What are the benefits of probiotics for adolescents?

From the Guidelines

Probiotics can be a valuable addition to a teen's health regimen, particularly for those experiencing digestive issues, acne, or after antibiotic use, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting their efficacy in improving gut health and reducing the risk of various diseases 1. When considering probiotics for teens, it's essential to choose the right strains and dosages.

• The most effective strains for teens include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which have been shown to improve digestion, boost immune function, and potentially help with skin conditions common in adolescence 1.
• A typical dose ranges from 1-10 billion CFUs daily, taken with food for better absorption, with teens starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing to avoid initial digestive discomfort.
• Probiotic supplements should be taken for at least 4-8 weeks to evaluate effectiveness, though they can be used long-term safely. Some key points to consider when recommending probiotics for teens include:
• The importance of choosing probiotic products that have been scientifically studied and shown to have beneficial effects on the desired health outcomes 1.
• The potential benefits of probiotics in reducing the risk of various diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other age-related inflammatory diseases 1.
• The need for teens with compromised immune systems to consult a healthcare provider before starting probiotics. Overall, probiotics can be a safe and effective way to support teen health, particularly when used in conjunction with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits.

From the Research

Probiotics for Teens

• Probiotics are live nonpathogenic microorganisms administered to improve microbial balance, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract 2
• The strongest evidence for the clinical effectiveness of probiotics has been in the treatment of acute diarrhea, most commonly due to rotavirus, and pouchitis 2
• Probiotics have demonstrated efficacy in preventing and treating various medical conditions, particularly those involving the gastrointestinal tract 2
• For teens, probiotics may be beneficial in preventing or treating conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease 3, 4, 5

Benefits and Safety

• Probiotics are generally considered safe and well tolerated, with bloating and flatulence occurring most frequently 2
• Probiotics should be used cautiously in patients who are critically ill or severely immunocompromised or those with central venous catheters since systemic infections may rarely occur 2
• The choice of an appropriate probiotic is multi-factored, based on the mode and type of disease indication and the specific efficacy of probiotic strain(s), as well as product quality and formulation 3

Specific Probiotic Strains

• Certain probiotic strains, such as Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium species, have been shown to be effective in preventing or treating specific conditions 3, 4
• The efficacy of probiotic products is both strain-specific and disease-specific 3, 4
• More research is needed to clarify the role of probiotics for preventing and treating various medical conditions in teens 2, 5