Improvement of symptoms in infant colic following reduction of lactose load with lactase.
Transient lactose intolerance has been identified as a possible causative factor in infant colic. A double-blind randomised placebo-controlled crossover study to investigate this has been undertaken in 53 babies with symptoms of colic. Pre-incubation of the feed with lactase resulted in breath hydrogen levels and total crying time which were both at least 45% lower than figures with placebo treatment, in 26% of the full trial group (95% confidence interval 12.9% to 44.4%), and in 38% of compliers (95% confidence interval 18.8% to 59.4%). The remainder did not respond to the same extent. These findings suggest that infant colic may have a multiple aetiology, and that in a significant number of cases the immediate cause is transient lactose intolerance, in which cases pretreatment of feeds with lactase can result in considerable symptomatic benefits.
Kanabar
D
D
Department of Paediatrics, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
Randhawa
M
M
Clayton
P
P
D001944:Breath Tests; D003085:Colic / Q000209:etiology*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003448:Crying; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000032:analysis; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D043322:Lactase; D007785:Lactose / Q000378:metabolism*; D007787:Lactose Intolerance / Q000150:complications*; D013997:Time Factors; D001616:beta-Galactosidase / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism
D006859:Hydrogen; D043322:Lactase; D001616:beta-Galactosidase; D007785:Lactose