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Probiotics for IBS are not surprisingly also some of the best probiotics for kids. Pick the right probiotic strains and you’ll soon discover how to manage your child’s tummy pain related to their IBS. In this podcast episode, you’ll discover the probiotic strains shown to relieve IBS symptoms in children.
Do probiotics work in IBS?
So far the scientific research in children with IBS and probiotics sounds promising.
Probiotics are considered safe to use in children.
Probiotics generally work by increasing the amounts of friendly bacteria in your child’s gut.
As the gut and the brain are thought to be connected, in IBS, children may experience a heightened or exaggerated feeling of pain after eating certain foods.
If you suspect that your child has IBS, they probably suffer from digestive problems like abdominal pain, bloating with or without abdominal distention as well as diarrhoea, constipation or a variation of both stool types.
How do probiotics help children with IBS?
Probiotics for kids can work by reducing the severity and frequency of abdominal pain.
Certain probiotic strains may also work alongside other dietary treatment such as the low FODMAP diet in my IBS Kids Programme, to further reduce symptoms of abdominal pain and constipation.
Probiotic strains for IBS (to reduce severity and frequency of abdominal pain)
Culturelle Kids (sachets)
Culturelle Kids (chewable tablets with xylitol as an ingredient)
VSL#3 (Bifidobacterium Breve-16, VSL#3)
Probiotic strains for IBS (type constipation)
Suitable for children from age 3+ years
Apart from Bifidobacterium breve-16, this is one of the first probiotic strains that has been shown in randomised controlled trials to be helpful in reducing the stool frequency, straining at defecation, incomplete evacuation and soiling (faecal incontinence) in children.
In this study by Saneian et al, 60 children randomised to try Kids Gummies by Optibac experienced an improvement in their symptoms of IBS related constipation.
Other links mentioned in this episode:
- IBS Kids Facebook group (Facebook Group)
- Join the waiting list for ‘End Mealtime Battles’
- Kids Nutrition Podcast Community (Facebook Group)
- IBS Kids Programme
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