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Probiotics for infantile colic: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating Lactobacillus

Kim Chau1, Eddy Lau2, Saul Greenberg3

  • 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Ontario, Canada.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|December 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 significantly reduced crying and fussing in breastfed infants with colic. This probiotic intervention offers an effective treatment for infantile colic, improving infant well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Infantile colic is a common condition affecting breastfed infants.
  • Current treatments for infantile colic have limited efficacy.
  • Probiotics are being explored as a potential therapeutic option.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in treating infantile colic.
  • To compare L. reuteri DSM 17938 with a placebo in breastfed Canadian infants.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
  • 52 infants diagnosed with colic received either L. reuteri DSM 17938 (10^8 CFU) or placebo daily for 21 days.
  • Infant crying, fussing times, and adverse events were monitored via diaries and questionnaires.

Main Results:

  • Infants receiving L. reuteri DSM 17938 experienced significantly shorter total crying and fussing times compared to the placebo group (P = .028).
  • A significant reduction in daily crying and fussing was observed by day 21 in the probiotic group (P = .045).
  • A higher proportion of infants in the L. reuteri DSM 17938 group showed a ≥50% reduction in crying time (P = .035).

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 administration effectively improved colic symptoms in breastfed infants.
  • The probiotic significantly reduced crying and fussing times, indicating its therapeutic potential for infantile colic.
Abstract

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