Microbiota and Infantile Colic : What's New?

Alterations of gut microbiota are implicated in the genesis of infant colic. Infants with colic are most often colonized by Gram-negative anaerobic bacteria and less frequently by bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. These could lead to a deregulation of intestinal motor function and an increase in gas production. Moreover infant colic previously believed to be nonorganic in nature, have evidence of intestinal neutrophilic infiltration. Some studies describe the improvement of colic symptoms by supplementation of Lactobacillus reuteri. However, although the results of supplementation with peculiar lactobacillus for the treatment of colic symptoms appear encouraging, are needed more studies to achieve accurate guidelines for their use, also concerning the way of administration (e.g. in infant formula).