A newly published trial has revealed that a widely available probiotic reduced average daily crying time in babies with colic by at least half in 82.6% of infants.
Colic is a very common condition that affects around one in five babies. Symptoms include excessive and inconsolable crying in a baby that otherwise appears to be healthy and well-fed.
In the trial, the seven strain probiotic and prebiotic mixture found in Bio-Kult Infantis resolved the symptoms of colic entirely in 39 per cent of cases.
The study involved infants aged two weeks to four months who had been diagnosed with colic. The infants were randomly assigned to receive a placebo or the probiotic mixture for 30 days. Parents were asked to keep symptom diaries to record the results.
Infants who took the probiotic saw a significant improvement in symptoms and in some cases symptoms had completely resolved.
Bio-Kult Infantis, which is available in sachet form from Irish pharmacies, also includes prebiotics, Vitamin D
3 to contribute to the normal function of the immune system and is high in Omega 3. The formula does not contain artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
“It has long been suggested that altered gut flora is a contributory factor in the development of infantile colic. This trial helps to support that theory and indeed helps to support the use of certain probiotics in the management of colic.” said Dr Mayur R Joshi, Medical Advisor for Probiotics International Ltd (Protexin), manufacturers of Bio-Kult Infantis.
Dr Joshi believes the study supports the case for larger trials to see whether probiotics can prevent infant colic as opposed to treat it.
Does your baby suffer from colic? Here are some other ways to ease it until it passes.
