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Macromolecular absorption in infants with infantile colic
L Lothe1, T Lindberg, I Jakobsson
1Department of Pediatrics, Malmö General Hospital, University of Lund, Sweden.
Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Infants with colic show increased intestinal absorption of macromolecules like human alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA). This suggests the gut lining may be affected in colicky infants, regardless of feeding type.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
Background:
- Infantile colic is a common condition in newborns.
- The intestinal barrier function in infants with colic is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intestinal permeability in breast-fed and formula-fed infants with infantile colic.
- To use human alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) as a marker for macromolecule absorption.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected 30 and 60 minutes post-feeding from colicky and control infants.
- Human alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) levels were quantified using competitive radioimmunoassay.
- Infants were categorized by age (0-3 months) and feeding type (breast milk or formula).
Main Results:
- Breast-fed infants with colic had significantly higher serum alpha-LA levels compared to controls across all age groups (0-1, 1-2, 2-3 months).
- Formula-fed infants with colic also showed significantly elevated serum alpha-LA levels compared to controls at 1-2 and 2-3 months.
- Median alpha-LA levels in colicky infants were substantially higher than in control groups.
Conclusions:
- Increased absorption of human alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LA) in infantile colic suggests compromised intestinal barrier function.
- The findings indicate that the gut mucosa may be affected in infants experiencing colic.
- This increased permeability may be a contributing factor to infantile colic.