A prebiotic fiber supplement is a great way to improve your child’s gut health. It helps feed the good bacteria in their digestive system which is essential for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being in kids.
But when do kids need a prebiotic fiber supplement? And which one should you choose? You’ve come to the right place!
In this guide, I’ll break down the basics of prebiotic fiber, signs that your child might need a prebiotic fiber supplement, and how to supplement safely and effectively.
Let’s get started!
What is Prebiotic Fiber?
Prebiotic fiber is a special type of fiber that acts as food for the good bacteria in your gut.
Some common types of prebiotic fibers include inulin, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), and resistant starches.
Unlike regular dietary fiber, which helps with digestion and regular bowel movements, prebiotic fiber specifically feeds beneficial gut bacteria, helping them grow and thrive (1). This supports a healthy gut microbiome and overall digestive health.
Is Prebiotic Fiber Good For Kids?
Yes! Prebiotic fiber nourishes good bacteria, promoting gut microbiome diversity, which is linked to better digestion, improved immunity, and even mental health benefits (1).
What are Prebiotic Foods for Kids?
Prebiotics can be naturally found in many plant-based foods that can be included in a child’s diet. Some examples include:
- Bananas (especially slightly green ones)
- Onions
- Garlic
- Asparagus
- Leeks
- Chicory root
- Whole oats
- Barley
- Beans and legumes
What are the Signs Your Child Needs Prebiotics?
Frequent Constipation, Bloating, or Irregular Digestion
If your child often struggles with constipation, bloating, or irregular bowel movements, it could signal an imbalance in their gut bacteria. Prebiotic fiber can help nourish these bacteria, supporting smoother digestion and more regular bowel movements.
Filling the Gaps of Picky Eating
Kids who are selective eaters often miss out on key nutrients, including fiber. If your child’s diet lacks variety, especially in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, they may not be getting enough prebiotic fiber naturally.
While you work to reverse their picky eating, a supplement can help bridge the gap and ensure their gut gets the support it needs.
Recovering from Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics, while essential to kill infections, can also kill the good gut bacteria, causing an imbalance called dysbiosis.
After a round of antibiotics, a prebiotic fiber supplement can help restore beneficial bacteria and promote a healthy gut environment.
Managing Gastrointestinal Conditions
Children with gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or Chrohn’s may benefit from a prebiotic fiber supplement.
These fibers can help regulate bowel movements, reduce bloating, and support a healthier, more comfortable digestive system.
Eczema & Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Prebiotics help the body produce an anti-inflammatory response in the gut (2) which help reduce the intensity of inflammation-related skin conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis (3).
This skin-gut connection is an incredible place to start if your child struggles with a skin condition.
Blood Sugar Regulation
Prebiotic fiber supplements can also be helpful for kids with diabetes or insulin resistance. Fiber helps slow digestion and prevent big blood sugar highs and lows.
If your child has blood sugar irregularity, try introducing a prebiotic fiber supplement before a meal and monitor their blood sugar.
Benefits of Prebiotic Fiber Supplements for Kids
Although getting nutrition from whole foods is always the priority, sometimes a supplement is helpful in filling in the gaps!
The benefits of using a prebiotic fiber supplement include:
Dependable Digestion Support
All of our diets change every day! And we might not get the daily nutrition we need if our schedules, cravings, and hunger levels constantly change. It’s the same for kids! And even more so for picky eaters.
Taking a prebiotic fiber supplement helps ensure your child can stay regular and improve their gut health no matter what they eat that day. One less thing to worry about!
Filling Nutritional Gaps
Prebiotic fiber supplements are a convenient way to fill gaps in a child’s diet, especially for picky eaters. Many kids struggle to consume enough fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
A supplement ensures their gut bacteria get the nourishment they need, even when diet diversity is limited.
Age-Appropriate Dosing
Even if your child has no issues with picky eating and their diet is varied, they might not be eating enough prebiotic fiber to reap the benefits.
Choosing a prebiotic fiber supplement made for kids is one of the best ways to ensure your child gets all the gut-healthy benefits.
How to Choose a Prebiotic Fiber Supplement for Kids
Look for High-Quality Ingredients
Select supplements that are third-party tested to ensure they meet quality and safety standards. Opt for products that are free from unnecessary additives, artificial colors, or excessive sugar.
Consider the Form – Gummy, Powder, Chewables
Prebiotic fiber supplements come in various forms, including gummies, powders, and chewable tablets. I generally recommend using powders because the gummies and tablets often compensate with added sugars or artificial sweeteners to appeal to kids.
Choose a format that fits your child’s preferences and ease of use.
Consult Your Pediatrician
Before introducing any supplement, talk to your child’s pediatrician. They can help you determine if a prebiotic supplement is necessary and guide you on the appropriate type and dosage based on your child’s age, health, and dietary needs.
A Pediatric Dietitian’s Brand Recommendation for Prebiotic Fiber Supplement
My go-to recommendation for prebiotic fiber supplements for kids is the Begin Health Daily Growing Up Prebiotics. It has simple ingredients that come in a tasteless, textureless powder and improves stool frequency, stool consistency, and pain while stooling within 6 weeks of daily use (4).
One of the main reasons I love recommending Growing Up Prebiotics is the ingredient list. It packs 3 grams of fiber from chicory root, a natural form of soluble fiber that helps to soften stool and relieve constipation.
It also includes Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) which is a carbohydrate found in breast milk that promotes the growth of helpful bacteria in the gut. This also contributes to softer stools, which is helpful if you’re trying to wean your child off laxatives. A secret weapon for a healthy microbiome in young children!
Besides the evidence-based ingredients, it’s easy to incorporate into a child’s diet. The powder is tasteless and texture-less, so your kids might not even notice it! I recommend mixing into your kid’s water, milk, or juice or mashing into soft foods like yogurt, oatmeal, and smoothies.
Prebiotic fiber supplements can be a valuable tool for supporting your child’s gut health. They are particularly helpful for kids who struggle with picky eating, low-fiber diets, or specific digestive challenges like constipation.
By nourishing the good bacteria in the gut, prebiotic fibers contribute to better digestion, improved immunity, and overall well-being.
If your child needs individualized help with your child’s diet or gastrointestinal issues, let’s work together! Schedule your free 10-minute consultation and get started on your game plan today.
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