Do Probiotics Help Treat Colic in Babies?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, show promise in reducing crying time in infants with colic, especially in those who are breastfed. They are generally safe and may offer a beneficial treatment option for managing colic. However, the effectiveness of other probiotic strains remains uncertain, and further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore their impact on formula-fed infants.

Infantile colic is a common condition characterized by excessive crying in otherwise healthy infants. It affects a significant number of families and can be distressing for both infants and parents. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms that provide health benefits, have been proposed as a potential treatment for colic by altering the gut microbiota.

Key Insights

• Reduction in Crying Time with Probiotics:
  • Several studies indicate that probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, can reduce crying time in infants with colic, especially in breastfed infants1 2 4 5 7 8 9.
  • A meta-analysis found that infants receiving probiotics had a significant reduction in crying duration compared to those receiving a placebo5 9.
• Effectiveness in Breastfed vs. Formula-fed Infants:
  • Probiotics, especially L. reuteri DSM 17938, appear to be more effective in reducing colic symptoms in breastfed infants compared to formula-fed infants2 8 9.
• Safety of Probiotics:
  • Probiotics are generally considered safe for infants, with no significant adverse effects reported in the studies1 4 7 8.
• Mixed Results for Different Probiotic Strains:
  • While L. reuteri DSM 17938 shows consistent benefits, other probiotic strains have shown variable efficacy, and the evidence is not strong enough to draw definitive conclusions2 6 9.
• Prophylactic Use of Probiotics:
  • Some studies suggest that the prophylactic use of probiotics can reduce the onset of colic and other gastrointestinal disorders, potentially lowering healthcare costs and improving quality of life for families1 7.

Do probiotics help treat colic in babies?

Do probiotics help treat colic in babies?