Probiotics for a Child?

I get my son chewable probiotics from the health food store and he has taken them since he was about 4 years old. They are only about 5 bucks for a months supply. He does not get sick like he used to. Last winter he made it all the way through without being sick once. I work on the schoolbus and take probiotic capsules and never get sick. Since you are pregnant I would suggest that you go ahead and try Activia and see what kind of results you get.

My daughter has been eating yogurt since she was about 6 mos old, now 4, & she loves it! She has had problems with constipation, but just needed an adjustment in her diet to include more fiber. She also eats Activia & they have yogurt with added fiber. I eat Activia myself on a regular basis & am also pregnant & have NEVER had a problem with constipation. Good luck!

There is very little clinical evidence supporting the actual benefit from probiotic use. I'd really recommend asking your pediatrician their opinion regarding the latest available clinical data on the subject.

Here is an article on WebMD regarding a lawsuit vs. Dannon for making unsubstantiated clinical claims about probiotics in their yogurts: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/news/20080125/yo...

I sound like a broken record, but most of us have little clinical/scientific training, and while we try to provide the best possible advice based upon our own personal experiences, sometimes it is best to present questions like that to your doctor.

Nothing is completely safe - anyone can have a reaction to anything, so I'm a huge proponent of involvement in involving my doctors in things like that. Then again, I have no idea what caused the cancer I was diagnosed with right after my daughter's birth, so I have a valid fear I never would have otherwise.

Good luck!
Good luck.

Yes! I actually would recommend YoBaby by Yoplait...smaller portions for smaller kiddos....works well for my 2 year old, especially during a round of antibiotics!

Any yogurt will do -use YO Baby or Stonyfield Farms organic yogurts, Go-Gurts brand for kids by Yoplait or Dannon brands -they have yogurt drinks for kids, Dannonino protein packed yogurts, etc. My boys have been eating yogurt and drinking yogurt drinks since they could take solids. Probiotics are GOOD bacteria as opposed to the bad stuff that makes you sick. They're good and safe for everyone. While you could eat too much yogurt in quantity so that it made you sick, you literally cannot take too much good bacteria. You can buy acidophollus (sp) pills at the store and take them by the handfuls to get probiotics in your system.

I used it when pregnant and constipated - life saver! My son also gets it when he is a bit loose too. I love it. We got some chewables that we both take, and I got some drops for the baby. I can give you brands if you are interested.

Yes! Everyone of all ages could benefit from probiotics in my humble opinion. Which probiotic matters. You want to be sure you pick one that can get to the gut alive. A healthy gut helps with digestive issues and builds immunity. It is recommended after a course of antibiotics. I'm into "natural" but even my doctor recommended a probiotic. Choose a company that can be trusted and you will be safe. Google away to see the benefits.

Stonyfield Yogurt (organic) makes a great Probiotic strawberry yogurt that my boys (4 and 1) just love. They are completely safe and if he ever has the opposite problem it will help him also. Good Luck.

The Activia yogurt is a good choice for both or any other brand that has active culture. As well as quarter to half a capsule for your little guy but if he is eating the good yogurt then you are better with that unless is ill and on antibiotics. I too am pregnant and take the probiotics every other day to keep UTI at bay. But really just eat more fruits and veggies and that will make you regular too.
J.