Kids' Gut Health: Can You Take Prebiotics and Antibiotics Together?

If your kiddo has a bacterial infection, they will likely be prescribed antibiotics. While important for recovery, this common medication can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the gut. During a round of antibiotics, your little one may experience tummy troubles, such as gas, diarrhea, or general discomfort. 

If you've heard about the power of prebiotics on the gut microbiome, you may wonder, "Can you take prebiotics and antibiotics together?" 

While it's always important to talk to your pediatrician first, giving your kid prebiotics alongside antibiotics is generally safe and also beneficial. Prebiotics won't reduce the effects of antibiotics. Instead, they will help bolster the beneficial bacteria in the belly, supporting your kiddo's overall digestive health, both during and after antibiotic use. 

Do Prebiotics Affect Antibiotics in Kids?

It's tough to see your little one in pain. Prebiotics are generally safe and can help ease your kid's tummy. Using prebiotics provides the fibers that help fuel the gut's beneficial bacteria, and they can encourage microbial balance and diversity. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. 

As a general rule, prebiotics can be taken both during and after antibiotic treatment. They can reduce gut-related side effects of antibiotic use without interfering with its important effects. However, it's best to consult a pediatrician first before adding any prebiotic or probiotic supplements.

Why Prebiotics Help During Antibiotic Use in Kids

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections in kids, and they can be lifesaving. At the same time, though, they can also cause uncomfortable digestive issues, such as diarrhea. While antibiotics might be necessary to kill off harmful bacteria, they also kill off the good bacteria that your kid's gut needs to thrive. 

Prebiotics help restore the microbial balance by feeding the surviving beneficial bacteria and encouraging the growth of good gut bacteria within the gastrointestinal tract. By doing this, they can also reduce the uncomfortable gut side effects of antibiotics. 

To put it in a kid-friendly way, prebiotics are fuel for the "good gut bugs" while antibiotics get rid of the bad ones. Taking antibiotics and prebiotics at the same time will help both their digestive health and immune system.

What Is the Best Prebiotic for Kids on Antibiotics?

When considering prebiotic supplementation for kiddos on antibiotics, it's essential to choose the right type of prebiotic. Not all prebiotics are created equal, and different types may have varying effects on gut health. 

Common prebiotics include inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS). A number of studies have found that kids who regularly consume prebiotics, such as those found in inulin, can see improvement in stool consistency and frequency within six weeks of daily use. 

Other options, such as Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), are naturally present in breast milk and also available in supplement form to mimic the gut support newborns get early in life. 

If opting for a supplement, be sure to choose products specifically recommended for kids. Beginbaby Prebiotics + Probiotics and Daily Growing Up Prebiotics are both gentle and effective options. These blends contain an abundance of good gut bugs that are designed to keep little tummies happy. 

With any supplementation, be sure to take notice of any potential side effects. Some kids may experience mild gas or bloating.

Timing Prebiotics Around Antibiotic Use

You don't have to wait for your kid's gut biome to become imbalanced before taking action. 

Prebiotics can be taken during antibiotic treatment so that good gut bugs have the food and fuel they need to survive and reduce the digestive upset that can occur. They can also be taken after antibiotics to continue to help the good gut bacteria multiply, improve microbial balance, and calm the gastrointestinal tract.

Prebiotics don't have to be spaced apart from antibiotics and won't interfere with the medication. 

Combining Prebiotics and Probiotics for Kids (Synbiotics)

Prebiotics can work even better alongside probiotics. Synbiotics contain both prebiotics and probiotics and can help boost signs of a healthy gut. There are multiple options for providing your kid with both. Help keep their little belly on track by:

• Introducing fermented food products such as yogurt, and adding some banana slices on top or incorporating it into a smoothie or in apple sauce

• Pairing Growing Up Prebiotics with probiotic gummies or drops (ask your pediatrician for recommendations)

• Using Begin Baby Prebiotics + Probiotics for infants

Remember that if you are supplementing with synbiotics, make sure that you space out the time you give them to your kiddo. If you are combining prebiotics and probiotics, have your kiddo take them together a few hours after taking antibiotics. That way, the antibiotics won't accidentally kill off the live cultures of the probiotics, and your kid will benefit most from the prebiotics being present, too.

Everyday Food Sources of Prebiotics for Kids

Along with supplementation, you can also introduce prebiotics for kids through food. Bolster their gut health by adding everyday staples to their diet, both during and after antibiotic treatment.

Build your kids' healthy microbiome with high-fiber foods, including:

• Legumes

• Oats

• Whole grains

• Fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, berries, and leafy greens

If your kid is open to different textures and flavors, you may also consider adding fermented foods, such as sauerkraut or kimchi, to introduce beneficial fibers and bacteria to the gut. Talk to your pediatrician to choose some age-appropriate options. 

Give Your Kid’s Gut a Boost with Begin Health Prebiotics

While there are pros and cons of antibiotics, they're often necessary and can be lifesaving medications. You can help minimize your kid's discomfort from antibiotics by using prebiotics for immunity and gut health during and after antibiotics. Just be sure to follow the instructions that come with the prebiotics and consult with your pediatrician. Some children may need additional support, especially if they have unique health conditions. 

Ready to give the good gut bugs a boost? Try Begin Health Prebiotics and help your kid's belly feel better and more balanced during antibiotic use.

FAQs

Want to help your kiddos feel their best while on antibiotics? Here are some quick answers to common questions from parents like you. 

Do prebiotics help after taking antibiotics?

Yes. Restoring gut health after antibiotics is possible with supplementation. Some parents may wonder if they should turn to prebiotics vs. laxatives when stomach upset or constipation happens. Prebiotics can help reduce uncomfortable gut-related side effects during or after a course of antibiotics, and are typically a much gentler approach to dealing with stomach issues compared to laxatives. 

Should prebiotics and probiotics be taken at the same time? 

You can take prebiotics and probiotics separately or together. Taking them together in a mixed form, called synbiotics, can help support gut health. However, it's important to speak with a pediatrician or pharmacist first to be sure the probiotics won't interfere with the antibiotics.

What kinds of prebiotics should kids take while on antibiotics?

Use gentle, well-researched prebiotics, such as inulin, FOS, or HMOs. A supplement like Begin Health Growing Up Prebiotics can provide daily support for a balanced belly.