Clinical Research & Reviews

'A Trial Of Lactase in the Management of Infant Colic'
Published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietics (Aug 1995) Kearney et Al
P.J Kearney, A.J Malon, T.Hayes, M.Cole and M.Hyland
Departments of Child Health and Statistics, University College, Cork, Ireland



Summary:
This document investigated transient lactose intolerance as a factor in the aetiology of infant colic.

It concludes that transient lactose intolerance may have a role in the aetiology of infant colic. Lactase drops require prior incubation with milk formula to be effective. the response to lactase in this study supports 'colic', i.e. spasm of the large intestine as a factor in these infants discomfort.

'Improvement of Symptoms in Infant Colic following the reduction of Lactose load with lactase'

Published in Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietics (Oct 2001) Kanabar et al
D. Kanabar, M.Randhawa and P.Clayton

Departments of Paediatrics, Guy's Hospital, London, UK



Summary:

Improvement of Symptoms in Infant Colic Following the reduction of Lactose load with lactase
Transient lactose intolerance has been identified as a possible causeative factor in infant colic. A double-blind ramdomised placebo-controlled crossover study to invstigate this had 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%), 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 immmediate cause is transient lactose intolerance, in which cases pretreatment of feeds with lactase can result in considerable symptomatic benefits.