The Gut Connection: Well-being and Development of Kids

Gut health plays a central role in the overall well-being and development of children, supporting not only their digestion and nutrition status, but also their immune system functioning, mental health, and growth. A balanced gut microbiome improves the ability to absorb nutrients, fight off harmful pathogens, improve mental function and even support emotional well-being. Understanding the importance of nurturing a healthy gut from an early age can set the foundation for lifelong health, making it a key area for parents, caregivers, and health professionals to focus on.

Role of the Gut

The gut has several important functions in human health beyond the role of breaking down food:

• Nutrient absorption: For children, a healthy gut is especially important, as it ensures they absorb the nutrients their bodies need during their early years. These nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and micronutrients, are fundamental for their physical growth, immune system development, and cognitive function. A well-balanced gut microbiome helps optimize digestion and nutrient absorption, providing children with the building blocks necessary for healthy growth.
• Immune System Health: The gut is home to approximately 70%-80% of the body’s immune system cells, making it a critical line of defense against harmful pathogens.¹ If a child’s gut is not functioning as a strong protective barrier, they are more vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Research indicates that dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, during early childhood can increase the risk of developing allergies, asthma and other immune challenges.²
• Nervous System Health: The Gut-Brain Axis refers to the complex communication network between the gut and the brain. This communication involves neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and GABA, which play key roles in regulating emotions like fear and anxiety. Interestingly, many of these neurotransmitters are produced in the gut itself. A healthy, balanced gut microbiome is crucial for the production of these chemicals and the effective transmission of signals. Current research has demonstrated a connection between dysbiosis and cognitive disorders in children, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism.²

Possible Signs of Poor Gut Health in Kids

Suboptimal gut health in children can manifest in several ways, including:³

• Digestive issues: constipation, diarrhea, bloating, discomfort
• Weight challenges: difficulty gaining weight or difficulty maintaining healthy weight
• Behavioral changes: irritability, fatigue, sleep challenges
• Skin disorders: acne, eczema

Simple Ways for Supporting Gut Health in Kids

Fortunately, improving gut health in children can be accomplished through small dietary changes that can have significant benefits. In infants and young toddlers who may still be nursing, drinking formula, or just starting to incorporate solid foods into their routine, probiotics or probiotic-rich foods can help support the developing microbiome. Research shows that nursing parents who supplement with probiotics are able to pass those benefits along to their infants through breast milk, improving infant microbiome health.⁴ Once infants begin introducing solid food, typically around 6 months of age, probiotic-rich foods like yogurt with live cultures, kefir, tempeh and miso can help support their developing microbiome.

Fiber

Dietary fiber is another crucial aspect of supporting gut health. Fiber provides food for the microbiome, allowing the bacteria to produce the short chain fatty acids that help nourish the cells lining the gut, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. Fiber also helps add bulk to the stool and promote bowel regularity, effects that will help with both diarrhea and constipation.

For children, some of the best sources of dietary fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts and seeds. Apples, pears and bananas are particularly rich in fiber, and tend to be popular even with picky eaters. Whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal, as well as starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots are also excellent sources of fiber.

Children ages 1-3 should aim for 19 grams of fiber per day, ages 4-8 should strive for 25 g/day, and ages 9-18 should ideally take in 26-38 grams per day.⁵  If children are not used to eating a fiber-rich diet it will be important to increase their fiber intake slowly to avoid unwanted digestive upset like gas and bloating.

Prebiotics and Colostrum

Prebiotic 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL), a human milk oligosaccharide, is able to support both gut integrity and digestive health by selectively promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria, which contribute to a balanced microbiome. In particular, 2’-FL encourages the production of short-chain fatty acids, compounds that provide energy for gut cells, reduce inflammation, and regulate intestinal permeability.⁶ Research shows that 2’-FL is able to reduce intestinal inflammation and even protect against obesity resulting from eating a high-fat diet.^7,8

Bovine colostrum, the first form of milk produced after birth, can be used alongside 2’-FL to further improve gut health in children. Colostrum provides key bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and growth factors that help maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining, reduce gut permeability, and support mucosal immunity.⁹ Together, 2’-FL and bovine colostrum offer synergistic benefits that promote a resilient digestive system and overall gastrointestinal well-being.

Medicinal Herbs to Support Gut Health in Kids

Medicinal herbs can also be a valuable part of improving children’s gut health. Chamomile is one of the most well-known and studied herbs for supporting digestive function. In children, its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties can help with common digestive complaints like gas, bloating and stomach cramping. Other herbs for supporting children’s digestive systems include catnip, fennel, ginger and lemon balm.

Healthy Gut for Long-Term Well-being

Improving gut health in kids during their early years is one of the most important steps a parent or caregiver can take to support their long-term well-being. A healthy gut in childhood not only contributes to better digestion, immunity, and mental health in the present, but it also lays the foundation for a strong, resilient microbiome that can benefit them throughout their life. Nurturing gut health early on can help prevent future health challenges such as allergies, digestive disorders, and even chronic conditions like obesity or diabetes and sets children up for a healthier, more vibrant future.

Other Children’s Health Articles

How much Protein do Children Need?

Supporting Children’s Immune Health through the Microbiome, Micronutrients, and Medicinal Herbs