Florastor® Kids Review and Giveaway and Q&A with Dr. James Sears on Kids & Probiotics
Wednesday, May 06, 2009 Posted by Piera Jolly
I am a big believer in probiotics and as a result, we all take them in my household. Even Lucas has been taking a probiotic since he was just a couple of months old. So when I was asked to review Florastor® Kids, the number-one probiotic worldwide, of course I said yes. Basically, there are billions of microbiota inside the intestines that keep the digestive system working properly. An upset in the balance of these microbiota, or flora, can cause intestinal problems, including diarrhea and abdominal discomfort, which can range from moderate to severe. Florastor® Kids is a clinically-tested, natural, yeast-based probiotic that aids in the growth of good microbiota in the intestines, while destroying and removing pathogenic (bad or disease-causing) microbiota to help maintain or restore optimal intestinal health.
Florastor® Kids is unique because it can be safely given to babies and children from the age of two months. It also comes as a great-tasting powder that can be dissolved in beverages, including infant formula, or soft foods, such as applesauce. I've been giving Lucas his Florastor® Kids and he doesn't even realize he is getting it.
Probiotics are helpful all of the time, but especially when a child is suffering from diarrhea or is prescribed medication, like antibiotics, which are known to upset the balance of flora in the intestines.
Dr. James Sears, board-certified pediatrician, author and co-host of the CBS-TV show “The Doctors,” has recommended Florastor Kids to patients for years, first of all because he’s seen its efficacy in pediatric diarrhea, and because it’s backed by scientific studies.
Here's an awesome Q&A with Dr. Sears about Florastor® Kids and the importance of probiotics:
Q: What are the most common causes of pediatric diarrhea?
A. Like most things in pediatrics, diarrhea is usually caused by a virus. The most common diarrhea-causing viruses are Rotavirus and Norovirus, but most parents just call them “stomach flu”. Kids can also get diarrhea as a side effect of antibiotics.
Q: How should a parent handle food and drink for a child with diarrhea?
A: The key to treating diarrhea is to keep your child hydrated and nourished. Breastmilk, formula, or electrolyte solutions are best for this, also, easy to digest foods will help keep the tummy happy. Cow’s milk can make diarrhea worse, so lay off this for a few days.
Q: At what point should a child with diarrhea be taken to the emergency room?
A. If your child is losing more fluid than he can take in, he runs the risk of becoming dehydrated. This is especially true if he is also vomiting. It’s often the second day of illness when a child will become dehydrated, so watch for decreased urine output – number of wet diapers is less, or trips to the bathroom are less. If your child becomes lethargic, this is also a reason to call the doctor.
Q: Do you recommend probiotics for kids?
A: I’ve been recommending probiotics for years, and it’s now a recognized treatment for kids when they have diarrhea. When kids get diarrhea, a probiotic can help replenish the “good” bacteria that is supposed to be living in the intestine – which will improve their digestion.
Q: What is Florastor Kids?
A: Florastor Kids is a natural probiotic that supports the presence of beneficial (“good”) microbiota in the intestines, which helps keep pathogenic (“bad” or “disease-causing”) microbiota (like bacteria and viruses) from attacking the gut.
Q: What is the active ingredient in Florastor Kids and how does it work?
A: The active ingredient in Florastor Kids is a freeze-dried form of yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii lyo. It helps promote the growth of good microbiota, while attracting and removing pathogens from the intestines.
Q: Have any clinical tests been done to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Florastor Kids?
A: Yes. The active ingredient in Florastor Kids, Saccharomyces boulardii lyo, has been studied in more than 40 clinical trials. Studies have been published in top medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and Gastroenterology magazine.
Q: How do the effects of Florastor Kids differ from those of bacteria-based probiotics, such as acidophilus?
A: One of the key differences in a yeast-based probiotic, such as Florastor Kids, is that it can not be killed by antibiotics, and it, in turn, protects the body’s own flora during the course of antibiotic treatment to guard against antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of “good” and “bad” microbiota in the intestinal tract, causing harmful bacteria to grow far beyond their normal numbers. The result is often frequent, watery bowel movements.
Q: Which kids could benefit from Florastor Kids?
A: Florastor Kids has been proven effective in managing a wide variety of intestinal problems, but is often used to help with:
• Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)
• Acute gastroenteritis (general, sudden onset diarrhea)
• Traveler’s diarrhea
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (C. diff)
• Chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions, such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s
Q: Why would a parent choose to treat a bout of diarrhea with Florastor Kids as opposed to an anti-diarrheal product?
A: Anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) are typically not recommended for young children. Florastor Kids helps remove toxins from the intestines and at the same time bolsters the body’s defense against the pathogens.
Q: How should Florastor Kids be taken?
A: Florastor Kids is a fruit-flavored powder that comes in packets. The powder can be mixed into water, milk, juice or soft foods (such as applesauce), and should be taken twice a day.
Q: How long can Florastor Kids be taken?
A: There is no reason that Florastor Kids can not be taken every day, but it is most often taken once symptoms start, and until symptoms stop. It is recommended to start taking the same day as antibiotic treatment and stopping it once the course of antibiotics is complete. For those wishing to protect themselves from traveler’s diarrhea, it is recommended that Florastor Kids be taken starting four days before the trip starts, and finishing four days after the trip ends.
Q: Who should not take Florastor Kids?
A: Children under two months of age, as well as those with yeast allergies and central venous catheters.
Q: Does Florastor Kids need to be refrigerated?
A: No. Florastor Kids’ freeze-drying process means that the product does not need to be refrigerated, making it ideal for travel.
Q: I went to a few pharmacies in my area and could not find Florastor Kids on the shelves. What can I do?
A: Try asking the pharmacist. Even though it does not require a prescription, many pharmacists may keep it behind the counter so that they can explain its benefits, particularly if they recommend taking it with antibiotics. On www.florastor.com there is a list of local and online pharmacies that stock Florastor Kids.
Want It: Florastor Kids is available in a box of 10 powder packets for a suggested price of $12.95 and in a box of 20 powder packets for a suggested price of $21.95.
Florastor® Kids is unique because it can be safely given to babies and children from the age of two months. It also comes as a great-tasting powder that can be dissolved in beverages, including infant formula, or soft foods, such as applesauce. I've been giving Lucas his Florastor® Kids and he doesn't even realize he is getting it.
Probiotics are helpful all of the time, but especially when a child is suffering from diarrhea or is prescribed medication, like antibiotics, which are known to upset the balance of flora in the intestines.
Dr. James Sears, board-certified pediatrician, author and co-host of the CBS-TV show “The Doctors,” has recommended Florastor Kids to patients for years, first of all because he’s seen its efficacy in pediatric diarrhea, and because it’s backed by scientific studies.Here's an awesome Q&A with Dr. Sears about Florastor® Kids and the importance of probiotics:
Q: What are the most common causes of pediatric diarrhea?
A. Like most things in pediatrics, diarrhea is usually caused by a virus. The most common diarrhea-causing viruses are Rotavirus and Norovirus, but most parents just call them “stomach flu”. Kids can also get diarrhea as a side effect of antibiotics.
Q: How should a parent handle food and drink for a child with diarrhea?
A: The key to treating diarrhea is to keep your child hydrated and nourished. Breastmilk, formula, or electrolyte solutions are best for this, also, easy to digest foods will help keep the tummy happy. Cow’s milk can make diarrhea worse, so lay off this for a few days.
Q: At what point should a child with diarrhea be taken to the emergency room?
A. If your child is losing more fluid than he can take in, he runs the risk of becoming dehydrated. This is especially true if he is also vomiting. It’s often the second day of illness when a child will become dehydrated, so watch for decreased urine output – number of wet diapers is less, or trips to the bathroom are less. If your child becomes lethargic, this is also a reason to call the doctor.
Q: Do you recommend probiotics for kids?
A: I’ve been recommending probiotics for years, and it’s now a recognized treatment for kids when they have diarrhea. When kids get diarrhea, a probiotic can help replenish the “good” bacteria that is supposed to be living in the intestine – which will improve their digestion.
Q: What is Florastor Kids?
A: Florastor Kids is a natural probiotic that supports the presence of beneficial (“good”) microbiota in the intestines, which helps keep pathogenic (“bad” or “disease-causing”) microbiota (like bacteria and viruses) from attacking the gut.
Q: What is the active ingredient in Florastor Kids and how does it work?
A: The active ingredient in Florastor Kids is a freeze-dried form of yeast called Saccharomyces boulardii lyo. It helps promote the growth of good microbiota, while attracting and removing pathogens from the intestines.
Q: Have any clinical tests been done to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Florastor Kids?
A: Yes. The active ingredient in Florastor Kids, Saccharomyces boulardii lyo, has been studied in more than 40 clinical trials. Studies have been published in top medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and Gastroenterology magazine.
Q: How do the effects of Florastor Kids differ from those of bacteria-based probiotics, such as acidophilus?
A: One of the key differences in a yeast-based probiotic, such as Florastor Kids, is that it can not be killed by antibiotics, and it, in turn, protects the body’s own flora during the course of antibiotic treatment to guard against antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs when antibiotics disturb the natural balance of “good” and “bad” microbiota in the intestinal tract, causing harmful bacteria to grow far beyond their normal numbers. The result is often frequent, watery bowel movements.
Q: Which kids could benefit from Florastor Kids?
A: Florastor Kids has been proven effective in managing a wide variety of intestinal problems, but is often used to help with:
• Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)
• Acute gastroenteritis (general, sudden onset diarrhea)
• Traveler’s diarrhea
• Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (C. diff)
• Chronic inflammatory intestinal conditions, such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s
Q: Why would a parent choose to treat a bout of diarrhea with Florastor Kids as opposed to an anti-diarrheal product?
A: Anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide (Imodium) are typically not recommended for young children. Florastor Kids helps remove toxins from the intestines and at the same time bolsters the body’s defense against the pathogens.
Q: How should Florastor Kids be taken?
A: Florastor Kids is a fruit-flavored powder that comes in packets. The powder can be mixed into water, milk, juice or soft foods (such as applesauce), and should be taken twice a day.
Q: How long can Florastor Kids be taken?
A: There is no reason that Florastor Kids can not be taken every day, but it is most often taken once symptoms start, and until symptoms stop. It is recommended to start taking the same day as antibiotic treatment and stopping it once the course of antibiotics is complete. For those wishing to protect themselves from traveler’s diarrhea, it is recommended that Florastor Kids be taken starting four days before the trip starts, and finishing four days after the trip ends.
Q: Who should not take Florastor Kids?
A: Children under two months of age, as well as those with yeast allergies and central venous catheters.
Q: Does Florastor Kids need to be refrigerated?
A: No. Florastor Kids’ freeze-drying process means that the product does not need to be refrigerated, making it ideal for travel.
Q: I went to a few pharmacies in my area and could not find Florastor Kids on the shelves. What can I do?
A: Try asking the pharmacist. Even though it does not require a prescription, many pharmacists may keep it behind the counter so that they can explain its benefits, particularly if they recommend taking it with antibiotics. On www.florastor.com there is a list of local and online pharmacies that stock Florastor Kids.
Want It: Florastor Kids is available in a box of 10 powder packets for a suggested price of $12.95 and in a box of 20 powder packets for a suggested price of $21.95.
Thank you to Mom Select for this review opportunity!
This contest is closed. Congratulations to the winner, Felicia! Winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to contact me.
May 6, 2009 2:42 AM
I learned that Florastor® has been shown to be effective through 50 years of use and many research studies.
May 6, 2009 2:42 AM
I subscribe to Jolly Mom by email.
May 6, 2009 5:46 AM
is not a new product and has been tested and trusted for years
May 6, 2009 5:46 AM
subscriber
May 6, 2009 10:16 AM
I just wanted to say that you always have very helpful informative information on your site. Thanks... I love reading your articles etc.....
May 6, 2009 11:52 AM
Q) Can I take Florastor® if I am pregnant?
A) We have no reason to believe that you cannot.
thx!
picketfence_cartel@hotmail.com
May 6, 2009 11:53 AM
FOLLOW! (madonnapersona)
thx!
-hallie
picketfence_cartel@hotmail.com
May 6, 2009 2:25 PM
You can get these at CVS Pharmacy,
Duane Reade, KerrDrug, Kroger,
Longs Drugs,Publix, Rite Aid,
Target and Walgreens! Thanks for the chance.
chericehodges@gmail.com
May 6, 2009 2:26 PM
I subscribe :)
chericehodges@gmail.com
May 6, 2009 5:29 PM
On their website I learned, "Florastor® helps with your body’s ability to digest food. (Florastor® produces enzymes that help with the digestion of fat, protein and carbohydrate)†"
priscillawallace at sbcglobal dot net
May 6, 2009 5:30 PM
Subscribed, priscillawallace at sbcglobal dot net
May 6, 2009 7:03 PM
You can purchase Florastor at Target!
shan_da(at)hotmail(dot)com
May 6, 2009 7:03 PM
I am following. Thanks
shan_da(at)hotmail(dot)com
May 6, 2009 7:33 PM
Florastor now has a 14 year track history of research and success in the USA mverno@roadrunner.com
May 6, 2009 10:23 PM
It is reccomended that you take floraster once in the morning and once in the evening
May 6, 2009 11:01 PM
I learned that you can take Florastor while taking antibiotics because "Florastor is yeast, antibiotics do not harm it. In fact, Florastor can help protect your body’s own flora while you take antibiotics."
renee
yeloechikee at hotmail dot com
May 6, 2009 11:01 PM
I subscribe
renee
yeloechikee at hotmail dot com
May 7, 2009 5:39 AM
I learned that you can purchase this at Target!! Yeah...my favorite store!! We are just starting down the probiotic road, my infant daughter has eczema and so it is something that we have been researching so I was glad to see this giveaway!!
May 7, 2009 10:59 AM
Florastor is wheat or “gluten” free.
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
May 7, 2009 10:59 AM
I'm a follower through blogger.
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
May 7, 2009 10:59 AM
Your button is in my sidebar.
khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com
May 7, 2009 1:33 PM
It has been around for 50 years! I love probiotics and use them on my daughter they work great!
sarahforseen@hotmail.com
May 7, 2009 1:33 PM
I subscribe
May 7, 2009 1:33 PM
Stumbled sunshine03
May 7, 2009 1:33 PM
have your button
thriftyminnesotamama.blogspot.com
May 7, 2009 3:08 PM
I learned the product has been effective for 50 years.
A side note, probiotics were the only thing that would help my son with his bad baby eczema after he had meningitis when he was 2 months old. The antibiotics took a major toll on his body. Way to go probiotics!
May 7, 2009 3:09 PM
Subscriber.
May 7, 2009 4:38 PM
I learned that you can purchase this product at CVS, which is great because that's where I go for my pharmacy! If I were to win the product and really loved it, I could buy more at my local store. Thanks for the giveaway!
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 7, 2009 4:38 PM
I subscribe via email
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 7, 2009 4:38 PM
I follow you on blogger
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 7, 2009 4:39 PM
I follow you on twitter and tweeted this giveaway
http://twitter.com/annasmama0702/status/1730751019
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 7, 2009 4:39 PM
I stumbled this post (annasmama0702)
annasmama0702@gmail.com
May 8, 2009 7:50 PM
"Florastor is yeast, antibiotics do not harm it. In fact, Florastor can help protect your body’s own flora while you take antibiotics." This is great because my daughter has a reoccuring staph infection and the antibiotics just beat her down :(
May 8, 2009 9:49 PM
Florastor has been in use for 50 years!
elissa at huebert dot org
May 8, 2009 9:50 PM
Subscriber!
May 9, 2009 4:12 PM
Florastor should not be used in conjuction with oral systemic antifungal medications, but can be used with natural antifungal treatments such as garlic, grape seed, etc. Thanks!
lmarston(at)yahoo(dot)com
May 9, 2009 4:12 PM
I'm an email subscriber. Thanks!
lmarston(at)yahoo(dot)com
May 9, 2009 9:52 PM
It has been a proven product for over fifty years of research. Thanks.
legrape1@hotmail.com
May 9, 2009 9:52 PM
Email subscriber. Thanks for the entry.
May 9, 2009 9:52 PM
I follow the blog.
May 11, 2009 9:55 AM
The ingredients in Florastor Kids are: Fructose, Saccharomyces boulardi lyo, lactose, colloidal anhydrous silica, and tutti-frutti flavor.
ldsmom2201 (at) yahoo (dot) com
http://juanshappywife.blogspot.com
http://homeschoolunitstudies.blogspot.com
May 11, 2009 9:40 PM
I commented at button up blog on your guest post.
renee
yeloechikee at hotmail dot com
May 12, 2009 6:11 PM
florastor can be taken even if you are pregnant!
tuesdayef (at) aol dot com
May 14, 2009 8:27 AM
It is recommended to take one (1) capsule in the morning and one (1) capsule in the evening.
May 14, 2009 8:27 AM
Follow you.
May 14, 2009 8:27 AM
Got your button http://justanothernewblog.blogspot.com/.
May 16, 2009 11:54 AM
I learned I can buy it at my local CVS & Walgreens!
May 16, 2009 11:54 AM
I follow you on google!
May 17, 2009 2:23 AM
I learned that Florastor is available at a Walgreen's near me. I'll be looking for it.
May 18, 2009 3:28 PM
You can take one in the morning and one at night.
xo_whitneyleann@yahoo.com
May 18, 2009 3:29 PM
I follow on blogger.
xo_whitneyleann@yahoo.com
May 18, 2009 10:38 PM
Because Florastor is a yeast strain, it is a good probiotic to take while taking antibiotics.
May 19, 2009 6:58 AM
I would love the chance to win, thanks.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net
May 19, 2009 11:22 AM
Florastor is wheat or gluten free. Also, it can help counter the negative effects of antibiotics. We take a probiotic everyday. I will definitely check out Florastor next time!
Thanks for the giveaway!
MereD
meredithdurhan at yahoo dot com
May 19, 2009 7:03 PM
Florastor has been used for 50 years!
May 19, 2009 8:53 PM
It is recommended to take one (1) capsule in the morning and one (1) capsule in the evening
May 19, 2009 10:24 PM
I can pick it up at walgreens!! woohoo!
May 19, 2009 10:24 PM
I subscribe!
May 19, 2009 10:24 PM
I have your button yo!!
May 19, 2009 11:24 PM
I learned that It is recommended to take one (1) capsule in the morning and one (1) capsule in the evening.
clarkmurdock@yahoo.com
May 20, 2009 1:38 AM
Florastor now has a 14 year track history of research and success in the USA
May 20, 2009 12:37 PM
This is exactly what I was looking for.. yesterday! My daughter was just given antibiotics for the first time last week and they gave her a yeast diaper rash! It is awful! I learned; "Florastor can help protect your body’s own flora while you take antibiotics." I wish our Doctor would have warned me last week. :-(
May 20, 2009 3:01 PM
I learned that Florastor is gluten free, which makes it perfect for my family. Thanks!
rlgrady[at]yahoo[dot]com
May 20, 2009 3:36 PM
its been in use 50 years !
May 20, 2009 9:41 PM
You can get them at Target :)
May 20, 2009 11:48 PM
I learned that Florastor helps with your body’s ability to digest food.
May 20, 2009 11:49 PM
I subscribed by email.
December 27, 2010 3:03 PM
This stuff is awesome and tastes like candy.My kids have no problem taking this product.Very pleased!