Starting young: The benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for toddlers

Key Points

• Research suggests probiotics may help with managing allergies, particularly eczema.
• The probiotic lactobacillus (LGG) may be helpful when children go to daycare as it may reduce the severity of respiratory infections.
• Prebiotics for toddlers are beneficial and may improve health by increasing calcium and magnesium absorption and producing vitamin K.

Toddlers. They are busy little humans. Always running here or there, making new discoveries every day. As their caregivers, we want to make sure they get the best start in life. The question is: how do we do that?

Here, we look at one way to keep our little ones on the best path – by exploring the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for toddlers. 

What are the benefits of probiotics for toddlers?

Evidence and research are constantly evolving, but what we do know is that probiotics are live microorganisms that may contribute to improved gut and immune health. 

Dietitian Kate Agnew says paediatric research shows, depending on the particular strain, benefits of probiotics for toddlers may include: 

• relief from constipation (by increasing stool frequency)
• help with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (by reducing the duration)
• overall gut health and immune support
• improved lactose digestion

“Evolving research suggests that probiotics may help with managing allergies, particularly eczema, but it’s important to note that there are a number of factors that may affect allergies,” Kate says. “Probiotics may also reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance when consumed as yoghurt or fermented milk.” 

Can probiotics help support immunity for toddlers starting daycare?

Navigating those first months at daycare and the sickness that may come with it can be challenging. As a caregiver, finding the right tools to help ward off illness is like finding gold. 

Lactobacillus (LGG) may be particularly useful when children go to daycare as research suggests it may reduce the severity of respiratory infections.

Kate says additional research has shown that probiotics may also support a developing immune system. “Remember that probiotics are strain-specific, so it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare professional to choose the correct probiotic for you or your child,” she adds.  

Probiotics may help treat gastro and prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Can probiotics help alleviate specific health conditions in toddlers?

Kate says the probiotic strains lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and saccharomyces boulardii have been well researched and show promising results in treating gastro and preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

What are the best sources of probiotics for toddlers?

Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are the most common groups of probiotics when it comes to research and the availability of product ranges that cater for the different age groups. 

Kate says it’s important to understand probiotics are available through the diet, as well as through supplements. Fermented foods like yoghurt and kefir with live cultures are a great way to incorporate probiotics and are a source of dairy with protein and calcium to help with growth.

Bananas are a good source of prebiotics, with play an important role in gut health for toddlers

How important are prebiotics for toddlers? 

As with probiotics, there is growing research to show that prebiotic foods have a role to play in gut health. So, what’s the difference? 

A form of fibre, prebiotics pass into the large intestine undigested and then feed the ‘good’ bacteria to help them thrive. This good bacteria can improve health by supplying essential nutrients, aiding digestion, increasing calcium and magnesium absorption and producing vitamin K, which promotes healthy bone tissue.

Many foods are naturally high in prebiotics, but toddler-winning suggestions include: 

• Bananas or apples – slice and add to yoghurt, or drizzle with a little bit of honey.
• Tomatoes –  fresh or cooked, serve as an easy finger food or add to casseroles and pasta sauces. 
• Chickpeas are a great source of prebiotics for toddlers – try hummus with wholegrain crackers or vegetable sticks.

Research shows these non-digestible carbohydrates can help shape a young child’s gut microbiome.

Overall, Kate says it's important to offer toddlers meals that include all five main food groups. “Meals and snacks that contain a wide variety of vegetables, legumes, fruit and grains will ensure prebiotics that feed the gut bugs and help to increase diversity, which we know is important for gut health.”

Fermented foods like yoghurt are a good source of probiotics for toddlers

A healthy future 

While research suggests that probiotics are safe and well-tolerated in children, there may be risks for those who are ill or immunocompromised. Remember to speak with your healthcare professional for tailored advice.  To find out more about the benefits of probiotics for toddlers, read our guide, Prebiotic and Probiotic Power.

Related:

• What are the worst foods for gut health?
• What is the best fruit for gut health?
• Can your gut health affect your skin?

Kate Agnew is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who is passionate about innovation and problem-solving in health & nutrition. Her goal is to ultimately create a healthier environment for all Australians.

Reviewed by Healthylife health experts September 2023.