Why Parents Need to Incorporate Probiotics into their Child's Diet

Can children take probiotics? How much should they start off with?

Well, it depends on individuals. As a rule of thumb, children are little people, so they should start off with a smaller amount than adults. But, having said that, we have come across some adults whose gut intestinal systems are so weakened by the gunk in them that they have to start off with smaller dosages than children.

In some parts of the world, food fermentation is such a major part of the locals' diets that their kiddos even start their probiotics diets as young as a few weeks' old. Instead of drinking non fermented dairy milk or milk powder (with all the artificial additives), they start off with milk kefir as a staple in their little lives and later, fermented food in replacement of the baby food jars that we are so fond of.

So, really, at what age can children take probiotics? It really depends on when their parents want to start them on their probiotic journey in life.

Our Recommendations

In general, it has been advised that children can start off with solids at 6 months old. If you are giving them milk kefir, start with 1 tablespoon and observe them for detox symptoms. If all goes well, you can increase the amount accordingly. As for kombucha, toddlers can start drinking it from 1 year old onwards. This will only apply to our kombucha which has been fermented under conditions that don't create alcohol in the brews. Start them off with 1/4 bottle and likewise for milk kefir, observe for detox reactions.

Meanwhile, we have received lots of feedback from our customers who have started their little ones on probiotics that their children have fallen ill less often, and even when they do, they bounce back within days with little or no medication. Their children have better focus and concentration at school.  They tend to be less hyperactive since they have replaced the sugared drinks in their diets with our probiotic beverages. Overall, the kiddos are happier as there has been *research papers that probiotics improve the gut-brain axis which is now being used in treating depressive symptoms.

If you are still unsure about when to give your children these probiotic foods, do seek the advise of your pediatrician. 

*The effects of probiotics on depressive symptoms in humans: a systematic review by Caroline J.K. Wallace and Roumen Milev. Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2017 March 7; 16: 18.