UPDATES:FOOD ALLERGY IS LIKELY CAUSE OF INFANT COLIC

A study of colicky infants has shown a link with food allergies.

Thirty eight bottle fed infants were randomly assigned to receive either a hypoallergenic formula (Pregestimil) or cow’s milk formula. A further 77 mothers of breastfed colicky infants were put on a diet free of artificial colours, preservatives and additives and were further randomly assigned to a low allergen diet or a control diet.

After one week, the 61 per cent of infants on the hypoallergenic diet (breast and bottle) showed a significant reduction in distress, compared to only 43 per cent of those on control diets (J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1995; 96: 886-92).

For information on food allergy testing see WDDTY vol 6 no 9.