Udo's Choice Children's Blend Microbiotics – 5 Billion CFU, Ages 5–15

Seven strains formulated for ages 5 to 15. Five billion cells at manufacture, three billion guaranteed at expiry.

• 5 billion live cells at manufacture, 3 billion guaranteed at expiry
• Seven strains, at levels set for children rather than scaled down from an adult dose
• The only formula in the range containing Lactobacillus fermentum
• Capsules can be opened and stirred into cool food or drink
• FOS-free and gluten free · Suitable for vegetarians
• Refrigerated · 60 capsules

Microbiotic is what Udo's calls these. You may know them as probiotics — here is why the word differs.

Not an adult formula in a smaller dose

The straightforward way to make a children's supplement is to take the adult one and halve it. This is not that.

The strain list differs from the adult blends, not just the quantity. It includes Lactobacillus fermentum (HA-179), which appears in no other product in the Udo's Choice range, and it is the only formula with seven strains at this cell count.

The composition

Which age, which formula

The Babies & Toddler's powder contains Bifidobacterium infantis, a species characteristic of the infant gut; this formula does not. If your child is around the five-year boundary, that difference is the one to weigh.

If they will not swallow a capsule

Most won't, at least at first. The capsule can be opened and the contents stirred into cool food or a cold drink — yoghurt, milk, juice, apple purée.

Not into anything hot. Heat kills live bacteria, so no warm milk, no porridge straight off the hob, and nothing that has just come out of the microwave.

Which figure to compare

Microbiotic labels quote either the count at manufacture or the count guaranteed at the end of shelf life. Udo's declares both — 5 billion and 3 billion. Many children's products publish only the higher figure without saying which it is, which makes them look stronger than they are on the day you actually use them.

FOS-free

Many microbiotics add fructooligosaccharides as a prebiotic. FOS is a fermentable carbohydrate, and some children find fermentable carbohydrates uncomfortable. There is none added here.

How to take it

One capsule daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional. Refrigerate.

Common questions

My child is 4. Can they take this?
This formula starts at 5. The Babies & Toddler's Blend covers up to age 5 and is a powder, which is easier at that age.

My child is 16.
The Adult's Blend is formulated from 15 upward and carries 10 billion at expiry.

Can I mix it into a hot drink?
No. Cool food and drink only.

Why is the cell count lower than the adult versions?
Because it is set for children rather than adults. A higher number is not automatically better at this age.

Does it need refrigerating?
Yes.

Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes. The capsule is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, not gelatine.

Ingredients

Potato starch (carrier), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (vegetarian capsule), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HA-111) 25%, Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA-122) 20%, Lactobacillus fermentum (HA-179) 5%, Lactobacillus casei (HA-108) 30%, Bifidobacterium bifidum (HA-132) 5%, Lactobacillus plantarum (HA-119) 10%, ascorbic acid (antioxidant), stearic acid (emulsifier), Bifidobacterium breve (HA-129) 5%, silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent).

Gluten free. No added FOS (fructooligosaccharides). Contains traces of milk and soya which are used in the manufacturing process.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Keep out of the reach of children.