Probiotics for the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#breast-feeding #colic #humans #limosilactobacillus-reuteri #probiotics

Probiotics for the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review

Schreck et al., 2017 | J Pharm Pract | Systematic Review

Citation

Schreck Bird Anna, Gregory Philip J, ... Hein Darren J. Probiotics for the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Systematic Review. J Pharm Pract. 2017-Jun;30(3):366-374. doi:10.1177/0897190016634516

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether clinical data support the safety and efficacy of probiotics for the management of infantile colic. BACKGROUND: Probiotics have been suggested as a potential strategy for infantile colic, and the specific species that have been studied in healthy infants are considered to be safe. METHODOLOGY: A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the use of probiotic supplementation in infants with colic. RCTs with a primary end point assessing crying or fussing time were selected. A meta-analysis comparing "responders" to "nonresponders" in infants receiving probiotic versus control was conducted. The quality of trials selected was assessed. RESULTS: Five RCTs assessing 2 different strains of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri in mostly breastfed infants were identified. Analysis of response rates showed that infants receiving probiotics had a 2.3-fold greater chance of having a 50% or greater decrease in crying/fussing time compared to controls ( P = .01). Probiotic supplementation was not associated with any adverse events. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with the probiotic L. reuteri in breastfed infants appears to be safe and effective for the management of infantile colic. Further research is needed to determine the role of probiotics in infants who are formula-fed.

Key Findings

Five RCTs assessing 2 different strains of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri in mostly breastfed infants were identified. Analysis of response rates showed that infants receiving probiotics had a 2.3-fold greater chance of having a 50% or greater decrease in crying/fussing time compared to controls ( P = .01). Probiotic supplementation was not associated with any adverse events.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population healthy infants
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Breast Feeding
  • Colic
  • Humans
  • Limosilactobacillus reuteri
  • Probiotics
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09