Lactobacillus Reuteri Versus Herbal Drop in the Treatment of Infantile Colic: a Prospective Study

Infantile colic ıs one of the most common problems within the first 3 months of life, affecting as many as 3% to 28% of newborn children. It consists of a behavioral syndrome characterized by paroxysmal, excessive, inconsolable crying without identifiable cause. Lactobacillus reuteri, one of the few endogenous lactobacillus species in the human gastrointestinal tract, has been used safely for many years as a probiotic dietary supplement in adults, and recent data demonstrated safety after long-term dietary supplementation for newborn infants. The positive effects of this probiotic on intestinal disorders such as constipation and diarrhea and in protection from infection,as well as its capacity to modulate immune responses.

The aim was to test the hypothesis that oral administration of Lactobacillus reuteri in a prospective randomized controlled study would improve symptoms of infantile colic.

Inclusion criteria

• infants three weeks to three months
• infants with colic three hours of crying on three days in the week
• infants feeding with breast milk
• infants weighing 2500 to 4000 gram

Exclusion criteria

• chronic illness
• gastrointestinal disorders
• infants received either antibiotics or probiotics in the previous week