Probiotics for the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review

Anna Schreck Bird1, Philip J Gregory1,2, Mohamed A Jalloh1

  • 11 Center for Drug Information & Evidence-Based Practice, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA.

Insights

Probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri significantly reduced crying time in colicky infants. This probiotic intervention was found to be safe and effective for breastfed babies experiencing colic.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Infantile colic is a common condition in newborns.
  • Probiotics are suggested as a potential management strategy.
  • Specific probiotic strains studied in infants are generally considered safe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of probiotics for infantile colic.
  • To assess clinical data supporting probiotic use.
  • To determine if probiotics can manage colic symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
  • Included RCTs focused on crying/fussing time as primary endpoint.
  • Meta-analysis compared probiotic responders vs. non-responders.

Main Results:

  • Five RCTs involving Lactobacillus reuteri strains were analyzed.
  • Infants receiving probiotics showed a 2.3-fold increased chance of reduced crying.
  • No adverse events were associated with probiotic supplementation.

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation is safe and effective for breastfed infants with colic.
  • Further research is required for formula-fed infants.
  • Probiotics show promise in managing infantile colic.
Abstract

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