Probiotics and Colic
The million dollar question is: How can L. reuteri help colic?
Some think one cause of colic in babies is stomach discomfort. If baby has problems breaking down breast milk or formula, this can lead to gas, cramps, and general discomfort. And crying, lots of crying. Reflux could also be a common cause of infant colic and discomfort
L. reuteri is a probiotic which is also called friendly bacteria, good bacteria, or friendly microbes. It contains beneficial bacteria that help the body produce natural, healthy gut flora.
L. reuteri has been studied extensively to see if it can help your colicky baby. Studies have shown that it does make a big difference, and that means baby is comfortable and cries less! Probiotics can aid your infant's digestion, and that means less reflux and less stomach pains.
A study at the Pediatric Clinic at Turin University Hospital found that babies with colic had imbalanced digestive systems. They found more colonies of harmful bacteria than good bacteria. They think this might be one reason why some babies suffer with colic.
In another study colicky babies averaged 3 hours and 17 minutes of crying each day. They gave one group of babies L. reuteri supplements, and another group simethicone (gas drops). The study found that after 28 days the infants that were given the probiotic L. reuteri now averaged only 51 minutes of crying per day!
95% of these babies had less colic symptoms after 7 days! Only 7% of the simethicone (gas drops) group had improvement.
L. reuteri is naturally found in breast milk. A woman taking L. reuteri supplements while breastfeeding will pass the beneficial L. reuteri to her baby, and thus reduce colic.
Formula-fed babies
Colicky babies that are formula fed also benefit from, becuase probiotics improves overall digestion. The good bacteria created by probiotics like L. reuteri can help reduce colic symptoms that may be caused by:
- Reflux
- Sensitive tummy
- Milk sensitivity
- Lactose intolerance
Formula fed babies might be lacking L. reuteri, which is naturally found in breast milk. Formula might not provide everything baby needs for smooth digestion.
