Arteriosclerosis

2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) is the most abundant human milk oligosaccharide and has been clinically studied in infant formula to reduce fussiness and colic symptoms. In one clinical study, 63.8% of infants switched to a formula containing 2'-FL showed improvement in fussiness after just one day. A 2024 prospective clinical trial found formula supplemented with 2'-FL reduced infantile colic incidence versus unsupplemented formula.

B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 has been evaluated in randomized controlled trials for infant colic, with positive results. A published RCT found BB-12 supplementation reduced mean daily crying episodes significantly more than placebo, with an increase in Bifidobacterium abundance correlating with crying time reduction. Gut dysbiosis has been implicated in infantile colic, and BB-12 is included among well-studied probiotic strains for this condition.

Bifidobacterium breve has been evaluated in dedicated RCTs for infantile colic. The strain B. breve CECT7263, isolated from breastmilk, was found in a randomized controlled trial to be more effective than simethicone for infantile colic treatment. B. breve is also included in multi-strain probiotic combinations showing colic benefit.

Bifidobacterium infantis (B. longum subsp. infantis) has been studied for infantile colic due to its key role in establishing healthy gut microbiota in breastfed infants. Infants with colic show reduced Bifidobacteria, and B. infantis supplementation is studied as a corrective probiotic intervention. Multi-strain probiotic preparations containing B. infantis have demonstrated reductions in colic crying duration.

Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis) has been evaluated in dedicated double-blind RCTs for infantile colic with positive results. An 80-infant RCT found that B. lactis BB-12 at 10^9 CFU/day significantly reduced daily crying duration versus placebo starting from the second week. It is also incorporated in 2'-FL-supplemented formula studies for fussiness.

B. longum (particularly subspecies infantis) has been studied as an intervention for infant colic and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Observational pilot trial data show that B. longum KABP042 combined with Pediococcus pentosaceus KABP041 shows potential to treat pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders including infant colic. B. infantis is well adapted to the infant gut and supports gut homeostasis relevant to colic.

Caraway (Carum carvi) is documented in traditional medicine as a carminative and has been included in combination products tested in clinical trials for infantile colic. The 2022 Evans and Lorentz open-label trial included caraway as part of a multi-herb colic relief preparation showing significant reductions in crying time. Traditional scholars in Iranian and European medicine widely used caraway as a leading anti-colic, carminative herb.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita/chamomilla) has been tested in multiple RCTs for infantile colic, both as a single agent and in multi-herb preparations. A herbal tea containing chamomile reduced colic in 57% of infants versus 26% with placebo in one RCT. Topical chamomile oil also showed significant reductions in crying and fussing in breastfed colicky infants.

Fennel seed oil and fennel-based preparations have been tested in multiple randomized controlled trials for infantile colic. A fennel seed oil emulsion alleviated colic in 65% of enrolled infants versus placebo in one RCT. Systematic review and meta-analysis confirm fennel alone or in combination is effective at reducing colic symptoms.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) have been used as a prebiotic synbiotic partner in multi-strain probiotic preparations studied for infantile colic. One cited RCT using a combination of seven probiotic strains plus FOS reduced daily crying duration by approximately 35 minutes versus placebo. FOS selectively stimulate Bifidobacteria, which are deficient in colicky infants.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is included in multi-herb colic relief preparations that have shown clinical benefit in open-label and controlled trials. It contributes carminative and antispasmodic effects to combination products such as gripe water formulas tested for infantile colic. Traditional use of ginger for infant colic is widespread across multiple cultures.

Transient lactase deficiency in infants has been proposed as a contributing factor to colic, with undigested lactose fermenting in the colon to produce gas and discomfort. Multiple RCTs have tested oral lactase supplementation in colicky infants with mixed results. A 2024 systematic review of six RCTs (n=394 infants) found that three studies reported shorter crying time with lactase, while three found no significant difference, leaving overall evidence inconclusive.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has been studied as part of multi-strain probiotic combinations for infantile colic, including in combination with chamomile and lemon balm. An open RCT found a preparation combining M. chamomilla, M. officinalis, and tyndallized L. acidophilus HA122 was significantly more effective than simethicone in reducing colic crying time. It also appears in multi-strain preparations studied for colic prevention.

Lactobacillus bulgaricus (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) has been included in multi-strain probiotic combinations shown to reduce daily crying duration in infants with colic. The combination containing L. bulgaricus along with multiple other strains and FOS reduced crying by approximately 35 minutes versus placebo in a cited clinical trial.

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 is the most extensively studied probiotic for infantile colic, with multiple RCTs and meta-analyses confirming efficacy in breastfed infants. A 2018 meta-analysis in Pediatrics pooled data from multiple trials showing significant reduction in crying time. Its mechanism involves modulating gut microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been included in multi-strain probiotic combinations studied for infantile colic, with one combination reducing daily crying duration by approximately 35 minutes versus placebo. It is a well-studied probiotic for pediatric gastrointestinal conditions. Evidence for colic is primarily as part of combination probiotic products.

Lemon balm has been tested in clinical trials in infants with colic, both as a mono-ingredient and in combination products. A 2005 double-blind RCT (ColiMil) found that an extract of Matricaria, fennel, and Melissa significantly reduced daily crying time in breastfed colicky infants versus placebo. A 2017 RCT confirmed efficacy of a multi-ingredient preparation containing Melissa. German Commission E and EMA recognise lemon balm for gastrointestinal spasm.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has been shown in a double-blind crossover study to relieve colic symptoms in infants compared to simethicone. It is included in multi-herb colic preparations tested in clinical trials. The AAFP's clinical review cites peppermint as one of several herbal supplements that have reduced crying time in colic studies.

Streptococcus thermophilus has been evaluated in combination probiotic products for infantile colic, including a product with B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 that reduced caregiver-reported colic incidence. It is part of a multi-strain combination that reduced crying duration by approximately 35 minutes versus placebo. Evidence is from combination probiotic studies rather than standalone trials.

Ajwain water is among the most commonly used traditional remedies for infant colic across South Asia and the Middle East. Its antispasmodic and carminative properties are attributed to thymol. Mechanistic preclinical data support smooth muscle relaxation; pediatric RCT evidence is absent.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is widely used traditionally in European, Middle Eastern, and Iranian medicine for infant colic as a carminative and antispasmodic herb. Anise is cited in traditional herbal medicine reviews and pharmacopeias as a carminative remedy for colic and flatulence. Clinical trial evidence for anise alone in infant colic is limited, making its status primarily traditional.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is documented in traditional Iranian, European, and Ayurvedic medicine as a carminative herb used to relieve infant colic and flatulence. Herbal distillates of coriander are among the key traditional remedies for infantile colic in Iranian medical texts. No standalone clinical trial evidence for coriander in infant colic was identified.

Dill (Anethum graveolens) has centuries of traditional use as a carminative and anti-colic herb across European, Middle Eastern, and Iranian traditional medicine. Herbal distillates of dill are documented in traditional Iranian medicine for relieving infantile colic and bloating. Clinical trial evidence for dill alone in infant colic is absent, placing it in the traditional category.

Asafoetida has been used in traditional medicine across the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa as a remedy for infant colic and flatulent colic in adults. It was historically employed for infantile colic and pneumonia. Use in infants carries a documented safety risk (methemoglobinemia has been reported in neonates) and is not recommended clinically.

Slippery elm bark has a documented traditional use for colic, cited in multiple herbal references and historically used as a soothing porridge for weaned infants. No controlled clinical trials have evaluated this application. The soothing demulcent effect on gastrointestinal mucosa provides the rationale.

A. calamus rhizome has been used in Indian, South Asian, and African traditional medicine specifically for infant and childhood colic and related gastrointestinal distress. Antispasmodic activity in smooth muscle provides pharmacological plausibility. No clinical trials in infants have been identified.

Vervain (Verbena officinalis) has traditional use for infantile colic as a component of multi-herb herbal teas. A 1993 double-blind RCT (Weizman et al., J Pediatr) tested a tea containing chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel, and lemon balm that reduced colic in 57% of infants versus 26% with placebo. Vervain is listed by the AAFP as one of several herbs in preparations that have reduced infant crying time.