Can probiotics prevent colic?

By IHR Magazine, March 22, 2017. Updated July 27, 2026

According to a new study, supplementing with probiotics during pregnancy and while breastfeeding may reduce colic in newborns.

The research, conducted by the University of Bari, looked at 66 pregnant women. Each subject was randomly given either a probiotic supplement or a placebo, starting at 36 weeks of their pregnancy and ending four weeks after birth.

After the study period, researchers observed an increase in cytokine levels in breast milk and secretory IgA in the women taking the probiotics. Both of the found molecules (IgA and cytokines) are key players in regulating immunity and inflammation. Researchers determined that probiotic maternal supplementation also helped to decrease instances of infantile colic and regurgitation in the babies. However, they did not find any evidence that this probiotic supplementation affected the composition of the newborns’ gut flora.

As such, taking a high-dose, multi-strain probiotic during pregnancy can help to improve gastrointestinal function in infants, aiding with colic. This will help to ensure that your clients’ journey into motherhood is a smooth one, giving extra comfort to newborns.

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