March 1, 2024
Lactobacillus reuteri Drops May Ease Infant Colic: Results of a Randomized Trial
A randomized trial assessed Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30351 for colic and functional gastrointestinal symptoms in infants.
Colic, regurgitation, constipation, and diarrhea are common in the first months of life. Researchers assessed whether the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30351 could ease these symptoms.
Study design
This randomized, placebo-controlled study included 90 full-term infants aged 1–4 months. It was conducted at two clinics in Moscow between March 2020 and May 2022. Infants received five drops of the probiotic (2 × 10⁸ CFU) or placebo daily for 25 days. Parents recorded crying, stools, and regurgitation; gut microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Results
Among infants with colic, episodes decreased by an average of 6.3 compared with 3.0 in the placebo group. Total daily crying time fell by 144 minutes versus 80 minutes. Regurgitation also decreased, and infants with constipation had more frequent stools (2.2 versus 0.9 bowel movements). Sequencing suggested the probiotic supported dominant beneficial species and suppressed opportunistic ones. In an additional in vitro test, L. reuteri inhibited the growth of pathogenic clostridia. No adverse events were reported.
Authors’ conclusion
The authors concluded that L. reuteri NCIMB 30351 may be a safe and effective option for infant colic and functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Source: Tyrsin O. Y. et al. European Journal of Pediatrics, 2024. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04262648.
