One of the most effective probiotic products available to day is Lactobacillus Reuteri, also known as L. reuteri or L. reuteri Protectis. This amazing probiotic has been shown in many different types of scientific and clinical studies to be very effective in helping both adults and children with a variety of health related concerns. Lactobacillus reuteri has even been demonstrated to be useful in treating colic.

In fact, studies have shown that not only is Lactobacillus reuteri effective at treating colic for some babies, it is more effective at treating colic than certain medications. Specifically, one study compared the effectiveness of the anti-gas medication simethicone, which is often used to treat colic in Europe, with Lactobacillus Reuteri. The study demonstrated that colicky babies given Lactobacillus Reuteri would actually cry for as much as an hour and a half less in a given week than babies that were given simethicone. There have been other studies, as well, that have shown that Lactobacillus Reuteri seems to provide more relief for colic than a placebo.

The reasons that Lactobacillus reuteri can help with colic has to do with how probiotics themselves work. Colic is thought, in a great many cases at least, to be caused by issues with the digestive system. Lactobacillus reuteri is actually a type of beneficial bacteria that is found to be naturally occurring in the digestive system. This bacteria, along with the rest of the microorganisms in the digestive system, make up the “gut flora.” It is the job of Lactobacillus reuteri and the rest of the gut flora to help with digestion, to help absorb nutrients, and even to help create a protective barrier against harmful substances. Lactobacillus can even help to block the reaction of the body to food allergies.

While not every baby with colic will be helped with Lactobacillus reuteri or another probiotic, the fact remains that studies show Lactobacillus reuteri to be one of the most effective ways of treating colic available.