4 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Probiotic For Your Kid
With all the hype about probiotics and prebiotics and no shortage of products with big, impressive claims, finding the right one can feel confusing and intimidating. That’s why it’s so important to know what to look for. At its core, the concept is simple: probiotics are live strains of beneficial bacteria that can positively impact gut health and support digestion, and prebiotics are specific compounds (mostly fibers) that help good bacteria thrive. And while your child may be getting some gut health-nurturing foods in their diet already, it’s possible that they’re still falling short of the recommended fiber intake (along with the majority of Americans).
Fatherly teamed up with Seed — whose PDS-08™ Pediatric Daily Probiotic + Prebiotic is formulated for kids ages 3 and up — to dive into everything you should think about when deciding which product is right for your kiddo. Here are four things to consider:
1. Strains Matter
Because each probiotic strain is studied to target a specific health benefit, it’s wise to identify what your main concerns are and choose the product with the right strains for your situation. For example, one strain may have been clinically validated to support immune and overall gut health benefits, while another may promote healthier skin or support the body’s response to seasonal airborne particles.
If you can’t be bothered to add multiple products tackling different issues into your routine (because, really, who has time?), PDS-08™ Pediatric Daily Synbiotic is a true one-and-done formula. It helps with frequent bowel movements (think: easier — more regular — poops!), as well as digestive, gut immune, dermatological, and respiratory health.
2. Prebiotics And Probiotics Aren’t The Same Thing
Similar to choosing between flying to your vacation destination or taking a road trip to get there, prebiotics and probiotics work to achieve a similar goal — a healthy gut and digestive system — but in very different ways. As defined by The Mayo Clinic, “Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain live microorganisms intended to maintain or improve the ‘good’ bacteria (normal microflora) in the body. Prebiotics are foods (typically high-fiber foods) that act as food for human microflora.”
Looking for a product that contains both elements is a game changer for active, growing kids. PDS-08™ Pediatric Daily Synbiotic contains both nine clinically studied probiotic strains and a first-of-its-kind prebiotic blend to benefit not just kids’ gut health but also their dermatological health (hello clearer skin!), gut immunity, and respiratory system. Talk about working overtime.
3. Prebiotics Can Help Bridge The Fiber Gap
Nearly all children and adults in the United States fail to reach their daily recommended fiber intake — this is what’s commonly referred to as the ‘fiber gap.’ Fiber helps support digestion, combat constipation, and regulate a child’s hunger — and if you’re a dad, you know how hungry (read: hangry) kids can get.
This is why PDS-08™ Pediatric Daily Synbiotic is such a win for busy parents and families: it provides 5 grams of prebiotic fiber per serving (the equivalent of a whole medium apple!), per day, so there’s no fuss or coaxing required.
4. Look For Products With Extensive Allergen Testing
Just like you do when food shopping and ordering off menus, it’s important to take your kid’s allergies and sensitivities into consideration when choosing the right probiotic. For example, PDS-08™ Pediatric Daily Synbiotic has no observed side effects or GI distress, and is free from all 14 classes of allergens. Seed also does extensive lot-to-lot testing at each step and on the final product, plus with 50+ QA/QC checkpoints, they make sure purity and strength is the top priority.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
