The effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on infantile colic: an evidence-based review

Authors

  • Carla Ribeiro Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF La Salette, Centro de Saúde de Oliveira de Azeméis, ACES Entre Douro e Vouga II.
  • Sofia Coutinho Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. UCSP Sul, Centro de Saúde de Oliveira de Azeméis, ACES Entre Douro e Vouga II

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v32i6.11959

Keywords:

Lactobacillus reuteri, Infantile colic

Abstract

Objective: To review the evidence for the effectiveness of probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri in reducing symptoms of infantile colic. Data sources: National Guideline Clearinghouse, Guideline Finder, Canadian Medical Association, The Cochrane Database, DARE, Bandolier and MEDLINE/PubMed. Methods: A review of clinical guidelines, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled clinical trials, published between August 2005 and August 2015, in both the Portuguese and English languages was conducted. The following MeSH terms were used: ‘Lactobacillus reuteri’ and ‘Colic’. For the attribution of levels of evidence and the strength of recommendations, the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy scale was used. Results: Fifty-nine papers were found and eight fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These included two systematic reviews and six randomized controlled clinical trials. Five of the included studies and both systematic reviews found statistically significant improvements in symptoms of colic with probiotic supplementation. One study did not demonstrate the effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri in infantile colic. Conclusion: There is evidence for improvement of symptoms of infantile colic with Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation, compared to placebo (Strength of Recommendation A). More good quality studies are necessary to validate these findings and to aid in the formulation of clinical guidelines.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2016-11-01

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 6 (2016): Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar

Section

Reviews

License

The authors will assign to the RPMGF the sole right to publish and distribute the content of the manuscript specified in this declaration via physical, electronic, broadcasting or any other medium that may come into existence. They also grant the RPMGF the right to use and exploit this manuscript, in particular by assigning, selling or licensing its content. This permission is permanent and takes effect from the moment the manuscript is submitted, has the maximum duration allowed by applicable Portuguese or international law and is of worldwide scope. The authors further declare that this assignment is made free of charge. If the RPMGF informs the authors that it is not going to publish their manuscript, the exclusive assignment of rights ceases forthwith.

The authors authorise the RPMGF (or any entity it may appoint) to act on their behalf when it believes that copyright may have been infringed.

 

How to Cite

The effect of Lactobacillus reuteri on infantile colic: an evidence-based review. (2016). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 32(6), 388-94. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v32i6.11959