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Pedia Flash 2022 › Pedia Flash Vol-8, No-3, 2022

Lactase Supplementation in Infantile Colic- Current Evidence

Colic in infants, which presents with excessive crying in early infancy, is one of the most common, yet lesser understood disorder for pediatricians and physicians alike.1 It is seen in about 20-40% infants. Although labeled as an innocuous problem, it can be a cause of significant mental distress for both the mother and family. The pathogenic mechanism of infantile colic has been debated over the years, though current evidence seems to suggest that a complex interplay of several events can possibly culminate in its development. A school of thought also suggests a potential role of lactose intolerance, most likely secondary to either cow’s milk protein allergy or gastroenteritis, that can be one of the underlying cause of its symptoms. Infants with colic usually have recurrent episodes of crying, mainly in the evening hours and unrelated to prior activity.