Looking for a “biotic” supplement for your kid? Maybe you want to support their tummy or support their immune system and you’ve heard probiotics are great.
Suddenly, postbiotics are on the scene, too!
What’s a parent to choose? How do you compare the benefits of probiotics vs. postbiotics for your kiddo?
In this post, we’ll give the full rundown on probiotics and postbiotics for kids.
Probiotics and postbiotics promote gut health
It all starts with the gut!
Probiotics and postbiotics are essential for gut health, which is super important for kids.
That’s because gut health influences overall health. Research shows that gut health supports many critical functions, including:
- Immunity (protection against bacteria and viruses)
- Digestion, metabolism, and blood sugar
- Mood and mental health
- Prevention of allergies
- Control of inflammation
- Heart health
So, keeping the gut healthy keeps kids healthy! That’s because the gut is home to most of the body’s “microbiome.”
The “gut microbiome” and why it matters for kids’ health
First, let’s get clear on what we even mean by the “microbiome.”
A “microbiome” is a community of microscopic organisms (or “microorganisms,” also known as “microbes”). In the human body…
“The microbiome consists mostly of living microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, and is found throughout your body. However, most of these microorganisms, particularly bacteria, reside in your intestines, referred to as your gut microbiome.”—Prebiotics vs. Probiotics vs. Postbiotics: What’s The Difference? (Forbes)
The gut microbiome is like a densely populated city of microorganisms (including about 100 trillion bacteria!). Another term for this community is “gut flora.”
Good microbes vs. bad microbes
Some of the microbes in the gut are essential for our health.
Others have their own agendas. Potentially harmful microorganisms increase kids’ risk of developing allergies, inflammation, and other health issues—if they get out of control and overpopulate the gut.
Probiotics and postbiotics promote a healthy balance in the gut microbiome. They’re both available in foods and as microbiome supplements. So, let’s talk about how they’re sim
What are probiotics?
Let’s start with the one you probably already know! For most people, probiotics are much more familiar than postbiotics. Probiotic supplements have been around for decades.
Let’s quickly recap what they are so you can better understand the difference between probiotics and postbiotics.
Probiotics are live microorganisms similar to the good bacteria in the human gut. They’re naturally found in certain fermented foods and probiotic supplements.
Benefits of probiotics for kids
Probiotics are often called "good bacteria" or "friendly bacteria”—for good reason! These microorganisms help the friendly bacteria overpower the less friendly kind. It’s like sending in a fresh team.
For kids, probiotics can support digestion (helping with tummy troubles like constipation or diarrhea) and promote a healthy immune system.
Learn more about probiotics for kids here.
Types of probiotics
There are between 300 and 500 bacterial species in the gut, so it’s no surprise that there are several types of probiotics!
Here are the main probiotic types you’ll find on shelves:
- Lactobacillus: Found in yogurt and fermented foods. Supports digestion and supports combating harmful bacteria.
- Bifidobacterium: Common in dairy products. Promotes relief of digestive issues like IBS and boosts immunity.
- Saccharomyces: A yeast probiotic known for its potential to support the treatment and prevention of diarrhea.
- Streptococcus: Can support lactose digestion and gut health. Found in yogurt and cheese.
- Enterococcus: Supports gut health and combats pathogens.
- Escherichia: Some strains support gut health and promote a healthy immune system
- Bacillus: Supports gut health and immunity.
Renzo’s uses a four probiotic strains in our Yummy Tummy Probiotic: Bacillus subtilis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus.
These strains can support a balanced gut microbiome, promote healthy tummies and support digestion and immune function.
What are postbiotics?
Postbiotics sound so much like probiotics! You might wonder if you’re seeing a typo.
But no! Postbiotics are truly unique, and they’re a recent discovery. (We’re talking just the past decade.)
Scientists have observed that taking probiotics can support a more significant number of good bacteria in our guts. But does the gut population change forever?
Not exactly!
Some of those probiotics make a cozy home and live on to support our health.
Other probiotics are just passing through! They provide a temporary boost in good bacteria. We get postbiotics when these “visiting” probiotics are metabolized in the gut.
Through digestion, probiotics turn into postbiotics. And research shows that they have special health benefits.
TL; DR: Postbiotics are helpful compounds made from probiotics.
If you’re a gardener, you can think of postbiotics like compost. Just like compost helps plants grow vibrantly healthy, postbiotics can help kids, too.
Benefits of postbiotics for kids
Postbiotics deliver “bioactive” compounds that support health. Bioactive simply means they affect our bodies.
Postbiotics can be helpful for kids (and grown-ups) in several ways:
- Immune support: This may be the most important benefit! Certain postbiotics uniquely activate immune cells, helping the body to better fight off infections.
- Gut health: Postbiotics can support overall gut health. They also improve the gut barrier and lining, preventing harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream and maintaining overall gut health.
- Anti-inflammatory: They can help reduce inflammation in the gut, which can benefit conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
- Metabolic health: Postbiotics can help manage and prevent metabolic conditions like diabetes.
- Cardiovascular health: Research shows that postbiotics could support heart health.
There’s still a lot of research to be done on both, but postbiotics are definitely exciting!
Types of postbiotics
There are multiple types of postbiotics—each with different health benefits!
Here are the main types you should know about:
- Lactic acid and acetic acid can help lower the pH in the gut, making it less hospitable to harmful bacteria. Specific strains provide comprehensive immune support.
- Lactobacillus helps reduce harmful bacteria in the gut, promoting a healthier microbiome.
- Butyrate, propionate, and acetate strengthen the gut barrier (protecting against disease), reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic health.
- Lactate and indoles aid digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties, supporting overall gut health.
Probiotics vs. postbiotics in foods
Certain foods are famously good sources of probiotics. What about food sources of postbiotics?
The very same foods we turn to for probiotics also contain postbiotics. For example, kimchi, sauerkraut, tempeh, kefir and miso.
For most kids, these postbiotic foods are definitely acquired tastes! They’re intense-tasting and maybe even a little funky for some kids.
What’s your other food-based option for getting postbiotics? Yogurt! Both dairy-based and plant-based yogurt can be good sources of postbiotics.
To find the healthiest postbiotic-rich yogurt, look for the following on the label:
- Terms like "fermented" and "contains live cultures"
- Well-known postbiotic strains like Lactobacillus
- Simple, natural ingredients and minimal additives or sweeteners
- Organic milk or plant ingredients (for fewer antibiotics and pesticides)
Most kids like the creamy taste of yogurt. If you can find one that checks the boxes, feel good knowing it’s also supporting their gut health.
Probiotic and postbiotic supplements for kids
What if your kiddo doesn’t any of those foods? Microbiome supplements can be a great alternative.
Here’s what to look for:
- Quality: Choose kids’ probiotic and postbiotic supplements from trusted brands that are made with natural, high-quality ingredients. Watch out for additives like sugar and artificial flavors or colors!
- Proven strains: Look for microbiome supplements that list specific probiotics or postbiotics and read up on the benefits and evidence.
- Age-Appropriate: Supplements designed for adults may be too concentrated for children. Look for probiotic and postbiotic supplements formulated specifically for kids.
Kids’ probiotics are well-established, and you can easily find probiotic supplements with great parent reviews.
Postbiotics are newer, harder to find, and even harder to evaluate! Go with a trusted kids’ supplement brand.
Renzo’s probiotics vs. Renzo’s postbiotics
Renzo’s offers both probiotics and postbiotics for kids.
We started with Yummy Tummy Probiotic, made with hand-selected strains of bacteria that support healthy digestion and more.
We know that parents really want more immune support for kids. So, when research emerged on the benefits of postbiotics (especially for kids), we developed a new postbiotic supplement.
Renzo’s Roll Call Immunity is a special postbiotic supplement for daily immune support.
We chose IMMUSE™— a patented postbiotic backed by 30 published studies, including 15 human trials. It’s made from a strain of lactic acid bacteria that activates special “leader” immune cells, so kids get a stronger defense against infection.
Roll Call Immunity is designed to be taken every day, year-round—because pesky pathogens don’t take days off!
Probiotics vs postbiotics: which is right for your child?
So, how do you choose? It depends on your child’s needs.
Probiotics recap:
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria. They're like sending in reinforcements to balance the gut microbiome.
You might choose a probiotic after your child has taken antibiotics (because those kill off good bacteria, too).
Probiotics are also a good choice if your kiddo has tummy troubles, like issues with digestion, constipation or diarrhea.
Postbiotics recap:
Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds produced by probiotics. They don’t contain live microbes, unlike probiotics.
Postbiotics offer targeted immune support, reduce inflammation, and enhance gut barrier function. They boost overall immunity and gut health stability.
Postbiotic supplements are made using controlled fermentation of probiotics.
Prebiotics, too!
To supercharge your kid’s gut health, don’t forget prebiotics.
“Prebiotics are a source of food for your gut’s healthy bacteria. They’re carbs your body can’t digest. So they go to your lower digestive tract, where they act like food to help the healthy bacteria grow.” (Prebiotics, WebMD)
Good sources include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Top prebiotic foods include some that kids find challenging (like dandelion greens!)… and some foods kids often like, including bananas, oats, avocados, and apples.
Healthy gut, healthy kids!
As a parent, you’re the Chief Health Officer, and it’s not an easy job! There are a lot of decisions.
We recommend you keep gut health at the top of your priorities. Here’s why.
Childhood is a super important period for developing gut health—and overall health for life.
Research shows that a child’s gut microbiota evolves constantly up to late adolescence. During these formative years, their diet (including supplements) and environment build that city of microorganisms in their gut.
Childhood is “a window of opportunity” to build protection for life! (Postbiotic Supplementation for Children and Newborn’s Health, Nutrients)
To help your child get that early advantage, there are things you can do to support their cut microbiome. Make sure they get enough sleep, water, and exercise. Encourage your kid to eat a wide range of fiber-rich foods. Help them to manage stress.
When your kid needs an extra boost, you have Renzo’s Yummy Tummy Probiotic and Roll Call Immunity Postbiotic.