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Probiotics (live microorganisms that confer health benefit) have been shown to be effective in the treatment of infantile colic (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Oct 18 2013) and constipation (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Nov 3 2013). In an industry-sponsored, multicenter, controlled trial, Italian researchers randomized 554 term newborns to receive a strain of Lactobacillus reuteri (108 colony-forming units daily) or placebo to determine if the probiotic prevents colic, regurgitation, and constipation during the first 3 months of life. Half the infants were breast-fed.
After 1 month, mean time spent crying inconsolably was significantly less in the probiotic group than in the placebo group (45 vs. 96 minutes/day) and stool frequency was significa…