Should probiotics be used for children with anorexia?

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Department of Gastroenterology - Endoscopy, Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Probiotics are one of the most popular supplements in the world. Probiotics are a collection of beneficial microorganisms for health, often supplemented with the purpose of supporting digestion in children with anorexia, taking antibiotics, children with colds or flu or some cases such as irritable bowel syndrome. like, eczema...

The human body needs certain types of bacteria to stay healthy, also known as the beneficial microbiome (the microbiota). Bacteria even play a role in digestion, absorption of nutrients, and even help "fight" with other bacteria if you are sick. The microbiota in the body can exist in some of the following locations:
Bacterial lice on the skin Bacterial lice in the intestines Bacterial lice in the urinary tract Bacterial lice in saliva

This imbalance in the microbiome can cause infections or disorders. For example, antibiotics kill bacterial infections. However, antibiotics also destroy beneficial bacteria in the body, which can lead to secondary infections when harmful bacteria have a chance to enter because they are not hindered by other beneficial bacteria. Secondary infections usually occur in the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, where there is a rich flora.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial bacteria found in your body. Probiotics can include a single strain of bacteria or a combination of several.

Children develop their microbiome in the womb and during early infancy. Therefore, an unhealthy lice microbiome will cause many other disorders. Probiotics play a role in keeping the body's microbiome healthy, but why is it still unclear?
Probiotics are commonly used aids for children, ranking 3rd in products used for children.
Many studies are being done to demonstrate the benefits and risks of using probiotics in children.
The American Family Physician recommends that probiotics help treat inflammatory bowel disease. Using probiotics reduces the duration of diarrhea caused by gastroenteritis. Using probiotics for pregnant and lactating women can also reduce the incidence of eczema and allergies in young children. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggests that taking probiotics during the first three months of life can help prevent some symptoms, such as abdominal pain, constipation, and acid reflux. A 2015 review study concluded that probiotics were better than placebo in reducing the incidence and duration of upper respiratory tract infections. Rates of antibiotic use and absences from school due to colds have also decreased. There is a lot of evidence to support the use of antibiotics in young children. However, there is currently no answer as to whether probiotics should be used in young children, especially in the long term (due to lack of research evidence). Using probiotics in young children is not without risks. Children with weakened immune systems can get infections. Some have symptoms of bloating or gas. In addition, probiotics can cause serious side effects in babies who are seriously ill. A pediatrician should be consulted before using probiotics on young children.

Probiotics can be added to foods like yogurt or cottage cheese. They occur naturally in fermented foods such as buttermilk, kefirh yogurt, and pickled vegetables. Raw cheese made from unpasteurized milk is another source.
Some experts advocate the health benefits of raw milk and raw dairy products, but they should not be used by young children. Raw milk can contain harmful bacteria, which can lead to dangerous diseases.
If you are wondering between synthetic probiotics and food-based probiotics, which is better, the answer is not clear. Nutrients from unprocessed foods are best. However, in the case of probiotics, babies may not get enough from food alone. Probiotics in foods may not survive production and storage.

Only buy probiotics from companies with a good reputation. Check the shelf life before use and how to store it, does the probiotic you buy need to be stored in the refrigerator?
Some probiotics containing the following bacteria should be used: Lactobacillus GG, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus...
Probiotics have a role in reducing symptoms of constipation, abdominal pain and reflux Acid reflux in healthy young children. In addition, they also work to prevent infections and diarrhea secondary to antibiotic use, reduce the rate of eczema and allergies in some young children.
Consult your doctor before giving probiotics to your child, especially if you think an anorexic child needs a probiotic supplement for better digestion. Some questions may arise:
What are the benefits of probiotics for your child? How long does a probiotic supplement need to be given to a child to achieve that benefit? If you don't see benefits of probiotics after that period of time, should you stop taking probiotics? Dosage like? What probiotics are recommended? Are there reasons your child shouldn't take probiotics? Because the long-term benefit of probiotics is unknown, probiotics should not be used as a prophylactic measure, unless recommended by a physician.

Articles refer to the source: healthline.com