TURIN, Italy—Daily administration with Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM 17938) in early breastfed infants improved symptoms of colic and was both well-tolerated and safe, according to new research published in the September issue of Pediatrics journal (126(3): e526-e533). The University of Turin researchers also reported supplementation with the probiotic also affected microbiota health, which might be the mechanism behind the colic relief experienced in the trial.
Fifty infants diagnosed with colic were randomly assigned to receive either L. reuteri (108 colony-forming units) or placebo daily for 21 days. Researchers relied on parental questionnaires to assess crying time, and collected stool samples for microbial analysis. Of the 46 infants completing the trial, 25 were on the supplement, and 21 were taking the placebo. Mean daily crying time decreased in both groups from baseline, but the decrease at the 21-day mark was more drastic in the supplemented group—35 min. for the supplemented group vs. 90 min. for placebo. Researchers also observed a significant increase in fecal L. reuteri content, in conjunction with decreased E. coli content. There were no differences in weight gain, stool frequency or incidence of either constipation or regurgitation between groups, and no adverse events were observed.