Infantile Colic
phenotype · Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities
Nutrients connected to Infantile Colic
A link means the body needs the nutrient for this, or that low intake is linked to it. It does not mean extra supplements help if your intake is already adequate; each link shows how strong the evidence is.
- Lactobacillus reuteri (Limosilactobacillus reuteri)Preliminary or mixed
DSM 17938 gave less crying in breastfed babies in pooled trials; a large community trial found no benefit and the NHS does not recommend probiotics for colic. Not shown for formula-fed babies.
- Star aniseDocumented risk
Star anise tea is used traditionally for infant colic. FDA knew of no evidence it helps, and it has caused harm in infants.
- FennelPreliminary or mixed
Trials and reviews report encouraging results for some fennel oil, extract and tea products, but all have limitations, and the EU advises against fennel medicines under 4 years.
- Fennel seedPreliminary or mixed
Several trials of fennel oil, extract and tea show less crying, but all have flaws; EMA advises against fennel medicines under 4 years.
- Anise and Star Anise OilDocumented risk
Star anise tea given for infant colic has caused neurologic poisoning in infants.
- Star Anise TeaDocumented risk
Star anise tea is a traditional colic remedy, but no benefit was shown and infants were harmed.
- Catnip TeaDocumented risk
WebMD advises against catnip tea for colicky babies because few studies exist on infant safety.
- Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probioticsPreliminary or mixed
L. reuteri DSM 17938 helped mainly in exclusively breastfed infants in a 2018 review; the NHS says probiotic supplements for colic are not recommended. Does not apply to other strains.
- Fennel Oil (Sweet and Bitter)Preliminary or mixed
One 2003 trial of a fennel seed oil emulsion found less colic than placebo; reviews call such trials limited. Estragole limits for babies apply.
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