Probiotics for Babies: Can They Help with Colic?

systematic-review PMID: 28856907

Quick Summary: Research suggests that certain probiotics added to infant formula, like Streptococcus thermophilus combined with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12, might help reduce colic and fussiness in babies. However, more research is needed before doctors can recommend them for all infants.

Probiotics and Baby Colic: What the Science Says

This research looked at whether adding probiotics to infant formula could help with common baby problems. The study found:

Reduced Colic: When Streptococcus thermophilus was combined with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 in formula, babies experienced less colic and irritability.

Fewer Tummy Troubles: Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 alone seemed to reduce the number of gastrointestinal infections.

Other Probiotics: Other probiotics, like Lactobacillus johnsonii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, showed mixed results or no significant effects.

Study Details

Who was studied: Healthy babies who were fed formula.

How long: The studies included in the review varied in length, but the review itself looked at all the research available up to September 2016.

What they took: Babies were given formula with different types of probiotics added. The most promising combination was Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 with Streptococcus thermophilus.

What This Means For You

Talk to Your Doctor: If your baby has colic or frequent tummy troubles, talk to your pediatrician. They can help you decide if a formula with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 and Streptococcus thermophilus might be a good option.

Not a Cure-All: While these probiotics show promise, they aren't a guaranteed fix. Every baby is different.

Focus on the Strain: The type of probiotic matters. Don't assume all probiotics will have the same effect.

Study Limitations

More Research Needed: The research is promising, but more studies are needed to confirm the findings and understand the best way to use these probiotics.

Different Formulas: The studies used different formulas and dosages, making it hard to compare results.

Not a Long-Term Study: The studies didn't look at the long-term effects of these probiotics.

Key Findings

This 2017 systematic review evaluated the effects of probiotic-supplemented infant formulae (IF) in healthy infants. Key findings include:
- Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 alone reduced gastrointestinal infection episodes (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.95), while Bb12 + Streptococcus thermophilus reduced colic/irritability (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.43–0.93).
- Other strains (e.g., Lactobacillus johnsonii, L. rhamnosus GG, L. reuteri) showed mixed or minimal effects on growth, respiratory illness, or antibiotic use.
- No safety concerns were identified, but insufficient evidence exists to recommend routine use due to limited strain-specific data and heterogeneity in outcomes.

Study Design

Type: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Methodology: Searched 5 databases (up to September 2016) for RCTs comparing probiotic-supplemented IF to unsupplemented IF. Included 20 publications (5 new RCTs).
Population: Healthy infants (age unspecified in summary).
Duration: Follow-up periods varied across studies; no specific timeframe provided in summary.

Dosage & Administration

Probiotic Strains:
B. lactis Bb12 (≥10⁶ CFU/g), alone or combined with S. thermophilus.
Other strains: L. johnsonii La1, B. longum BL999 + L. rhamnosus LPR, L. rhamnosus GG, L. reuteri ATCC 55730/DSM 17938, L. salivarius CEC5713.
Administration: Probiotics were added to infant formula; dosage details for individual strains beyond Bb12 were not specified in the summary.

Results & Efficacy

Gastrointestinal Infections: Bb12-supplemented IF reduced episodes (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.95).
Colic/Irritability: Bb12 + S. thermophilus lowered frequency (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.43–0.93).
Stool Frequency/Consistency: No significant changes with Bb12 ± S. thermophilus; L. rhamnosus GG increased loose stools and defecation frequency.
Respiratory Illness/Diarrhea: L. salivarius CEC5713 reduced respiratory symptoms (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52–0.88) and diarrhea rates (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35–0.87).
Growth/Safety: No adverse effects on weight gain or development across strains.

Limitations

Heterogeneity: Variability in study populations, dosages, and outcome definitions limited comparability.
Strain-Specific Data: Most trials focused on single strains; combinations (e.g., Bb12 + S. thermophilus) had limited sample sizes.
Short-Term Focus: Long-term safety and efficacy data were lacking.
Publication Bias: Potential underrepresentation of negative results or less-studied strains.

Clinical Relevance

Safety: Probiotic-supplemented IF appears safe for healthy infants, with no impact on growth or adverse effects.
Targeted Use: Formulas with Bb12 ± S. thermophilus may reduce colic/irritability or gastrointestinal infections, but evidence is not robust enough for universal recommendations.
Strain Matters: Effects vary by probiotic strain; generalizing benefits across species is unwarranted.
Parental Consideration: For infants with colic or frequent GI issues, these strains might be explored under medical guidance, but routine supplementation lacks conclusive support.

Note: The review highlights the need for larger, strain-specific RCTs to confirm observed benefits and establish standardized dosing protocols.

Probiotics for Babies: Can They Help with Colic?