If you could find a way to help cut down on the number of colds your child has, prevent your baby from getting eczema, ease the symptoms of colic, and help prevent or treat diarrhea and other intestinal ailments, would you give it to your child? Well, the good news is, probiotics may do all that and more when used as a supplement for children. A number of physicians and researchers have weighed in on the subject, including the head of the gastroenterology department at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Dan W. Thomas, M.D., who is the coauthor of American Association of Pediatrics report on probiotics and kids. He recommends checking with your child’s doctor before administering probiotics, but it is important to note that many doctors may be poorly informed about probiotics. Some of Dr. Thomas’ research will appear later in our discussion. [Read more…]