Gut Talk Series: Probiotics in toddlerhood: are they necessary?

Probiotics are live microorganisms that when administered in adequate quantities promote health benefits to the host. When talking about Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGID) majority of the studies are done in the first year of life. In toddlerhood there are clear recommendations supporting a specific probiotic bacteria strain, L. rhamnosus, for prevention and treatment of acute infectious diarrhea and antibiotic associated diarrhea. There is emerging science showing benefits of L. reuteri DSM 17938 on constipation. Safety is a crucial aspect when considering the use of probiotics. The effects probiotics promote are strain specific and only probiotics with proven efficacy and safety should be used.