Impact of L. reuteri on infantile colic and parental quality of life

Summaries 1 min 77

Font Size

Created On: 21/07/2025

Infantile colic, marked by persistent and excessive crying in otherwise healthy infants, poses a notable concern for both caregivers and medical professionals.

See All

Key take away

L. reuteri reduces infantile colic symptoms (like crying, burping, fussiness, and facial flushing) and improves parental quality of life by positively affecting gut microbiota in breastfed infants.

Background

Infantile colic, marked by persistent and excessive crying in otherwise healthy infants, poses a notable concern for both caregivers and medical professionals. This study explored the effectiveness of Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) UBLRu-87 in reducing colic symptoms and improving the quality of life (QOL) of parents.

Method

In this randomized controlled trial, 80 exclusively breastfed infants aged 4 months or younger were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to get either L. reuteri UBLRu-87 drops or a placebo that was visually identical. Over a 28-day period, researchers monitored changes in crying duration, burping, facial redness, and irritability. Parental quality of life was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), and stool samples were collected to examine changes in gut microbiota before and after the intervention.

Result

The probiotic group showed a marked reduction in colic symptoms, especially in terms of reduced crying time. Additional improvements were witnessed in burping, fussiness, and facial flushing. A higher percentage of infants in the probiotic group attained at least a 50% drop in crying time. Parents of these infants also reported prominent improvements in their quality of life. Microbial analysis revealed beneficial alterations in the gut flora of the probiotic group, with increased levels of Bifidobacteria and Firmicutes, and decreased presence of potentially harmful bacteria like Enterococci, Staphylococci, and Streptococci.

Conclusion

Supplementation with L. reuteri UBLRu-87 effectively relieved colic symptoms and enhanced parental well-being, indicating its potential as a supportive therapy for infantile colic by modulating gut microbiota.