Probiotics for infantile colic: Is there evidence beyond doubt? A meta-analysis and systematic review

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#infant #pregnancy #female #humans #colic

Probiotics for infantile colic: Is there evidence beyond doubt? A meta-analysis and systematic review

Vaz et al., 2024 | Acta Paediatr | Meta Analysis

Citation

Vaz Sáskia Ribeiro, Tofoli Marise Helena, ... da Costa Paulo Sérgio Sucasas. Probiotics for infantile colic: Is there evidence beyond doubt? A meta-analysis and systematic review. Acta Paediatr. 2024-Feb;113(2):170-182. doi:10.1111/apa.17036

Abstract

AIM: This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that employed probiotics and symbiotics for treating infantile colic. METHODS: We performed electronic systematic literature searches in Embase, PubMed and Web of Science, to identify articles published between 1950 and April 2023. Only RCT involving infants with infantile colic under 3 months were included. The treatment plan comprised 15 probiotics, which included Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 and Bifidobacterium animalis lactis BB-12. The probiotics were administered alone or in combination with a prebiotic, vs. no intervention or a placebo. RESULTS: Probiotics resulted in an average reduction of 51 min of crying per day (p = 0.001). Further analysis of subgroups showed that the reduction was -39.30 min for vaginal delivery (p = 0.003), -64.66 min for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (p = 0.03), -40.45 min for other strains (p < 0.00001), -74.28 min for exclusively breastfed infants (p = 0.0003) and -48.04 min for mixed feeding (p < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: All probiotic strains seem effective in treating infantile colic. Exclusively breastfed infants have demonstrated more significant reduction in crying time. However, the available evidence on the effectiveness of probiotics in formula-fed and caesarean-born infants is limited.

Key Findings

Probiotics resulted in an average reduction of 51 min of crying per day (p = 0.001). Further analysis of subgroups showed that the reduction was -39.30 min for vaginal delivery (p = 0.003), -64.66 min for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (p = 0.03), -40.45 min for other strains (p < 0.00001), -74.28 min for exclusively breastfed infants (p = 0.0003) and -48.04 min for mixed feeding (p < 0.00001).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Infant
  • Pregnancy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Colic
  • Breast Feeding
  • Probiotics
  • Emotions
  • Prebiotics
  • Limosilactobacillus reuteri

Evidence Classification

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

Provenance

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