Is Growing Up Prebiotics for Adults Too?

You ordered it for your kiddo. Then you read the label, looked at the ingredients, and thought: wait, can I take this too?

Growing Up Prebiotics is formulated for kids, but the two ingredients inside — chicory root inulin and 2'-FL HMO — work the same way in adult guts as they do in little ones. There's no kid-only magic here. It's just prebiotic fiber, and fiber doesn't card you at the door.

If you're looking for an adult version: there isn't one, because you don't need it. The same product works for the whole family. In fact, if you're going through packets fast enough, our Whole Family supply, 112 servings per month, is built exactly for households where both the kiddos and the grown-ups are using it daily.

Who Is Growing Up Prebiotics Designed For?

Growing Up Prebiotics is formulated for kids ages 1 and up, but the two ingredients inside it — chicory root inulin and 2'-FL HMO — have been studied and used in adults too.

The dosing structure reflects age-appropriate fiber needs, not a hard limit on who can benefit.

A 2023 systematic review of 31 clinical studies found 2'-FL HMO consistently safe and well-tolerated — including for grown ups — and a randomized trial in healthy adults found 2'-FL supplementation shifted the gut microbiota in a beneficial direction.

What's the Right Dose for Adults?

Adults should follow the ages 4+ recommendation: 2 packets or scoops per day.

• Ages 1–3: 1 packet or scoop daily (3g chicory root inulin + 500mg 2'-FL HMO)
• Ages 4+ and adults: 2 packets or scoops daily (6g chicory root inulin + 1,000mg 2'-FL HMO)

The 2-packet dose provides 6g of chicory root inulin daily — the same dose used in a 24-week randomized trial that found significant improvements in good gut bug levels and digestive health.

Why Would an Adult Use It?

The same reasons a parent gives it to their kiddo. Most adults don't get enough prebiotic fiber from diet alone — the average American gets a fraction of the recommended daily fiber intake, and prebiotic fiber specifically is even harder to hit consistently.

Growing Up Prebiotics fills that gap in a clean, simple format: no added sugar, no artificial ingredients, mixes into anything without changing the taste.

The chicory root inulin feeds the beneficial bacteria that support regularity, digestive comfort, and gut barrier health. One 2019 study found that prebiotic inulin supplementation specifically and significantly modulated gut microbiota composition during a cold season, including during antibiotic treatment.

2'-FL HMO supports the gut microbiome and helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining — both relevant well beyond childhood.

Is It Safe for Adults?

Absolutely, yes. Both ingredients have been evaluated for safety in adults. Chicory root inulin at doses of 6–8g per day has been studied in clinical trials without significant adverse effects.

The most common side effects reported, occasional gas or bloating, are typical with any increase in fiber intake and generally resolve as the gut adjusts. Start with one packet and work up if needed.

The Bottom Line

Growing Up Prebiotics was built for kids, but the science behind it doesn't stop at the school door. If you're an adult looking for a clean, well-formulated prebiotic with no fillers or gummies. This works for you too! Two packets or scoops a day, mixed into whatever you're already drinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Growing Up Prebiotics while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Both ingredients are found naturally in human milk and have a strong safety profile. That said, we always recommend checking with your OB or midwife before starting any new supplement during pregnancy or while nursing.

Will it taste like anything in my coffee or smoothie?

No, the unflavored version of Growing Up Prebiotics is genuinely tasteless and textureless — it dissolves without changing the flavor of whatever you mix it into!

How long before I notice a difference?

Prebiotic fiber works gradually. Most people notice meaningful changes in stool consistency and regularity after two to four weeks of consistent daily use.

Related Articles

• Getting Started with Growing Up Prebiotics
• 3 Benefits of Daily Growing Up Prebiotics for Kids
• How Long Does It Take for Growing Up Prebiotics to Work?
• What's In Growing Up Prebiotics? (And What Isn't)