Lactobacillus reuteri to Treat Infant Colic: A Meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#abdominal-pain #administration-oral #colic #crying #double-blind-method

Lactobacillus reuteri to Treat Infant Colic: A Meta-analysis

Sung et al., 2018 | Pediatrics | Meta Analysis

Citation

Sung Valerie, D'Amico Frank, ... Tancredi Daniel. Lactobacillus reuteri to Treat Infant Colic: A Meta-analysis. Pediatrics. 2018-Jan;141(1). doi:10.1542/peds.2017-1811

Abstract

CONTEXT: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 has shown promise in managing colic, but conflicting study results have prevented a consensus on whether it is truly effective. OBJECTIVE: Through an individual participant data meta-analysis, we sought to definitively determine if L reuteri DSM17938 effectively reduces crying and/or fussing time in infants with colic and whether effects vary by feeding type. DATA SOURCES: We searched online databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Cochrane), e-abstracts, and clinical trial registries. STUDY SELECTION: These were double-blind randomized controlled trials (published by June 2017) of L reuteri DSM17398 versus a placebo, delivered orally to infants with colic, with outcomes of infant crying and/or fussing duration and treatment success at 21 days. DATA EXTRACTION: We collected individual participant raw data from included studies modeled simultaneously in multilevel generalized linear mixed-effects regression models. RESULTS: Four double-blind trials involving 345 infants with colic (174 probiotic and 171 placebo) were included. The probiotic group averaged less crying and/or fussing time than the placebo group at all time points (day 21 adjusted mean difference in change from baseline [minutes] -25.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): -47.3 to -3.5]). The probiotic group was almost twice as likely as the placebo group to experience treatment success at all time points (day 21 adjusted incidence ratio 1.7 [95% CI: 1.4 to 2.2]). Intervention effects were dramatic in breastfed infants (number needed to treat for day 21 success 2.6 [95% CI: 2.0 to 3.6]) but were insignificant in formula-fed infants. LIMITATIONS: There were insufficient data to make conclusions for formula-fed infants with colic. CONCLUSIONS: L reuteri DSM17938 is effective and can be recommended for breastfed infants with colic. Its role in formula-fed infants with colic needs further research.

Key Findings

Four double-blind trials involving 345 infants with colic (174 probiotic and 171 placebo) were included. The probiotic group averaged less crying and/or fussing time than the placebo group at all time points (day 21 adjusted mean difference in change from baseline [minutes] -25.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): -47.3 to -3.5]). The probiotic group was almost twice as likely as the placebo group to experience treatment success at all time points (day 21 adjusted incidence ratio 1.7 [95% CI: 1.4 to

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Administration, Oral
  • Colic
  • Crying
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Limosilactobacillus reuteri
  • Male
  • Probiotics
  • Prognosis
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
  • Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

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