Does LGG Probiotic Reduce Crying Time in Babies with Colic?
A user asks if Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) helps reduce crying time in infants. The assistant reviews evidence from one RCT showing no significant benefit, contrasting it with other probiotics like L. reuteri, and advises consulting a pediatrician.
Does Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG actually help reduce crying time in babies?
The short answer is that the current evidence does not support that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) significantly reduces crying time in babies with colic.
Here's what the research shows:
According to Pillser's research database, there is 1 randomized controlled trial (2019, 184 participants) that specifically examined LGG for the prevention of infant colic1. This was a well-designed study where infants received 10 billion CFU daily of LGG starting from early life. The result was neutral — meaning no statistically significant reduction in colic symptoms or crying time was observed. In fact, colic occurred in 13.0% of the LGG group versus 6.5% in the control group, though this difference was not statistically significant1.
This is worth noting because other probiotic strains — particularly Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 — have shown more promising results for infant colic in clinical trials. The specific strain matters a great deal when it comes to probiotic effects.
To summarize the evidence for LGG and infant crying/colic:
Evidence Point Finding Number of studies 1 RCT (n=184) Effect Neutral (no significant benefit) Dose tested 10 billion CFU/day Conclusion LGG does not appear to reduce crying time or prevent colic in infants So in answer to your question: based on the available evidence, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG does not appear to help reduce crying time in babies. If you're considering a probiotic for infant colic, other strains have stronger evidence behind them, but you should always consult your pediatrician before starting any supplement for your baby.
Footnotes
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Pillser research database, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Reduced Colic. ↩ ↩2
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