Do Children Need Probiotics? Here's What Parents Should Know

Walk into any pharmacy and you'll likely find shelves filled with probiotic products for children. Some claim to support digestion, ease colic, strengthen immunity, relieve constipation or even help with eczema.

With so many options available, it's easy to assume they all work the same way. However, probiotics are far more diverse than many parents realise.

In this article, Dr Brenda Phang Joo Yee, a Paediatric Medical Officer who shares evidence based child health education through Goroneko Kids Wellness, explains what probiotics are, how different probiotic strains work, and what parents should consider when choosing a probiotic for their child.

What Are Probiotics?

Probiotics are often described as "good bacteria" (and in some cases, beneficial yeast) that may help support a healthy balance of microorganisms in the gut. Our digestive system naturally contains trillions of microorganisms that play an important role in overall health.

You may also have heard of prebiotics, but they are not the same thing.

Prebiotics are substances that feed the beneficial bacteria already living in the gut, helping them grow and function effectively.

Not All Probiotics Are the Same

One of the biggest misconceptions is that all probiotics are identical.

In reality, different probiotic products may contain:

• Different bacterial or yeast strains

• Different combinations of strains

• Different amounts of live microorganisms, often measured as colony-forming units (CFU)

Because of these differences, one probiotic may be more suitable for a particular condition than another. Choosing the right probiotic depends on the child's symptoms and the specific strain that has been studied for that condition.

Different Strains May Have Different Roles

Different probiotic strains have been researched for different health conditions.

Lactobacillus reuteri

This strain has been studied in infants for:

• Colic

• Gassiness

• Reflux or frequent spitting up

• Certain digestive discomforts

It is found in products such as BioGaia.

Saccharomyces boulardii

Unlike many probiotics, Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast rather than a bacterium.

It has commonly been studied for:

• Gastroenteritis ("stomach bugs")

• Diarrhoea

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea

It is found in products such as Bioflor.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Another well-studied strain is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG).

Research has explored its role in:

• Diarrhoea

• Supporting gut health

• Reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea

Some studies have also investigated its potential role in reducing the risk of eczema and allergies in certain children.

Probiotic Products May Not Be Interchangeable

In Malaysia, parents may come across probiotic products such as Hexbio, Promugen and BBG. Although all of these are probiotics, they are not necessarily the same.

Different products may contain:

• Different probiotic strains

• Different combinations of strains

• Different amounts of live microorganisms (CFU)

This means that one probiotic product is not automatically interchangeable with another. The most suitable choice depends on your child's condition and the specific probiotic strains that have been studied for that condition.

Does a Higher CFU Mean a Better Probiotic?

Many parents compare probiotic products based on their CFU count, assuming that a higher number automatically means a better product.

However, more is not always better.

The effectiveness of a probiotic depends on several factors, including:

• The probiotic strain

• The amount that has been studied for a specific condition

• Your child's symptoms and medical condition

• The formulation and quality of the product

Rather than focusing only on the CFU number, it's important to consider whether the strain has been studied for your child's particular needs.

Does Every Child Need Probiotics?

Not necessarily.

While probiotics can be beneficial in certain situations, not every child requires daily probiotic supplementation.

A probiotic that works well for one child or one condition may not be the most appropriate choice for another.

Gut Health Goes Beyond Probiotics

Supporting your child's gut health involves much more than taking a probiotic supplement.

Healthy gut function is also influenced by:

• A balanced and nutritious diet

• Adequate sleep

• Good hydration

• Regular physical activity

• Healthy lifestyle habits

These everyday habits continue to play the biggest role in maintaining overall gut health.

The Bottom Line

Every child's gut is unique. More probiotics do not automatically mean a healthier child.

The most important thing for parents to understand is that different probiotics contain different strains, and different strains may have different roles.

When choosing a probiotic, factors such as your child's age, symptoms and overall clinical condition should always be considered.

If you're unsure which probiotic is most suitable for your child, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.