Infantile colic and small intestinal function: a nutritional problem?

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology
• Allergy

Background:

• Infant colic affects a significant number of infants, characterized by excessive crying.
• A subset of these infants exhibits colic directly related to cow's milk consumption.
• Abnormal intestinal function is suspected in colicky infants, but its exact nature remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the prevalence of cow's milk-dependent colic in infants.
• To propose dietary management strategies for cow's milk-dependent colic.
• To explore potential indicators of abnormal intestinal function in colicky infants.

Main Methods:

• Observational analysis of infant colic cases.
• Dietary intervention recommendations for breastfed and formula-fed infants.
• Review of physiological markers associated with intestinal function.

Main Results:

• Approximately 25% of infants with moderate to severe colic are dependent on cow's milk.
• A strict cow's milk-free maternal diet or casein-hydrolysate formula is recommended.
• Several signs suggest abnormal intestinal function in colicky infants, including increased macromolecular absorption and altered gut hormone levels.

Conclusions:

• Cow's milk is a significant trigger for colic in a quarter of affected infants.
• Dietary modifications are effective in managing cow's milk-dependent colic without nutritional compromise.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying intestinal abnormalities in infantile colic.