What is Infant Colic?
Infantile Colic (IC) is best known for the inconsolable and unexplained crying in an otherwise healthy infant that usually occurs within the first six weeks of life. IC affects approximately 1 in 5 infants regardless if they are breast or bottle fed. IC typically follows the rule of three’s which are
(1.) crying for at least three hours per day;
(2.) for three or more days per week;
(3.) over a minimum of a three-week period.
Other symptoms of IC include fussiness, flushing of the face, excessive gas with abdominal bloating, tensing the abdomen, and drawing up of the legs. All of this leads to exhausted, frustrated and concerned parents looking for ways to comfort their child and decrease their symptoms. The exact cause of IC is not fully understood; however, research has shown that the gut microbiota of Infants with Colic is different than infants who do not suffer from colic. Gut microbiota is found in every human and is critical for proper functioning of the gastrointestinal system and overall health and well- being. Simply put, microbiotas are trillions of tiny microorganisms, usually bacteria, that live in the intestinal tract which begin to develop while still in the womb. These microorganisms are essential for proper digestion of foods, absorption of nutrients, immunity, mood, and even brain function. When the microbiota is imbalanced it is called dysbiosis. When this occurs, infants may have the symptoms discussed earlier which could also lead to immune and inflammatory responses within the body.
Recent research in IC has shown that infants treated with probiotics have had a decrease or resolution of their symptoms making the infant and the parents more comfortable resulting in a better quality of life. Researchers believe that the altered gut microbiota can cause the Colic pain experienced by these infants and prophylactic treatment with probiotics can prevent colic by bringing the natural gut microbiota into a more stabilized environment.
Atlantia Food Clinical Trials (located just off North Michigan Avenue) are currently running a study investigating the effects of a probiotic in infants with colic.
To be eligible for the trial, the infant must:
– Be between the age of 3 weeks and 12 weeks old,
– Have Infant Colic determined as crying for 3 or more hours per day for at least 3 days per week.
Participation incudes:
– Consuming the probiotic daily for 4 weeks
– Attending 3 visits at the Chicago clinic over a 6-week period.
– Participants will get to meet with the Study Doctor or Nurse Practitioner at each visit to complete study assessments and provide feedback.
Participants will be paid for their time. If you are interested in Atlantia’s Infant Colic Study or have questions regarding eligibility, please call 312 535 9440 or sign up on the website here.