Recently two new meta-analyses have been published investigating the effects of L. reuteri Protectis in colicky infants. Including these two, to date a total of nine systematic reviews have proven the effect of L. reuteri Protectis in infants with colic.
Different methods, same result
The first meta-analysis combined raw data from four double-blind trials into an Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis (IPDMA). This yields more reliable estimates of treatment effect compared to traditional meta-analyses based on published group means. All studies were conducted with L. reuteri Protectis and included a total of 345 infants with colic.
The paper concluded that L. reuteri Protectis is effective and can be recommended for breastfed infants with colic. However, data are lacking for efficacy in formula-fed infants.
The other meta-analysis was conducted to help doctors to an evidence-based advice to parents on best possible treatment for infant colic. In this systematic review 32 well- controlled trials were evaluated with a Network Meta-Analysis (NMA) method. Eight different treatments (probiotic – L. reuteri Protectis, specialized infant formulas, drugs, herbs, acupuncture, massage, manipulation, reassurance/education) were analyzed against control group treatment and against each other, respectively.
In this meta-analysis L. reuteri Protectis was shown as the treatment with best evidence, with specialized infant formulas as number two.
“Based on our systematic review of the good quality evidence and in the Networking Meta- Analysis, we support the use of L. reuteri DSM 17938 as the most evidence-based significant intervention to reduce the duration of crying time in infant colic”, says Pedro Gutiérrez Castrellón MD, MSc, DSc, Center for Translational Research on Mother-Child Health &Center for Research on Microbiota, Pre/Probiotics, Hospital General Dr Manuel Gea González, Ministry of Health, Mexico.
Solid proof for L. reuteri Protectis in colic
With six positive randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trials and nine meta-analyses, which is considered the highest level of evidence of a health effect, the proof of L. reuteri Protectis in infant colic is solid. Further, L. reuteri Protectis is the only probiotic with proven efficacy in colic.
”These new meta-analyses once again confirm our position as the number one treatment for infants with colic. Health care professionals around the world can be totally reassured that they are suggesting an effective and safe treatment when recommending BioGaia Protectis drops to their patients”, says Axel Sjöblad, Managing Director, BioGaia.
Publication data
- Pediatrics 1 January 2018. Principal investigator: Dr Valerie Sung, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital, and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Medicine 30 November 2017. Principal investigator: Pedro Gutiérrez-Castrellón MD, MSc, DSc, Center for Translational Research on Mother-Child Health & Center for Research on Microbiota, Pre/Probiotics, Hospital General Dr Manuel Gea González, Ministry of Health, Mexico
Publication charts
Attached, charts showing main results of each of the two meta-analysis. Treatment success in L. reuteri Protectis versus placebo in breastfed infants (Figure 1) and Best treatment analysis with sucra values (Figure 2).
