Question:
HI I am looking for a broad spectrum probiotic to give my child aged three. She has no specific ailments, so this is just for general health . is she old enough to share the same probiotics we consume now?
Thanks,
Judy
Answer by Dr Ben
Hi Judy -
For your daughter aged 3, I recommend that she take ProBiota 12 Powder.
She is now able to take the same probiotics as adults.
If your daughter was aged from infant to 2 years old, I would have recommended ProBiota Infant.
Simply give your daughter about 1/2 the adult dosage. A 1/4 teaspoon contains 100 billion beneficial bacteria in 12 strains. This is the most potent probiotic that I have found.
Given that the human small intestine contains over a trillion bacteria at any one moment, it is necessary to take a probiotic that contains billions and billions of beneficial bacteria in multiple strains in order to be effective.
ProBiota 12 is also dairy free which is hard to find in a probiotic.
The taste is decent and can be easily hidden in a spoonful of applesauce.
I recommend that you get a spoon, place some applesauce on it, sprinkle the 1/4 teaspoon of ProBiota 12 powder on it (or less if you like), then put a touch more applesauce on top of it to hide the powder.
My boys, aged 5 and 7, take the powder directly in their mouths without fuss. I and my wife actually like the taste as it tastes like chicory.
The only added ingredient besides the 12 strains of probiotics is chicory. Chicory is a prebiotic which means it is necessary and beneficial for the healthy bacteria to survive in the bottle and in the digestive tract.
If you prefer capsules, you may give your daughter 1 to 2 capsules of ProBiota 12 capsules at dinnertime with some water to swallow them.
ProBiota 12 is more cost-effective given that it has a number of servings; however, ProBiota 12 capsules is also quite inexpensive per dose. There are 60 servings of ProBiota 12 capsules at the potency of 50 billion.
I recommend ProBiota 12 to be taken at dinner time. This is the best time to take a probiotic according to research.
Another key component about ProBiota 12 is that it has a protective natural oil surrounding the bacteria which protects them from stomach acid. Probiotics die in the acidic stomach environment if not protected by food or a natural oil. Thus, when one takes ProBiota 12 at dinner time, they are ensuring a high percentage of beneficial bacteria making their way to the place they need to be.
Do let me know how your daughter responds to the ProBiota 12.
Should you have further questions, please do ask.
In health,
Dr Ben
PS - Through the end of July, you may receive the HealthE Membership at no cost. This entitles you to 10% off regularly priced items every day for an entire year. You may learn more about the HealthE Membership here.
Resources:
- Wikipedia: Gut Flora
- PubMed: PubMed.org and then enter Keywords: 'Gut flora', OR 'probiotics'
