Liquid Probiotic Drops Review for Adults, Babies and Children

A wide range of probiotic drops are available for individuals who prefer not to swallow pill capsules. Many of the liquid probiotic products are specially designed for use in children ages 0 to 3 years.

Probiotic drop supplements are used to treat acid reflux, infant colic, constipation and diarrhea in babies. These supplements may also be used for atopic dermatitis, rotavirus infection, preventing necrotizing enterocolitis and more.

One popular brand of probiotic drops is BioGaia, which contains 100 million live CFUs of the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis.

Not all strains of probiotics have been researched as safe for use in babies and young children. Before purchasing a liquid probiotic supplement to use for your infant, check with a doctor for help deciding on the best supplement.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Benefits of Probiotic Drops

Probiotics are the good bacteria that naturally colonize the gastrointestinal tract. They support digestive functions, immunity and play a role in preventing the spread of disease-causing pathogenic bacteria.

Infants that are born vaginally pick up probiotic bacteria from their mothers as they pass through the urogenital tract. Research shows that infants born via C-section do not pick up the same bacteria and may need a supplement to help colonize the gut.

Breast-fed infants also gain probiotic organisms from their mother’s breastmilk, which may further support immune function.

According to research, the microflora in the infant GI tract is 90% composed of the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis. As we age, the balance changes to favor more bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus, which colonize the upper intestines.

Whenever the microflora of the gut is disrupted, it can result in digestive dysfunction and increase susceptibility to infections or diseases. Using liquid probiotic drops can help to replenish the gut with friendly bacteria to alleviate digestive conditions and strengthen immunity.

Studies are being done on the potential benefits of probiotics for use on infants with colic and they have shown their use can have short-term as well as long-term benefits.

Biogaia probiotic drops are used to prevent and treat infant colic as well as to alleviate diarrhea and reduce the frequency of colds and flus.

Brefovil probiotic drops are for use by children and adults. These probiotic drops use Saccharomuces Boulardii, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and prebiotic Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) to treat infectious diarrhea and as a post antibiotic therapy.

Effects of Probiotics Drops in Infants

A report on a clinical trial done by Italian researchers published in the January 13, 2014 edition of JAMA Pediatrics and reported on Healthday News showed infants given probiotics in the first three months were found to have fewer bouts of acid reflux, colic and constipation.

The probiotic Lactobacillus was used in the study of 500 infants. The report was funded by BioGaia AB, Sweden, which made the probiotic drops used in the study.

Even though colic clears usually clears up on its own as the infant grows older, babies who had colic are more prone to gastrointestinal conditions in later on.

“Kids who have had colic seem to be at risk for abdominal pain with gas-like symptoms later in life,” says Dr. Bruno Chumpitazi, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

A popular brand of these drops is BioGaia ProTectis which uses the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis which occurs naturally in the human body.

The recommended dosage is 5 drops daily. Each dose has a minimum of 100 million live Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis. It needs to be shaken well before use.

Additional Research on Probiotics Drops

A Chinese study published in Antonie van Leeuwenhoek on April 15, 2015 showed using Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis in a double blind study on predominantly breastfed babies with colic showed a 50% less crying time over 28 days.

Babies were given five drops of Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis. There were no adverse effects reported. The purpose of this study was also to provide an effective treatment for colic as a means of reducing maternal depression.

Reducing the stress caused by colic conditions also had an improvement on family life satisfaction as well.

Not all studies done using liquid probiotic drops for the treatment of colic have been conclusive. A study published in the British Medical Journal on April 1, 2014 showed probiotics didn’t help colic conditions.

Probiotics Drops for Diarrhea and Digestion

A study done using Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis in acute diarrhea (acute gastroenteritis) in children hospitalized lasting 12 to 72 hours was published in July 2014 in Acta Paediatrica. The study showed it was effective in treating this condition.

The probiotics were used in addition to the rehydration treatment. The length of diarrhea symptoms was reduced by an average of 33 hours in the group receiving the probiotics.

Results of improved recovery were noted within 24 hours of starting the probiotic treatment and the hospital stays were shorter. The dosage used was five drops per day for five days.

Another probiotic study published in Beneficial Microbes in 2015 Jan showed that babies given Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis used fewer pain relieving medications and this group also had 47% fewer paediatrician visits.

Are Probiotics Drops Safe for Babies?

A number of probiotic products have been researched as safe to use in infants and young children. Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus are rated as Likely Safe when used orally and appropriately in children.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus sporogenesis, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium animalis have all been found safe when administered to children for period between 4 weeks to 12 months.

However, it is recommended to check with a doctor before using any probiotic supplements for your child. Dosage and product recommendations may be different for your child compared to adults.

This is because an infant’s immune system is more fragile than an adults and babies are more susceptible to infection. While probiotics are considered safe for adults, there is a very small risk of bacterial translocation.

There is some concern about the use of probiotic drops for children under six months of age due to reports that this could increase the risk of milk allergies.

It is advised only to use probiotic drops under doctor supervision if there are symptoms of acid reflux, colic, or constipation, and not as a preventative.

Probiotic Drops Contraindications

In individuals who have a compromised immune system, there is a risk of probiotics drops causing illness. Individuals with open surgical wounds or those using a catheter are also recommended to avoid probiotics.

Probiotic supplements are also contraindicated for individuals taking certain medications that suppress the function of the immune system. Consult with a doctor to learn about the risk of interactions before administering liquid probiotic drops.

Antibiotic medications should also be used at least two hours apart from taking any probiotics. This is because antibiotics will kill good probiotic bacteria as well as bad bacteria and diminish the efficacy of any probiotic supplements.

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