Does anyone know about probiotics?

[Surfermum]

Dd gets vaginitis and sometimes urine infections. We've just been seen at the hospital and they're investigating whether there is anything going on, but in the meantime the Consultant suggested that she has a Yakult every day.

So I was wondering if I need to get specifically Yakult, or if one of the supermarket brands or Munch Bunch will do the same job? I will try her on Yakult but if she doesn't like the taste I was thinking I might have to get a more flavoured one.

Are they the same or not?

this was recommended to me by a MNer. It's a powder you can mix with ordinary food - I used to mix it in with an ordinary drinking yoghurt.

recommended here

Thanks Soupy that's really helpful .

Actimel is good, and comes in a number of flavours. There was an article in the saturday times about the studies they are doing at the moment into these and the effects they have. I shall see if I can find it on line for you.

standard bioactive yoghurts don't have the numbers of active micro-organisms to achieve much in the way of bowel organism balancing. specific probiotic products contain much higher levels of micro-organisms.

If you go into the times website and then put in actimel into their search engine you will find the article, or look at this
www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article5568476.ece

Thank you coneflower and thumbwitch .

I give my ds this I don't know much about different kinds but this one has a high microorganism count and has several strains. I wanted something that may impact on ds allergies and one of the strains had been used in study that reduced infant eczema when taken during pregnancy. Its for 5-15 yo but their is an infant version too.

I've been giving this for my two DCs, it's especially formulated for children (sorry don't know how to link):

www.protexin.com/health-care/product_detail.php?pID=16

We use Biocare Acidophilus Plus powder- and have done since DD was 3 months old (use it with both DCs). DD is permanently on antibiotics due to having cystic fibrosis and if we miss the probiotic powder she almost instantly gets thrush. I really think it helps support the immune system. This particular brand was suggested by a medical herbalist and informally endorsed by her consultant. We buy the strawberry flavour one- both DCs love it so I don't have to even conceal it in food, just give it on a teaspoon with breakfast & dinner!

Good luck x

Thank you all, this is really helpful. My local healthfood shop tried to help but weren't very sure about doses or products for children.