Kefir for children can be a reasonable addition to the diet, as it contains probiotics that may support gut health. However, caution is warranted: for infants under 1 year, kefir is not recommended due to potential cow's milk protein allergy risk and lower nutritional value compared to breast milk or formula. For older children, plain, pasteurized kefir without added sugar can be introduced in small amounts. Importantly, IgG food intolerance tests (often marketed for kefir components) are not scientifically validated (PMC5004213) and can lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions. If a child experiences bloating or digestive issues after kefir, consult a pediatrician or allergist rather than relying on commercial tests. The evidence for kefir's health benefits in children is mostly mechanistic or extrapolated from adult studies; robust pediatric RCTs are lacking. Therefore, kefir can be part of a balanced diet but is not a magic bullet.
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