Colic In Babies May Be Caused By Gut Bacteria

[steven johnson]

Anyone who has had a colicky baby will appreciate any advances in the management of this screaming terrorist that hijacks your home for six months.

While probiotics (microorganisms artificially introduced) have been proposed for adult gut health, it remains to be seen whether this is safe or effective in infants. Stay tuned.

ScienceDaily (July 25, 2009) — Researchers at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston say one organism discovered during their study may unlock the key to what causes colic, inconsolable crying in an otherwise healthy baby.

“Right now, pediatric gastroenterologists can treat just about anything that comes through the door,” said J. Marc Rhoads, M.D., professor of pediatrics at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, which is part of the UT Health Science Center at Houston. “With colic, there is no evidence-based treatment we can offer. Colic can be a dangerous situation for a baby. The parent’s frustration over the crying can lead to maternal frustration, post-partum depression and even thoughts of harming the baby.”

Published in the July 23 online edition of the Journal of Pediatrics, the study pointed to an organism called Klebsiella, a normally occurring bacterium that can be found in the mouth, skin and intestines. In the study of 36 babies, half of which had colic, researchers found the bacterium and gut inflammation in the intestines of the babies with colic.

A larger study is needed to examine Klebsiella and the use of a probiotic, which is a dietary supplement made up of good bacteria, to control the gut inflammation. Before that can begin, Rhoads said an adult trial will take place to examine the safety of the probiotics in healthy adults. For that study, UT researchers are recruiting 40 adult patients.


Colic In Babies May Be Caused By Gut Bacteria

[enlightenment]

1. Interesting. Thanks.

*Remembering, not so fondly, the three months I spent walking in circles around my living room, a hot water bottle tucked into my shirt to try and ease the pain of the screaming baby I joggled on my shoulder . . .*

Did really tone up my triceps, though.

[Ilsa]

2. My second child never had colic. My first had it only for about

four weeks for about one hour a day, which usually isn't considered to be true colic. Both were totally breastfed, no formula introduced, no baby food for six months or so. Treating colic will help alot of first time parents. I hear that Gripe Water is pretty good at managing it.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. Brown rice and steamed zucchini.

A mother with a newborn shared a house with me. Her ob-gyn advised her to eat only brown rice and zucchini to avoid colic. (She was breastfeeding). No garlic, no onions, etc. Three squares of rice and zucchini. I asked her if the tedium of the same meal drove her nuts. She responded that her baby's health made it irrelevant.