I have no idea how they quantify something like that...I mean, how can they count how many bacteria are in one scoop of formula, or even one packet of powder? So it's hard to say if it is better in the formula or in a separate supplement. My son's Doctor actually prescribed Lactinex to treat diarrhea and it did help. It came in little packets and I mixed 1/2 packet in his bottle each day according to the order.
I would just be careful about the amount you give him, and ask your Doctor what is safe. I always thought no matter how much is taken in, it would provide a great benefit but I searched "Probiotics adverse affects" on Google and there is a lot of information. Here is what Wikipedia says about adverse effects:
" There is no published evidence that probiotic supplements are able to completely replace the body’s natural flora when these have been killed off; indeed bacterial levels in feces disappear within days when supplementation ceases.[13] While the oral use of probiotics is considered safe and even recommended by World Health Organization under specific guidelines [2], in some specific situations (such as critically ill patients) they could be potentially harmful. In one therapeutic clinical trial, a probiotic cocktail increased the death rate of patients with Acute pancreatitis [14]. Probiotics have been shown to be beneficial for other types of patients[15][16].
In a clinical trial conducted at the University of Western Australia, aimed at showing the effectiveness of probiotics in reducting childhood allergies, Dr Susan Prescott and her colleagues gave 178 children either a probiotic or a placebo for the first six months of their life, those given the good bacteria were more, not less, likely to develop a sensitivity to allergens.[17]
Some hospitals have reported treating lactobacillus septicaemia which is a potentially fatal disease caused by the consumption of probiotics by people with lowered immune systems or who are already very ill. [17] [18] "
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probiotic
Here is information from another site:
" Precautions
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should only use probiotic nutritional supplements if recommended by their physicians (5).
The use of probiotics for the treatment of any disorder must be medically supervised.
Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions to probiotics are gastrointestinal and include flatulence and constipation. Probiotics are generally well tolerated. Four cases of Saccharomyces boulardii fungemia have been reported. All of the patients had indwelling catheters, and the fungemia was thought to be due to catheter contamination (5).
There are a few reports of Lactobacillus bacteremia and endocarditis. In all cases, underlying conditions have been present, including cancer, diabetes mellitus and recent surgery (5).
In the United States, it is essential to have scientific substantiation if a statement (known as a structure/function statement) about the effect of probiotics on the normal functioning of the human body is made on a food or dietary supplement product or during promotion of the product. The burden of proof rests with the manufacturer. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require premarket approval of such statements, the manufacturer must provide scientific justification of any health statements if asked by the FDA (6). "
http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/probiotic/review5.php
Anyway, I would do some research beforehand and maybe ask your Dr specifically- is there any reason that your child should NOT take a probiotic? [most likely it will be perfectly safe for your child] And how much should you give him daily?
I wanted to point out, because there is a tendency on this site to remark on someone's post if you disagree with it, that I am all for probiotics. I have given them to my son and have seen a benefit. I just think that, as with anything else that goes into your child, that some research on any possible negative consequences is called for.
