma ⠀
Now, what about supporting eczema, allergies or asthma in kids? Another common reason for probiotic use. The big thing here is you want a probiotic that doesn’t produce histamine. Strains you want to avoid are: Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, or Lactobacillus brevis. These strains are found in popular probiotics such as IobGaia and Gerber.
If your baby has eczema or other signs of histamine intolerance, I recommend using a probiotic that encourages the break down of histamine. Strains that you want to see your probiotic include are Lactobacillus plantarum & Bifidobacteria.
There is also new research that links taking a probiotic that contains the L.rhamnosus strain, helps babies overcome a cows milk allergy. It appears that this has something to do with the fatty acids or fat molecules, that good bacteria naturally make as they build up a community in the gut.
How to use them?
A lot of probiotics are purchased in a powder form. If breastfeeding, I suggest dusting your finger with the probiotic between feedings, 1-2 times a day, and allowing baby to suck it off. You can also offer it with pumped milk or formula. For older kids, you can measure the probiotic powder and add to milk, water or juice.
If the probiotic only comes in capsule form, you can open the capsule to use the powder the same way as above if needed.
Some probiotics will also come in a liquid dropper, which makes things very easy for when they are younger, especially if you are breastfeeding. These you can usually add to your nipple prior to a feed.
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