Reuteri Improves Colic in Babies 

In the study, ninety breastfed colicky infants were assigned randomly to receive either the probiotic L. reuteri (Biogaia^®) (10 billion live bacteria daily) or 60mg a day of Simethicone (the most commonly used pharmaceutical for colic) for 28 days. The mothers avoided cow's milk in their diet, and were asked to monitor daily crying times and adverse effects. At the end of the 28 days, 95% of parents using the probiotic supplement reported positive results with infant crying time reduced by up to 74%. Of the Smithecone group only 7% had positive results, with reduced crying time of only 26%. No adverse effects were reported in either group. The researchers concluded that L. reuteri may significantly improve colic symptoms in breastfed infants within 1 week of treatment, compared with Simethicone, which suggests that probiotics may have a role in the treatment of infantile colic.

(F. Savino et-al, Pediatrics, Jan 2007, Volume 119, Number 1).

Nutritionists Comment:

Infantile colic is one of the most common problems during the first three months of an infant's life, and can affect up to 28% of newborns. Its symptoms include excessive and inconsolable crying with no identifiable cause.

This study has several limitations to note — no placebo, no blinding, all infants were breastfed, etc. Despite these, this small scale study is a first of its kind to show the significant benefits of L. reuteri for colicky infants. This can be added to the long list of researched conditions this strain of good bacteria can be used for.

(Originally published in Health & Herbal News Magazine Volume 17, Issue 2)