The Gastrointestinal Microbiome in Infant Colic: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Infantile colic is a common condition causing significant distress to infants and families, with an unknown cause.
• Gastrointestinal dysfunction and microbiome alterations are suspected contributors to colic.
• Specific bacterial imbalances, including increased gas-producing bacteria and decreased anti-inflammatory bacteria, are observed in colicky infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing research on the gastrointestinal microbiome in infants with colic.
• To understand microbiome changes during the natural resolution of colic without probiotic intervention.
• To inform future research on colic prevention and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology was employed.
• The review synthesized findings from 21 primary research articles.
• Data focused on the gastrointestinal microbiome composition at colic onset and resolution.

Main Results:

• Infants with colic exhibit distinct gut microbiome profiles compared to non-colicky infants.
• Specific shifts in bacterial populations are associated with colic onset.
• Evidence on microbiome changes during natural colic resolution is limited but emerging.

Conclusions:

• The gut microbiome plays a role in infantile colic etiology.
• Understanding natural microbiome resolution may reveal therapeutic targets.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and develop effective interventions.