By Christine Cheng R. Ph.
Q: It seems like the moment my normally healthy child steps foot into school, he catches every cold that goes around. I’ve been told that probiotics may be helpful to boost his immune system, but he doesn’t like to eat yogourt. What else can I try?
A: In both adults and children, probiotics can improve constipation or diarrhea, gut immunity, oral health, and even eczema by “outcompeting” the bacteria in the gut that can cause infections or inflammation, enhancing the barrier function in the gut, and modulating the immune system. If your child doesn’t like yogourt, other fermented foods (such as soft cheeses, sauerkraut, tempeh or buttermilk) can also be used to provide beneficial bacteria to support your child’s health. Probiotics are also available in supplement form. Metagenics® makes a liquid called “ULTRA FLORA® BABY” that can be mixed into soft foods or a beverage and can be given to children of all ages. Genestra makes a chewable tablet called “HMF CHILD+MULTI” that provides a multivitamin and probiotic formula in a delicious chewable tablet.
