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Probiotic interventions in infantile colic

Valerie Sung1

  • 1Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.

Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|March 14, 2015
PubMed

Insights

The probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 may help some breastfed infants with colic, but evidence is conflicting. It is not recommended for formula-fed infants or routine colic prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Infantile colic is a common condition in newborns.
  • Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, have shown promise for colic treatment.
  • Recent studies present conflicting results regarding probiotic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current evidence on the use of probiotics for infantile colic.
  • To discuss the effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in treating and preventing colic.
  • To provide guidance on probiotic use in infants with colic.

Main Methods:

  • Review of published clinical trials and meta-analyses.
  • Analysis of studies investigating Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938.
  • Evaluation of evidence for treatment and prevention of infantile colic.

Main Results:

  • Conflicting trial results exist for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in treating colic.
  • Some evidence suggests efficacy in breastfed infants, but not formula-fed infants.
  • Emerging data indicates potential preventive effects for L. reuteri DSM 17938.

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 may benefit specific subgroups of breastfed infants with colic.
  • Further research, including meta-analyses, is needed to clarify efficacy.
  • Current evidence does not support routine use for colic prevention or treatment in formula-fed infants.
Abstract

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