• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Citrus Support for the Blood Glucose-Immune System Connection

    A Glance At The Eye Health Market

    The Value of Vitamin D Testing

    A Growing Need for Mineral Supplementation

    More Than Just A Trend: Supplements Embedded in Consumer Health Regimens
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Supplier Insights
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    NIH Study Compares Low-Fat, Plant-based to Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet

    Gadot Positions Mineral Line for Vegan Market

    Nutritfy India to Launch Global Broadcast Channel Covering Nutrition

    FrieslandCampina Launches Biotis Immune Health Ingredient

    Astaxanthin Microencapsulated with Spirulina Targets ‘Mental Agility’ and Healthy Aging
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Gadot Positions Mineral Line for Vegan Market

    FrieslandCampina Launches Biotis Immune Health Ingredient

    Astaxanthin Microencapsulated with Spirulina Targets ‘Mental Agility’ and Healthy Aging

    Ingredient Manufacturers Discuss the E-Sports Market

    Study Highlights Differences Between EPA's and DHA's Effect on Sleep
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    NIH Study Compares Low-Fat, Plant-based to Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet

    Gadot Positions Mineral Line for Vegan Market

    Nutritfy India to Launch Global Broadcast Channel Covering Nutrition

    FrieslandCampina Launches Biotis Immune Health Ingredient

    Ingredient Manufacturers Discuss the E-Sports Market
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    NIH Study Compares Low-Fat, Plant-based to Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet

    FrieslandCampina Launches Biotis Immune Health Ingredient

    Astaxanthin Microencapsulated with Spirulina Targets ‘Mental Agility’ and Healthy Aging

    Ingredient Manufacturers Discuss the E-Sports Market

    Euromonitor Names Top Ten Trends for 2021
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Indena USA, Inc.

    Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. (BLS)

    Chenland Nutritionals Inc.

    Sabinsa Corporation

    Aiya America (Matcha by Aiya)
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    AIDP

    Chenland Nutritionals Inc.

    Sabinsa Corporation

    Bioenergy Life Science, Inc. (BLS)

    KLK OLEO - Davos Life Science
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Expert's Opinion

    Infant Colic: Academic Definition vs. Clinical Practice

    A new definition could facilitate a clearer diagnostic and prescription framework.

    Related CONTENT
    • Astaxanthin Microencapsulated with Spirulina Targets ‘Mental Agility’ and Healthy Aging
    • An Interview with Michael Bentley, President, SierraSIl
    • BGG Obtains U.S. Patent on AstaZine Natural Astaxanthin for Heart Function During Exercise
    • Qualitas Health/iwi Raises $10 Million in Investment Round
    • Mental Wellness and Brain Health Supplements Featured in Global Wellness Institute Market Report
    Jordi Cuñé Castellana, Ph.D., Chief Research Officer, Microbiology, AB-Biotics01.22.14
    Editor’s Note: A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics suggested the use of a probiotic may help reduce the onset of functional gastrointestinal disorders like infant colic.
    —————————————————————————————

    Infant colic, also known as excessive crying syndrome, is nowadays the most frequent and disconcerting causes of visit to pediatricians during an infant’s first 12 months of life. This condition is undoubtedly a serious problem for family quality of life as it can lead to parental exhaustion, loss of patience and concentration, frustration, feeling of incompetence, fear of harming the child and even reduction of face-to-face interaction with the child. Moreover, excessive crying syndrome may increase the risk of adverse outcomes for the child in later years, including anxiety, aggression, hyperactivity, allergy, sleep disorder and deterioration of mental health.
     
    Despite its potential negative effects on infant and parental health, no consensus has been reached on its definition. Colic is bibliographically characterized as unexplained and inconsolable crying (“fussy”), which causes distress to parents. Nevertheless, the term fussing is a very subjective measurement due to the difficulty for parents and physicians to categorize the type of crying. Consequently, one of the most used inclusion criteria for colicky infants is based on a time rule (i.e., based on modified Wessel’s criteria) as: more than 3 hours of crying per day for 3 or more days for at least 1 week. However, unexplained crying doesn’t have to reach more than 3 hours per day to cause parental distress. In fact, in the daily practice of primary healthcare centers and hospitals, there is a noticeable population of infants that—while it does not fit Wessel’s time criteria perfectly—show an abnormal and unexplained crying.
     
    Gap in Practice
    Therefore, there is an obvious gap between the academic definition of colic and the way doctors manage these aforementioned cases. Some data from Catalonia, Spain, support this observation. For example, according to data from the Catalan Institute of Statistics (IDESCAT) and the Official Association of Pharmacists of Barcelona, total sales of the six most important products for colic treatment during 2012 were 75,766 units, whereas the number of births in 2011 was 80,861 newborns. Although the ratio of prescription is not 1:1, this proportion is very far from the expected prevalence of colic or the difficulty observed in the recruitment of infants according to Wessel’s criteria in published trials. Several works in which the authors analyze and compare the prevalence of crying in function of the criteria employed also point toward this direction (i.e., Reijneveld, S.A. et al. 2001, Excessive infant crying: The impact of varying definitions. Pediatrics, 108, 893-897).
     
    Thus, strict acceptance of Wessel’s criteria may not be realistic for diagnosis of infant colic as well as for inclusion of infants in clinical trials. This can be considered a relevant matter of concern, especially regarding the inclusion of infants in clinical trials as other inclusion criteria can significantly increase the bias of the sample population. For instance, the effectiveness of many products for colic are exclusively studied in populations of breastfed, but not formula-fed, infants. Besides, most of these studies include a percentage of infants born by cesarean section, which is much lower than that reported in current statistics in developed countries (e.g., cesarean delivery rate in the U.S. is approximately 30% according to the latest data available from the World Health Organization).
     
    A Revised Definition
    Considering all these arguments, it seems the classical definitions of infant colic and inclusion criteria in clinical trials should be revised. For instance, based on the characteristic paroxysm of infant colic, the distress caused to parents and daily medical practice, we propose that infant colic can be more realistically defined as: an “intense, persistent and inconsolable crying, problematic for the normal family unit functioning, which implies at least 60 minutes per day in 3 or more episodes in 3 or more days observed during at least 1 week, previously ruling out an organic etiology, like intestinal intussusception or others.” Moreover, we would like to stress the importance to include breastfed and formula-fed infants as well as a more realistic proportion of infants born by cesarean section in clinical trials.
     
    Overall, under a modest point of view, taking into account these considerations would facilitate a clearer diagnostic and prescription framework, as well as the inclusion of subjects for epidemiological and research programs. We personally believe that it would allow to provide better insights regarding the etiology of infant colic and to improve the assessment of efficient treatments. 

    ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
    About the author: Jordi Cuñé, PhD in Molecular Microbiology, holds degrees in Biology and Science & Food Technology from Autonomous University of Barcelona. He’s Chief Research Officer, Microbiology, for AB-Biotics, a European biotech company focused on developing probiotics and other functional ingredients for human health.
    Related Searches
    • Health
    • Healthcare
    • Organic
    • Mental Health
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Research
    Suggested For You
    Astaxanthin Microencapsulated with Spirulina Targets ‘Mental Agility’ and Healthy Aging Astaxanthin Microencapsulated with Spirulina Targets ‘Mental Agility’ and Healthy Aging
    An Interview with Michael Bentley, President, SierraSIl An Interview with Michael Bentley, President, SierraSIl
    BGG Obtains U.S. Patent on AstaZine Natural Astaxanthin for Heart Function During Exercise BGG Obtains U.S. Patent on AstaZine Natural Astaxanthin for Heart Function During Exercise
    Qualitas Health/iwi Raises $10 Million in Investment Round  Qualitas Health/iwi Raises $10 Million in Investment Round
    Mental Wellness and Brain Health Supplements Featured in Global Wellness Institute Market Report Mental Wellness and Brain Health Supplements Featured in Global Wellness Institute Market Report
    Insurance Rates Have Been at an All-Time Low, But a Hard Market is Coming Insurance Rates Have Been at an All-Time Low, But a Hard Market is Coming
    Brain Health: A Mysterious Frontier Brain Health: A Mysterious Frontier
    Lonza’s DRcaps® Capsules Positioned to Help Usher in Next Generation Formulations Lonza’s DRcaps® Capsules Positioned to Help Usher in Next Generation Formulations
    How Will the 2020 Election Impact the Dietary Supplement Industry? How Will the 2020 Election Impact the Dietary Supplement Industry?
    CBD Beauty: Packaging and Promises CBD Beauty: Packaging and Promises
    FDA’s Steven Tave Discusses Bridging Gaps Between Regulation and Enforcement FDA’s Steven Tave Discusses Bridging Gaps Between Regulation and Enforcement
    Keeping Community Together During a Pandemic Keeping Community Together During a Pandemic
    CRN Takes Issue with Analysis’ Representation of Brain Health Supplements CRN Takes Issue with Analysis’ Representation of Brain Health Supplements
    Optimum Nutrition Shares COVID-19 Survey On Sports Nutrition, Kicks Off Virtual Fitness Program Optimum Nutrition Shares COVID-19 Survey On Sports Nutrition, Kicks Off Virtual Fitness Program
    Pilot Study Suggests Fiber, Mineral Formulation May Offer Benefits for Overweight Women  Pilot Study Suggests Fiber, Mineral Formulation May Offer Benefits for Overweight Women

    Related Expert's Opinion

    • Antioxidants | Cardiovascular Health | Enzymes | Inflammation | Quality & Safety | Research | Testing
      Planning for Success: A Clinical Study Primer

      Planning for Success: A Clinical Study Primer

      A few well-designed steps can help build a solid scientific foundation.
      Jin Ji, PhD and David N. Bell 03.05.15

    • Bone & Joint Health | Dietary Supplements | Enzymes | Quality & Safety | Research
      Supplement Approach Effective in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

      Supplement Approach Effective in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

      MOVES study further validates efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin.
      Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, MD 02.05.15

    • Antioxidants | Cardiovascular Health | Cognitive Function | Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management | Healthy Aging | Immune Function | Inflammation | Mood Health & Sleep | Research | Vitamins
      Protection Against Aging & Disease

      Protection Against Aging & Disease

      Can antioxidants and other nutrients preserve telomere length?
      Dr. Nancy Ray, Science Officer, McCord Research 12.18.14


    • Digestive Health | Fatty Acids | Research
      Soluble Wheat Bran Extract Offers Digestive Support

      Soluble Wheat Bran Extract Offers Digestive Support

      Arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides found in the extract support digestion and are linked to antioxidant properties.
      Douwina Bosscher, PhD, Leader Nutrition Sciences, Global R&D, Food Ingredient Systems, Cargill 09.12.14

    • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management | Dietary Supplements | Research | Vitamins
      Natural Treatments for Alcoholism & Addiction

      Natural Treatments for Alcoholism & Addiction

      Nutritional supplementation, herbal medicine, homeopathy, essential oils and various forms of bodywork may be effective treatment options.
      Miles E. Drake, Jr., MD 07.29.14

    • Functional Foods & Beverages | Research
      Prebiotic Fibers Offer New Opportunities for Weight Management

      Prebiotic Fibers Offer New Opportunities for Weight Management

      Fortifying foods and beverages with fiber can help consumers achieve their weight management goals.
      Helene Alexiou, Senior Nutrition Communication Manager, BENEO-Institute 05.13.14


    • Cardiovascular Health | Research | Sweeteners
      Do Added Sugars Add Up To More Heart Disease?

      Do Added Sugars Add Up To More Heart Disease?

      A study published in JAMA looked at the sugar consumption habits of about 43,000 Americans.
      Kit Broihier, MS, RD, LD, Guiding Stars 03.24.14

    Trending
    • Nutrition Industry Reacts To 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines For Americans
    • Preliminary Study Suggests Link Between Omega-3s And Lower COVID-19 Death Rates
    • Maternal Dietary Intake Of Fish, Omega-3s, And Omega-6s Linked To Child Neurodevelopment
    • Mintel Announces Global Food And Drinks Trends For 2021
    • FrieslandCampina Launches Biotis Immune Health Ingredient
    Breaking News
    • NIH Study Compares Low-Fat, Plant-based to Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet
    • Gadot Positions Mineral Line for Vegan Market
    • Nutritfy India to Launch Global Broadcast Channel Covering Nutrition
    • FrieslandCampina Launches Biotis Immune Health Ingredient
    • Astaxanthin Microencapsulated with Spirulina Targets ‘Mental Agility’ and Healthy Aging
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    Jan/Feb 2021

    • Modern Snacking: Where Health & Indulgence Converge
    • More Than Just A Trend: Supplements Embedded in Consumer Health Regimens
    • A Growing Need for Mineral Supplementation
    • The Value of Vitamin D Testing
    • A Glance At The Eye Health Market
    • Citrus Support for the Blood Glucose-Immune System Connection
    • View More >

    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    NIH Study Compares Low-Fat, Plant-based to Low-Carb, Animal-Based Diet
    Gadot Positions Mineral Line for Vegan Market
    Nutritfy India to Launch Global Broadcast Channel Covering Nutrition
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    LINE-X Launches Dealer Program with International Truck
    PPG Reports Q4, Full-year 2020 Financial Results
    BASF Begins Implementing Ralignment of Global Business Services Unit
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Data Show Porex's Medical Device Filtration Materials Protect Against Virus, Bacteria Spread
    Endoscopic Hemostasis Devices Market Valued at $730 Million
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Pfizer, BioNTech Enter Vax Pact with COVAX
    FDA Approves Janssen’s CABENUVA
    AGC Biologics Appoints Boulder Site GM
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Coty Appoints Chief Procurement Officer
    Lageen Tubes Launches Mono-Material PE Tube Solutions
    Jason Jones Loses Battle with Covid-19
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Carol’s Daughter Adds New Hair Products
    Moroccan Gold Series Launches NuDo Shampoo
    Youbody Debuts Waterless Body Wash
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    BOBST Demonstrates Future of Flexible Packaging Production at Virtual Open House
    Morancé Soudure France Adds Comexi F2 MC 10-color Flexo Press
    AR Packaging Acquiring Firstan Holdings Ltd
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Gallus planning virtual event for March
    Lemu Group engineers mask-making machine
    Niagara Label upgrades with Nilpeter flexo press
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Freudenberg to Establish Apparel Interlining Competence Centers
    Minet Adds Spunlace Line in Romania
    Lemu Group Engineers Mask-Making Machine
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Cretex Companies CEO Steps Down
    Conformis Enters Development & Supply Agreement with SITES Medical
    Sectra, RSA Biomedical Sign Distribution Agreement for Implant Stability Tool
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    UDC Subsidiary Adesis' Website Wins 2020 MarCom Platinum Award
    Ambiq Wins IoT Semiconductor Company of the Year Award
    Ynvisible Names Michael Robinson CEO, Jani-Mikael Kuusisto SVP Ventures

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login