AUTHORS ' CONCLUSIONS There is no clear evidence that probiotics are more effective than placebo at preventing infantile colic ; however , daily crying time appeared to reduce with probiotic use compared to placebo .
There were no clear differences in adverse effects .
BACKGROUND Infantile colic is typically defined as full-force crying for at least three hours per day , on at least three days per week , for at least three weeks .
Infantile colic affects a large number of infants and their families worldwide .
Its symptoms are broad and general , and while not indicative of disease , may represent a serious underlying condition in a small percentage of infants who may need a medical assessment .
Probiotics are live microorganisms that alter the microflora of the host and provide beneficial health effects .
The most common probiotics used are of Lactobacillus , Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus .
There is growing evidence to suggest that intestinal flora in colicky infants differ from those in healthy infants , and it is suggested that probiotics can redress this balance and provide a healthier intestinal microbiota l and scape .
The low cost and easy availability of probiotics makes them a potential prophylactic solution to reduce the incidence and prevalence of infantile colic .
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic probiotics in preventing or reducing severity of infantile colic .
Growth and Tolerance of Term Infants Fed Formula With Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri
Background . Lactobacillus reuteri has been studied for its safety and beneficial effects in infants . This study assessed growth of infants fed a partially hydrolyzed whey formula with L reuteri . Methods . Healthy term infants were r and omized to 1 of 2 formulas ( partially hydrolyzed whey formula with ( PRO ) or without ( CON ) L reuteri  from 14 to 112 days of age . Anthropometric measures were assessed at 14 , 28 , 56 , 84 , and 112 days of age . Tolerance records were completed 2 days prior to each visit . Results . A total of 122 subjects completed study per protocol ( 60 PRO , 62 CON ) . No differences were seen in daily weight gain , length , or head circumference . Overall , between groups , there were no significant differences in formula intake , stool frequency , color , consistency , flatulence , frequency of spit-up/vomiting , mood , sleep , or incidence of adverse events . Conclusion . Infants fed probiotic formula  had similar growth to infants fed control formula .  Both formulas were well tolerated
AUTHORS ' CONCLUSIONS There is no clear evidence that probiotics are more effective than placebo at preventing infantile colic ; however , daily crying time appeared to reduce with probiotic use compared to placebo .
There were no clear differences in adverse effects .
BACKGROUND Infantile colic is typically defined as full-force crying for at least three hours per day , on at least three days per week , for at least three weeks .
Infantile colic affects a large number of infants and their families worldwide .
Its symptoms are broad and general , and while not indicative of disease , may represent a serious underlying condition in a small percentage of infants who may need a medical assessment .
Probiotics are live microorganisms that alter the microflora of the host and provide beneficial health effects .
The most common probiotics used are of Lactobacillus , Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus .
There is growing evidence to suggest that intestinal flora in colicky infants differ from those in healthy infants , and it is suggested that probiotics can redress this balance and provide a healthier intestinal microbiota l and scape .
The low cost and easy availability of probiotics makes them a potential prophylactic solution to reduce the incidence and prevalence of infantile colic .
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic probiotics in preventing or reducing severity of infantile colic .