Infant colic is a major concern for the parents of babies who suffer from it, and continually tries to find out its causes and find solutions that relieve the discomfort of the little ones.
Some of the latest research has pointed out the benefits of probiotics in these cases, but, In infants with infant colic, are probiotics effective in decreasing the intensity and duration of crying?
In the latest issue of Evidence in Pediatrics, two studies are discussed, which we already mentioned at the time and that indicated the possibility that Lactobacillus reuteri was effective in relieving colic.
However, after analyzing both studies, the authors of this review question the results. Hence the title of this interesting document: "In children with infant colic, probiotics do not seem to decrease the duration of crying".
After reviewing the previous studies, the authors are prudent when drawing conclusions, noting that with currently existing data, it is premature to determine that the L. reuteri strains studied are really effective in relieving colic colic symptoms. infant:
In order to determine its effect with greater precision, randomized clinical trials independent of the pharmaceutical industry would be necessary and that would evaluate, in addition to the duration of crying, other clinically important variables, such as the frequency of health services.
Some are found "failures" in trials, as one of them was not masked (a fact that could be a source of bias), or that the small sample size produced imbalances in various variables, some of which (such as atopy family history) could be potential confounding variables .
In addition, one of the studies was funded by the company producing the L. reuteri preparation, which was also responsible for providing the preparation of this probiotic. The independence of funding would be a necessary factor for this type of study, to eliminate any possibility of interest.
Finally, all infants participating in the studies were fed exclusively breastfeeding, which prevents the generalization of the results to other children who receive mixed breastfeeding or formula milk exclusively.
In short, we can point out that, of the studies conducted on the effectiveness of some interventions, neither does the use of probiotics to relieve colic in infants get conclusive results. We will return soon on the recommendations to relieve infant colic.
