Webinar preview: Novonesis boosts children’s health with fun and clinically documented functional probiotics

Children face a host of health challenges during their early years, driven by factors like maturing immune systems and constant interactions in group settings at schools and daycares that cause exposure to a wide range of environmental stressors. As modern families and healthcare providers increasingly look for preventative solutions to support children’s well-being, probiotics are emerging as a promising and science-backed option.

From balancing the gut microbiome to strengthening immune defenses and supporting skin health, probiotics are carving out a growing role in pediatric wellness.

Novonesis says it is at the forefront of this movement. The company states that its diverse portfolio — tailored to the specific needs of the rapidly expanding children’s health market — leverages cutting-edge research and innovation to deliver practical solutions that fit seamlessly into kids’ daily lives.

Ahead of the company’s upcoming webinar, “Probiotics for growing needs: Advance children’s health through science and innovation,” Nutrition Insight sits down with Anne Karina Riise, Novonesis’ global commercial industry manager, and Dr. Stine Ninel Hansen, its global scientific advisor, to discuss the company’s latest applications and delivery formats.

“Recent innovations in probiotic formulations make the solutions more effective and appealing for kids and adolescents by enhancing both their functionality and sensory experience,” says Riise. “While traditional formats like powders, oil drops, and capsules remain widely used, new developments are expanding possibilities, resulting in more enjoyable probiotics.”

Hansen adds: “At Novonesis, we offer probiotic solutions designed to support digestive health and overall well-being for infants, children, and adolescents, supporting their evolving needs at every stage of development.” 

Overcoming children’s health challenges

According to Hansen, probiotics may offer valuable support in managing some of the health challenges that frequently affect infants and young children, impacting their overall well-being. During early development, digestive imbalances can cause discomfort in babies, leading to symptoms like frequent crying and fussiness.Anne Karina Riise, Novonesis’ global commercial industry manager.

She says research suggests that probiotics can help support a healthy gut microbiome, which is key for proper digestion and easing discomfort during this vital growth stage.

“As children grow, they may encounter irregular bowel movements, soft stools, or digestive discomfort that can impact their daily activities,” Hansen reveals. “Probiotics can help support digestive health by promoting a healthy gut flora, which can, in turn, support regular bowel function and overall digestive comfort.”

“Furthermore, as children transition into adolescence, the gut-brain axis becomes increasingly important, positively impacting both physical, emotional, and social well-being. Probiotics can support a healthy gut-brain connection during this transformative period.”

The role of probiotics

Riise also notes that the probiotics market is projected to see strong growth in the years ahead due to increased consumer awareness of gut health’s role in overall wellness. Moreover, she states that interest in probiotic products is expanding beyond digestion to target a wider range of health needs because more parents increasingly understand the importance of gut health in supporting their children’s broader well-being.

Furthermore, she spots a trend toward natural, scientifically supported solutions as parents take a more proactive approach to maintaining their children’s health.

“Probiotics play an important role in supporting immune resilience in children, especially in group settings like schools, where exposure to various environmental factors is more common,” Hansen underscores. “The gut is a key component of the body’s immune system and maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is essential for supporting immune function.”

“By promoting a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, probiotics can help enhance the body’s natural defenses. This can help children better maintain their overall well-being and make them more resilient to health influences and external factors.”

Fun with formats

Riise points out that formats such as chewable supplements meet children’s health needs by utilizing a wide range of fun shapes, vibrant colors, and appealing flavors. These innovations make them more attractive and enjoyable for kids.

She emphasizes that powder formats have also advanced. Options like effervescent powders that dissolve in water and fast-melting or sparkling versions offer novel sensory experiences.Dr. Stine Ninel Hansen, global scientific advisor at Novonesis.

In addition to new formats, progress in biotic science — such as the development of postbiotics and spore-forming strains — has paved the way for creative applications like gummies, expanding the variety of kid-friendly delivery methods even further.

“Additionally, probiotic formulations can be enriched with vitamins, minerals, and specialized prebiotics such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), creating multifunctional solutions that support overall health,” Riise underscores.

“Novonesis offers all these innovations, ensuring that probiotics for children and adolescents are not only effective, but also promote consistent use by making them enjoyable, fun, and easy to incorporate into daily routines.”

The future of children’s wellness

As the probiotic market evolves, Riise states that personalized nutrition is set to become a key trend, with products increasingly tailored to specific age groups, life stages, and health needs.

She further reveals that innovation in product formats — such as chewables, effervescent drinks, and fast-melting powders — also supports market growth by offering fun and convenient options.

“Advancements in probiotic science, including postbiotics and spore-forming probiotics, are further expanding formulation possibilities, making probiotics even more versatile and usable in different applications, such as gummies,” she states. “Together, these trends indicate a vibrant and rapidly evolving market for children’s probiotics, offering a wide range of future opportunities to meet the growing needs of health-conscious parents and their children.”

“By building on trends and insights, we ensure that our products align with the evolving market and lead it forward, always with the consumer at the center,” Riise concludes. “With a broad, scientifically backed portfolio spanning from infancy to adolescence, we are uniquely positioned to shape the future of the children’s probiotic market.”