Probiotics and Immunity in Children

Flu season is around the corner and many parents are wondering how to limit children coming home with the dreaded symptoms that mean miserable kids and days off school and work. The latest research suggests that, a lot of our immune system and hence our ability to fight infection is linked to our gut. The bacteria in our gut can have a profound affect not only on our immunity, but also allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, even in depression and anxiety. Probiotics are generally known as good bacteria that are usually present in our gut that can be beneficial to our bodies.

Preventing Respiratory Tract Infections

A review of 23 trials has shown that probiotics are able to decrease the number of respiratory tract infections, a decrease in the amount of time taken to recover, as well as the number of days absent from school for children.

Although each trial had different combinations of probiotics the most common strains shown to have benefit are Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG), Bifidobacterium-lactis (BI-04) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCFM).

Early data has also shown that probiotics could help prevent the occurrence of ear infections. Giving kids probiotics through the cold and flu season in combination with a healthy diet is a good way of reducing the number of bouts of infection and the number of courses of antibiotics required.

Help with Antibiotic Associated Diarrhoea (AAD)?

At times a course of antibiotics can’t be avoided, however there is reasonable evidence that using a probiotic during the course can prevent side effects such as AAD.

Diarrhoea can occur after a course of antibiotics, where an imbalance of bad bacteria occurs in the gut. This can lead to watery stools and stomach cramps.

Among the various probiotics evaluated, Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) or Saccharomyces boulardii have shown to have benefits. The probiotic should be taken 2 hours away from the antibiotic and with food to help the good bacteria reach the gut.

Infant Colic

A study published in American Academy of Paediatrics in 2017 found that breast fed colicky infants who took Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 experienced less crying and fussing within one week, and further improvement in colic symptoms over 3 weeks. Although more research is needed, it is a worthwhile treatment option for mums who have infants less than 3 months of age who are exclusively breast fed and wanting to try a solution that could provide the relief they require.

Take home points.

Probiotics can help with child immunity in several ways including, preventing infection, and are generally safe to use. Talk to your health care provider for guidance on choosing the right strain or combination. People with a severely compromised immune system should also seek advice from their doctor before commencing a probiotic.

Remember to take it slow at first and gradually build up to the recommended dose. This allows your child’s digestive system to get used to the probiotics and not cause any discomfort.

You can mix your child’s probiotics with water, juice, milk, yogurt. Avoid mixing the probiotics in warm/hot foods or liquids, or you will risk killing the healthy bacteria and rendering your probiotics useless.