Consumer Reports asked an expert’s opinion on probiotic supplements and live culture yogurt products geared especially toward kids. There’s preliminary evidence out there that says it can help relieve infants and toddlers suffering from diarrhea caused by antibiotics or gastrointestinal illnesses. But there’s also a chance the bacteria can cause illness in infants or those with weakened immune systems.

More and better studies need to be carried out first. In the meantime, they recommend taking the more natural route: breast milk for infants and grains and produce for older children, all of which will also help the good bacteria grow in their guts. “But there’s no reason why you can’t include some live-culture yogurt in your toddler’s or older child’s diet. You may especially want to offer it to them when they are on antibiotics or suffer from diarrhea. Probiotic pills are probably also safe and possibly helpful in those circumstances, but it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor first.”

“Probiotics: Good for your kids?” [Consumer Reports]
(Photo: Getty)

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