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Efficacy of Limosilactobacillus reuteri UBLRu-87 in Infantile Colic and Its Symptoms: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Infantile colic, characterized by excessive crying in healthy infants, presents a significant challenge for parents and healthcare providers. This study investigated the potential of Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) UBLRu-87 in alleviating colic symptoms and enhancing parental quality of life (QOL) in eighty breastfed infants ≤4 months of age through a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The treatment group received L. reuteri UBL Ru-87 drops, whereas the placebo group received an identical-looking placebo. Over 28 days, the study assessed crying time, burping, facial flushing, and fussiness. Parental QOL was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Fecal samples were analyzed for microbial diversity before and after treatment. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in colic symptoms in the probiotic group, particularly in crying time. In addition, burping, fussiness, and facial flushing were reduced significantly in probiotic-treated infants. Responders (infants with a 50% reduction in crying time) were also significantly enhanced. Parents of infants in the probiotic group reported a considerable improvement in QOL. Fecal microbiome analysis indicated beneficial shifts in microbial composition in the probiotic group, including increased Bifidobacteria and Firmicutes, along with reduced harmful bacteria like Enterococci, Staphylococci, and Streptococci. In conclusion, the use of L. reuteri UBLRu-87 notably diminished colic symptoms and improved parental QOL. These results suggest that L. reuteri UBLR-87 holds promise as a therapeutic option for alleviating infantile colic pain by influencing gut microbiota.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.81856