Infantile colic: Is there a role for dietary interventions?

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neonatology
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Infantile colic is a common behavioral syndrome in early childhood, marked by irritability and crying.
• While it typically self-resolves, infantile colic can cause significant parental distress.
• The exact etiology remains unknown, prompting research into various influencing factors, including nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of infantile colic's etiology and management.
• To evaluate the efficacy of different nutritional interventions for infantile colic.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for managing infantile colic in infants.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on infantile colic and nutrition.
• Analysis of studies investigating dietary modifications in breastfed and bottle-fed infants.
• Evaluation of evidence for soy-based formulas, lactase therapy, and probiotics.

Main Results:

• Most infants with colic do not benefit from general nutritional interventions.
• A subset of infants may experience colic due to cow's milk protein allergy, responding to hypoallergenic diets or extensively hydrolyzed formulas.
• Soy-based formulas and lactase therapy are not recommended; probiotic efficacy is unproven.

Conclusions:

• Nutritional management for infantile colic is only beneficial for a minority of infants with specific allergies.
• Extensively hydrolyzed formulas and maternal hypoallergenic diets are recommended for infants with suspected cow's milk protein allergy.
• Parental support is crucial in managing infantile colic, regardless of the intervention used.