Probiotics for Kids: Supporting Gut Health in Today’s Food Environment
Do kids need probiotics? A functional pediatric dietitian explains gut health, glyphosate exposure, probiotic benefits, and...
As a pediatric functional and integrative dietitian, one of the questions I hear most often from parents is: should my child be taking a probiotic?
My answer usually starts with a bigger question: what is influencing your child’s gut health in the first place?
Today’s children are growing up in a food environment that looks very different from the one previous generations experienced. Highly processed foods are widely available, many children consume inadequate fiber, antibiotics are commonly prescribed, and researchers are increasingly examining how environmental exposures, including agricultural chemicals, may affect the gut microbiome.
At the same time, we’re learning more about the important role gut microorganisms play in digestion, immune function, metabolism, and communication between the gut and brain.
In my practice, I believe supporting a healthy gut microbiome should be a foundational part of children’s nutrition care.
But does that mean every child needs a daily probiotic supplement? Not necessarily.
Probiotics for kids can be valuable tools, particularly when specific strains are matched to a child’s individual needs. However, supporting gut health involves much more than simply adding beneficial bacteria.
Let’s look at what the research tells us, what we’re still learning about modern food production and gut health, and how parents can make informed decisions.
What Are Probiotics, and Why Do They Matter for Kids?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, provide a health benefit.
Many probiotics belong to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium groups. Another commonly studied probiotic is Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast.
Your child’s gastrointestinal tract naturally contains trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome.
These microorganisms participate in several important functions:
- Breaking down certain dietary fibers and producing beneficial metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids.
- Supporting normal intestinal barrier function.
- Interacting with the immune system.
- Participating in the metabolism of certain nutrients and compounds.
- Communicating with the nervous system through pathways commonly called the gut-brain axis.
An important distinction is that probiotics are not all interchangeable. Different strains can have different effects, and a probiotic shown to help with one condition may not help with another.
Probiotics vs. Prebiotics
These terms are often confused.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide specific health benefits.
Prebiotics are substrates, often particular types of dietary fiber, that are selectively used by beneficial microorganisms.
Prebiotic-containing foods include oats, bananas, beans, lentils, onions, garlic, asparagus, and certain whole grains.
Both deserve consideration when developing a gut-supportive nutrition plan.
Do Kids Need Probiotics?
The answer depends on the child.
For many healthy children eating a varied, fiber-rich diet without significant digestive concerns, daily probiotic supplementation is not necessary.
However, I don’t believe that means probiotics should only be considered when a child is taking antibiotics.
In my functional nutrition practice, I look at the broader picture, including:
- Dietary diversity and fiber intake.
- Frequent antibiotic exposure.
- Chronic constipation, bloating, or abdominal discomfort.
- Restricted eating patterns or significant picky eating.
- Food intolerances or medically diagnosed food allergies.
- Existing gastrointestinal conditions.
- Medications and supplements.
- Lifestyle and environmental factors that may influence gut health.
Children with ongoing symptoms may benefit from a more comprehensive nutritional assessment, and certain children may benefit from a carefully selected probiotic as part of their care plan.
The goal is not to give every child the same supplement. It’s to understand what may be influencing their gut health and determine which interventions are most appropriate.
How Modern Diets May Affect Children’s Gut Health
One of my biggest concerns is that many children consume a relatively narrow range of foods, often dominated by packaged snacks, refined grains, and other highly processed products.
Not all processed foods are nutritionally equivalent. Frozen vegetables, canned beans, and plain yogurt, for example, can be excellent components of a healthy diet.
The bigger concern is a dietary pattern that relies heavily on ultra-processed foods while providing limited fiber and plant diversity.
Why Fiber and Food Diversity Matter
Beneficial intestinal microorganisms use certain fibers and other food components as substrates.
When children eat a greater variety of fiber-containing foods, they provide their gut microbes with a broader range of nutrients.
Foods I encourage families to include regularly are:
- Vegetables and fruits in different colors.
- Beans, lentils, and other legumes.
- Oats and other whole grains, when tolerated.
- Nuts and seeds in age-appropriate forms.
- Fermented foods containing live cultures.
For picky eaters, expanding dietary variety may take time. That’s where individualized strategies, including food chaining and gradual food exposure, can be helpful.
A probiotic supplement may have a role, but it cannot replace the benefits of a varied, nutrient-dense diet.
Glyphosate, GMO Foods, Wheat, and the Gut Microbiome
Another area I believe deserves more attention is the potential relationship between agricultural chemical exposure and intestinal health.
Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in agriculture. It is the active ingredient in many glyphosate-based herbicide formulations.
Glyphosate works by inhibiting an enzyme in the shikimate pathway, which is involved in producing certain amino acids in plants and some microorganisms.
Human cells do not have this pathway, but some bacteria in the intestinal microbiome do.
This has prompted researchers to investigate whether glyphosate exposure could influence microbial composition or function.
What Does the Research Show?
Laboratory and animal studies have found that glyphosate or glyphosate-based herbicides can alter gut microbial communities under certain experimental conditions.
Some studies have reported changes involving beneficial bacterial groups, microbial metabolism, intestinal inflammation, or intestinal barrier function.
A 2024 systematic review of glyphosate and intestinal microbiota examined research on glyphosate exposure, intestinal microbiota, metabolism, and intestinal structure.
A 2026 critical review of glyphosate and the mammalian gut microbiome also reported that several controlled rodent studies found microbiome changes, while emphasizing that effects depend on dose, formulation, and other experimental conditions.
These findings deserve continued investigation.
However, there is an important distinction between observing microbiome changes in experimental studies and demonstrating that typical dietary glyphosate exposure causes clinically significant gut problems in children.
Human evidence remains limited, and researchers have not established whether probiotic supplementation prevents or reverses potential effects from dietary glyphosate exposure.
What About GMO Foods?
Some genetically modified crops, including certain varieties of corn and soybeans, are engineered to tolerate glyphosate-based herbicides.
These crops may be used as ingredients in processed foods.
However, not every genetically modified crop is engineered for glyphosate tolerance, and the presence of a GMO ingredient does not automatically mean a food contains glyphosate residues.
The actual exposure depends on agricultural practices, residue levels, food processing, and dietary patterns.
What About Wheat?
Wheat deserves separate consideration.
Wheat grown commercially in the United States has historically been overwhelmingly non-GMO, but glyphosate can be used in some conventional wheat production systems, including certain preharvest applications.
This means that glyphosate exposure is not exclusively a GMO-related issue.
It’s also important to distinguish glyphosate exposure from medical reasons to avoid wheat or gluten.
Children with celiac disease must strictly avoid gluten. Children with wheat allergy need appropriate wheat avoidance. Other children may have individually assessed sensitivities.
But there is no established evidence that all children should eliminate wheat to protect their gut microbiome.
Should Parents Be Concerned?
I believe it’s reasonable for parents to be interested in how agricultural practices and environmental exposures may affect their children’s long-term health.
At the same time, we need to distinguish emerging research from established clinical findings.
A precautionary approach can include choosing organic foods when practical, reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods, and emphasizing dietary diversity.
Organic production standards prohibit the use of glyphosate, although organic labeling does not guarantee that a food contains absolutely no environmental residues.
My approach is to reduce unnecessary exposures where feasible while strengthening the nutritional foundation that supports a healthy gut.
I would not recommend automatically giving a child probiotics simply because they eat conventional wheat or GMO-containing foods. That specific recommendation has not been demonstrated to improve health outcomes.
Instead, I consider the child’s overall diet, symptoms, medical history, and individual needs.
What Does the Research Say About Probiotics for Kids?
Probiotics have been studied for a variety of pediatric conditions.
Some applications have reasonably strong evidence, while others remain uncertain.
Importantly, results depend on the specific strain, dose, condition being treated, and characteristics of the child.
| Health concern | What research suggests |
|---|---|
| Antibiotic-associated diarrhea | Good evidence for certain strains, particularly LGG and S. boulardii |
| Acute gastroenteritis | Mixed evidence; some guidelines conditionally support specific strains |
| Infant colic | Some evidence for L. reuteri DSM 17938, especially in breastfed infants |
| Functional abdominal pain | Some strain-specific evidence, but results vary |
| Constipation | Inconsistent evidence; probiotics are not routine first-line treatment |
| General immune support | Possible benefits in some studies, but routine supplementation is not established for all healthy children |
| Autism or ADHD symptoms | Research is emerging, but evidence is insufficient to recommend probiotics as treatment for core symptoms |
| Glyphosate-related microbiome changes | No established clinical evidence that probiotics prevent or reverse these effects in children |
1. Probiotics During Antibiotic Treatment
This is one of the best-supported uses of probiotics in children.
Antibiotics can disrupt intestinal microbial communities, sometimes resulting in diarrhea.
A 2019 Cochrane review involving 33 studies and 6,352 children found that antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurred in approximately 8% of children receiving probiotics compared with 19% in control groups.
That represents a meaningful reduction in risk.
Two commonly studied probiotics are:
- Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG).
- Saccharomyces boulardii.
The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) recommends considering these strains at appropriate doses when children have risk factors for antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
The commonly studied high-dose threshold is at least 5 billion colony-forming units (CFU) daily, although the appropriate product and dose depend on the strain and clinical circumstances.
Parents should discuss probiotic use with their child’s healthcare provider, especially if the child has a complex medical history.
2. Probiotics for Stomach Bugs
The evidence is more complicated.
Some studies suggest that particular probiotics may modestly shorten the duration of acute infectious diarrhea.
However, two large North American clinical trials found no meaningful benefit from the probiotic formulations they studied.
As a result, professional recommendations differ.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends against routine probiotic use for acute infectious gastroenteritis in children in the United States and Canada.
ESPGHAN conditionally supports certain strains, including LGG, S. boulardii, and L. reuteri DSM 17938, while acknowledging low or very low certainty for some findings.
For a child with a stomach bug, preventing dehydration remains the priority. Oral rehydration solution is especially important when fluid losses are significant.
3. Probiotics for Infant Colic
One of the better-studied strains for infant colic is Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938.
Some studies suggest this strain can reduce crying time, particularly in exclusively breastfed infants.
Results are less consistent in formula-fed babies.
Probiotics should only be considered for infants after discussion with their pediatrician, especially in premature or medically vulnerable babies.
4. Probiotics for Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common digestive concerns I see in pediatric nutrition.
Although certain probiotics have been studied for improving bowel movements, research findings are inconsistent.
A probiotic alone is unlikely to resolve constipation when the underlying issue involves stool withholding, inadequate dietary fiber, insufficient fluids, painful bowel movements, or other contributing factors.
I prefer to start with a comprehensive assessment of bowel habits, dietary intake, hydration, and toileting routines.
For children with persistent constipation, medical evaluation and evidence-based treatment may also be necessary.
Chronic constipation can also contribute to urinary symptoms, including daytime accidents and nighttime bedwetting. Learn more about the connection in our article on bedwetting in children: nutrition, nerves, and genetics.
Read more about our Kids’ Gut Health services.
5. Probiotics, the Gut-Brain Axis, and Neurodevelopment
The gut-brain axis is an exciting area of research.
Scientists are studying how gut microorganisms, microbial metabolites, immune signaling, and nervous-system pathways may interact.
This is particularly interesting in children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, some of whom also experience gastrointestinal symptoms or restricted eating patterns.
However, we need to be careful about how we interpret the research.
Although microbiome differences have been reported in some studies, these findings do not establish that microbiome changes cause autism or ADHD.
Research on probiotic supplementation in these populations is still developing, and there is not sufficient evidence to recommend probiotics as a treatment for core neurodevelopmental symptoms.
In my practice, the priority is addressing identifiable nutrition and digestive concerns, including constipation, limited dietary variety, nutrient inadequacies, and other symptoms that may affect a child’s comfort and daily functioning.
Supporting digestive health can be worthwhile regardless of whether it changes behavioral or neurodevelopmental symptoms.
Probiotic Foods for Kids: A Food-First Approach
One of the simplest ways to introduce live microorganisms into a child’s diet is through fermented foods.
Options include:
- Yogurt: choose varieties labeled with live and active cultures.
- Kefir: a fermented milk drink that can be blended into smoothies.
- Cottage cheese: certain products contain added live cultures.
- Sauerkraut: refrigerated, unpasteurized varieties may contain live microorganisms.
- Fermented pickles: look for naturally fermented varieties rather than vinegar-pickled products.
- Kimchi: an option for children who enjoy stronger flavors.
- Miso and tempeh: fermented soy foods that can be incorporated into family meals.
Not every fermented food contains live organisms by the time it is eaten, and not every live culture has been shown to provide a specific probiotic benefit.
Still, fermented foods can contribute variety and nutritional value to a balanced diet.
Picky-Eater-Friendly Ways to Introduce These Foods
For children who are selective about textures and flavors, start with familiar foods.
Some ideas include:
- Blend plain kefir with strawberries and banana.
- Serve yogurt as a dip alongside favorite fruits.
- Add a small amount of yogurt to a smoothie.
- Offer a tiny portion of fermented vegetables alongside familiar foods, without pressure to eat them.
- Experiment with a yogurt-based dressing or dip.
Remember, repeated low-pressure exposure can be an important part of expanding food acceptance.
For additional ideas, see our smoothies for picky eaters guide.
Don’t Forget Prebiotics: Feeding the Beneficial Bacteria Already There
Probiotics often receive the most attention, but prebiotic foods deserve equal consideration.
Rather than introducing additional microorganisms, prebiotics help nourish certain beneficial microbes already present in the gastrointestinal tract.
Examples include:
- Oats.
- Beans and lentils.
- Bananas, particularly slightly green bananas.
- Onions and garlic.
- Asparagus.
- Apples and berries.
- Whole grains.
- Cooked and cooled potatoes or rice, which can provide resistant starch.
Not every child tolerates large amounts of fermentable fiber, particularly those with significant bloating or certain gastrointestinal conditions.
For these children, fiber should be individualized and increased gradually when appropriate.
A healthy gut isn’t simply about adding more bacteria. It’s also about creating a nutritional environment that supports beneficial microbial activity.
How to Choose the Best Probiotic for Your Child
The supplement aisle can be overwhelming.
Some products contain one carefully studied strain. Others contain dozens of organisms and advertise extremely high CFU counts.
I believe both strain selection and an adequate dose deserve careful consideration, but the most appropriate formula depends on the child.
Here’s what I recommend looking for.
1. Choose Strains With Evidence for Your Child’s Needs
The full strain designation matters.
For example:
- Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG.
- Saccharomyces boulardii.
- Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938.
A label that simply says “Lactobacillus blend” doesn’t provide enough information to determine whether it contains the strain used in a clinical study.
For broader gut-health support, I also consider whether a product contains a thoughtful combination of complementary, well-characterized strains.
However, strain diversity alone does not establish effectiveness. Some of the strongest pediatric research involves specific single strains.
2. Pay Attention to Both Dose and Strain Diversity
Probiotic doses are generally listed in CFUs, or colony-forming units, which estimate the number of viable microorganisms.
In my clinical practice, I often favor probiotics providing approximately 5 to 10 billion CFU daily, with a thoughtful combination of complementary, well-characterized strains when appropriate.
I believe both the quantity and diversity of beneficial microorganisms deserve consideration when selecting a probiotic.
However, the ideal formulation depends on the child’s age, health history, and clinical goals, and certain conditions respond best to specific strains rather than simply higher CFU counts or more strains.
For example, studies examining prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea frequently use doses of 5 billion CFU daily or higher, while some other pediatric applications use substantially different doses.
My preference for 5 to 10 billion CFU is a clinical approach, not a universal pediatric dosing requirement or a claim that this range is superior for every condition.
3. Look for Quality and Transparency
Choose reputable manufacturers that provide:
- Clearly identified strains.
- CFU counts guaranteed through expiration when possible.
- Appropriate storage instructions.
- Independent quality testing or verification when available.
- Clear age recommendations and ingredient lists.
Because probiotics are generally regulated as dietary supplements, manufacturers do not need FDA premarket approval demonstrating effectiveness before selling most products.
For more information, see our guide to choosing quality supplements, and my overview of the top supplements I recommend for kids, where probiotics are one of six I consider most often.
4. Consider the Delivery Method
Probiotics come in several forms.
| Format | Potential advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Drops | Convenient for some infants and toddlers | Use only age-appropriate products with clinician guidance |
| Powders | Can be mixed into cool foods | Avoid mixing into hot foods or drinks |
| Chewables | Convenient for children who can safely chew tablets | Check age suitability and added ingredients |
| Gummies | Familiar format for some children | May contain added sugar and can pose choking risks for younger children |
| Capsules | Useful for older children who can swallow pills | Check whether opening the capsule is permitted |
5. Avoid Unnecessary Ingredients
Some children’s probiotics contain added sweeteners, colors, herbs, or other ingredients.
These are not always harmful, but they may be unnecessary.
For children with food allergies or sensitivities, review the ingredient list carefully.
Are Probiotics Safe for Kids?
For most otherwise healthy children, commonly studied probiotics are generally well tolerated.
Temporary gas or bloating can occur, particularly when starting a new product.
However, probiotics are not appropriate for every child.
Extra caution is needed for:
- Premature infants.
- Children with significantly weakened immune systems.
- Children with central venous catheters.
- Children who are critically ill.
- Children with certain complex gastrointestinal or medical conditions.
Rare but serious bloodstream infections associated with probiotic organisms have been reported in vulnerable patients.
The FDA has specifically warned about serious risks involving probiotics in premature infants.
For children with complex medical needs, probiotic supplementation should be coordinated with their healthcare team.
How Long Does It Take for a Probiotic to Work?
That depends on why the probiotic is being used.
For prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, certain probiotics are typically started around the beginning of antibiotic treatment.
For other gastrointestinal concerns, the expected response and duration of treatment depend on the condition and the specific strain.
There is no universal rule that every child should take a probiotic for two to four weeks or continue indefinitely.
If a child is taking a probiotic for a defined purpose, it helps to establish:
- What symptom or outcome are we trying to improve?
- Which strain has evidence for that purpose?
- How long should we evaluate the response?
- What would indicate that we should stop, continue, or reassess?
This is much more useful than giving a supplement indefinitely without knowing whether it’s helping.
Common Mistakes Parents Make With Probiotics
Even well-intentioned parents can make mistakes when trying to support their child’s gut health.
Some common ones include:
- Assuming all probiotics work the same way.
- Choosing the highest CFU count rather than an evidence-supported strain.
- Using a probiotic instead of investigating persistent digestive symptoms.
- Starting multiple supplements simultaneously, making it difficult to identify what helps.
- Assuming that every fermented food contains clinically studied probiotic organisms.
- Overlooking dietary fiber and overall food quality.
- Continuing a probiotic indefinitely without reassessing its purpose.
- Assuming probiotics can eliminate the effects of antibiotics, pesticides, or other environmental exposures.
A probiotic can be helpful, but it is not a substitute for a comprehensive nutrition and medical assessment.
When Should You Consult a Pediatric Dietitian?
Consider additional guidance if your child experiences:
- Chronic constipation or recurring abdominal discomfort.
- Persistent bloating or digestive complaints.
- Significant picky eating or very limited food variety.
- Suspected food intolerances or difficulty meeting nutritional needs.
- Recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms after antibiotic treatment.
- A medical condition that complicates eating, digestion, or nutrient absorption.
A pediatric dietitian can help identify nutritional factors that may be contributing to symptoms and determine whether dietary changes, targeted supplementation, or additional medical evaluation would be appropriate.
Persistent blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, poor growth, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration warrant prompt medical assessment.
The Bottom Line: Gut Health Is About More Than Probiotics
I believe gut health deserves a much more prominent role in pediatric care.
Our understanding of the gut microbiome continues to evolve, and research is raising important questions about how diet, medications, environmental exposures, and lifestyle may influence microbial health.
Glyphosate is one area of scientific interest, particularly because of its potential effects on certain microbial pathways. But we still need better human studies to understand whether typical dietary exposure causes meaningful health effects and whether any particular intervention can address them.
In the meantime, there is plenty we can do to support children’s gut health.
We can prioritize whole and minimally processed foods, increase dietary variety, encourage fiber-rich plant foods, incorporate appropriate fermented foods, and address digestive symptoms rather than simply accepting them as normal.
And when the clinical situation supports it, we can consider targeted probiotic supplementation.
My philosophy is simple: food is medicine. Supporting a child’s gut health starts with understanding the whole child, not simply choosing any supplement from the shelf.
At Nadler Nutrition, I take a functional and integrative approach to pediatric nutrition, looking at the connections between diet, digestion, symptoms, and overall health.
The goal is to identify meaningful, evidence-informed opportunities to support your child’s health with strategies that work for your family.
Learn more about our pediatric nutrition services or schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Probiotics for Kids
Do kids need probiotics every day?
Not necessarily. Many healthy children do not require a daily probiotic supplement. Certain children may benefit from specific strains for particular conditions, but supplementation should be individualized.
Can glyphosate affect children’s gut bacteria?
Laboratory and animal research suggests that glyphosate can alter gut microorganisms under some experimental conditions. However, evidence demonstrating clinically meaningful microbiome effects from typical dietary exposure in children remains insufficient.
Should children take probiotics if they eat GMO foods?
There is no established clinical recommendation to give probiotics solely because a child consumes GMO-containing foods. GMO status does not automatically indicate glyphosate exposure, and probiotics have not been proven to counteract such exposure.
Does wheat contain glyphosate?
Glyphosate may be used in some conventional wheat production systems, including certain preharvest applications. This does not mean every wheat product contains glyphosate residues or that all children need to avoid wheat.
Are organic foods better for gut health?
Choosing organic foods can help families reduce exposure to certain synthetic pesticides, including glyphosate. However, there is not sufficient evidence that organic foods consistently produce better microbiome or clinical outcomes in children. Overall dietary quality and diversity remain important.
What is the best probiotic for kids?
There is no single best probiotic for every child. In my practice, I often consider products containing approximately 5 to 10 billion CFU and thoughtfully selected strains when appropriate, but the optimal choice depends on the child’s needs. LGG and S. boulardii have evidence for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, while other strains have been studied for different conditions.
Do probiotics help children with constipation?
Research is inconsistent, and probiotics are not routinely recommended as a primary treatment for childhood constipation. A comprehensive approach should address bowel habits, diet, hydration, and any underlying medical factors.
Can probiotics help kids with autism or ADHD?
Research into probiotics and the gut-brain axis is ongoing. Although some children with autism or ADHD experience gastrointestinal symptoms, current evidence does not establish probiotics as a treatment for core autism or ADHD symptoms.
Can kids take probiotics while on antibiotics?
Certain probiotic strains may reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea when used alongside antibiotics. The appropriate strain, dose, and timing should be discussed with the child’s healthcare provider.
What foods naturally contain probiotics?
Yogurt with live cultures, kefir, certain cultured dairy products, and some unpasteurized fermented vegetables contain live microorganisms. However, not all fermented foods contain strains with demonstrated probiotic benefits.
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits. Prebiotics are substances, often certain dietary fibers, that beneficial microorganisms selectively use.
Are probiotic gummies effective for kids?
They may be suitable when they contain an appropriate, evidence-supported strain and dose. Parents should check the ingredient list, CFU information, age recommendations, and added sugar content.
Can children take adult probiotics?
Some strains are used in both pediatric and adult products, but adult formulations may contain different doses or additional ingredients. Use a product appropriate for the child’s age and clinical needs.
How long should a child take a probiotic?
Duration depends on the condition, strain, and intended outcome. Probiotics should be used for a defined purpose and periodically reassessed rather than automatically continued indefinitely.
About the Author
Therese Nadler, MS, RDN, LDN
Therese Nadler is a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Nadler Nutrition, a functional and integrative nutrition practice specializing in pediatric and adult health.
Her pediatric work focuses on digestive health, picky eating, food sensitivities, neurodevelopmental conditions, and individualized nutrition strategies that support children’s health and development.
Learn more about Therese and Nadler Nutrition.
This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice. Consult your child’s healthcare provider before starting supplements, particularly for infants or children with complex medical conditions.
Scientific References
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Probiotics: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Probiotics: What You Need To Know. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/probiotics-what-you-need-to-know
- Guo Q, Goldenberg JZ, Humphrey C, El Dib R, Johnston BC. Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019. https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD004827_probiotics-prevention-antibiotic-associated-diarrhea
- Effects of glyphosate exposure on intestinal microbiota, metabolism and microstructure: a systematic review. Food and Function, 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38994673/
- Mesnage R. Effects of Glyphosate and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides on the Mammalian Gut Microbiome: A Critical Review. Journal of Applied Toxicology, 2026. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42838538/
- Su GL, Ko CW, Bercik P, et al. AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Role of Probiotics in the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders. Gastroenterology, 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32531291/
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Risk of Invasive Disease in Preterm Infants Given Probiotics Formulated to Contain Live Bacteria or Yeast. 2023. https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/risk-invasive-disease-preterm-infants-given-probiotics-formulated-contain-live-bacteria-or-yeast