Role of protein rich maternal diet in infantile colic

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neonatology
• Maternal Nutrition

Background:

• Infantile colic is a common condition affecting up to 19% of infants under three months.
• Characterized by prolonged, inconsolable crying, it causes significant maternal stress and disrupts family life.
• The exact cause of infantile colic remains unclear, prompting investigations into various contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential link between maternal dietary habits and the occurrence of infantile colic in exclusively breastfed infants.
• To identify specific food items consumed by mothers that may be associated with colic symptoms in their infants.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted involving 110 infants presenting with colic symptoms at a pediatric department over one year.
• Maternal dietary intake, specifically consumption within the 48 hours preceding the infant's colic episode, was recorded.
• Infant age, time of presentation, and specific maternal food consumption were analyzed for correlations.

Main Results:

• The majority of infants (50%) were between 2-3 months old, with most cases presenting during non-outpatient hours.
• Maternal consumption of pulses was reported in 30.9% of cases, followed by buffalo milk (20%).
• A significant number of mothers (n=34) reported consuming pulses in their diet within 48 hours of the infant's colic.

Conclusions:

• Maternal intake of protein-rich foods, particularly pulses, is suggested as a potential contributing factor to infantile colic in breastfed infants.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the role of specific dietary components in infantile colic etiology.
• Identifying dietary triggers could offer a non-pharmacological approach to managing infantile colic.