Every parent wants their child to grow into a strong, happy, and healthy grownup. Helping kids focus on wellness from a young age can help make sure they get enough nutrients for healthy development and start to learn and practice the habits that will keep them healthy long into adulthood. Beyond a quality kids' multivitamin, many parents also supplement their kids' diets with children’s probiotics designed to support digestive and immune health.

What are children's probiotics?

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that function similarly to the trillions of friendly microorganisms naturally found in the gut. While you can consume probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and other pickled veggies, probiotic supplements offer an easy way to add more of these healthy bacteria to a child's diet – especially if you're dealing with a picky eater.

Types of probiotics

There many types of probiotics to choose from, and different formulas offer different concentrations and combinations. Here are two of the most common strains found in kids' probiotics:

Lactobacillus

The Lactobacillus genus is a group of bacteria that naturally live in your intestines. Often found in yogurt and probiotic products, Lactobacillus acidophilus can help break down lactose in milk and support digestive health. Other strains of Lactobacillus found in kids' probiotic supplements include Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Bifidobacterium

Normally found in the large intestine, Bifidobacterium is another genus of bacteria found in probiotic supplements. You’ll find Bifidobacterium bifidum in many popular formulas. Like Lactobacilli, it helps the promotes intestinal health by preventing harmful bacteria from colonizing. Bifidobacterium helps restore the and regulate the gut and support the production of key nutrients, including B vitamins.

Probiotics for kids

During childhood, the digestive system plays a crucial role in growth and development. Children's probiotics are tailored toward the unique needs of a growing body. Below are some of the reasons parents should consider adding probiotics to their child’s daily routine.

Digestive comfort

Many parents give their children probiotics during a course of oral antibiotics. Probiotics can help rebalance the disruption of gut bacteria caused by antibiotics. In addition to promoting digestive relief, children’s probiotics also create an environment to support overall digestive health and regularity.

Nutrient absorption

A balanced gut is essential for nutrient absorption, which is especially important for growing kids. Combining probiotics with multivitamin supplements can promote general digestive health and enhance a child's ability to get all of the vital nutrients they need.

Immune function

Proper gut health helps promote a healthy immune system by inhibiting harmful bacteria from colonizing in the digestive tract. The proper balance of intestinal bacteria, supported by a quality probiotic, can help encourage healthy immune function in kids.

How to take probiotics

Generally, probiotics are taken with a light meal. As with any supplement, follow the instructions for use on the label of the formula you choose. Children’s probiotics are available in a wide variety of kid-friendly forms, including liquids, powders, chewable tablets, and even gummy probiotics! Probiotic gummies and other formulas for kids come in yummy fruit flavors so your little one will love getting their daily dose of healthy bacteria. We also carry unflavored probiotic powder that can be easily mixed into your kid's favorite foods and drinks without changing the flavor – a great option for kids who hate trying new foods and supplements.

Find kid’s probiotic powder, gummies, chewable tablets, and liquids at The Vitamin Shoppe. Browse our full selection of probiotic supplements for the whole family online or in a store near you.