Infantile Colic Overview

Questions and Answers

What role do MFGM lipids play in infant health?

They stabilize blood sugar levels

They promote excessive colic

They contribute to intestinal maturation (correct)

They inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria

What is the primary benefit of using partially hydrolyzed proteins in infant nutrition?

Easy to digest (correct)

Increases lactose intolerance

Enhances muscle growth

Supports weight loss

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of MFGM lipids?

Reduces fussiness and crying episodes

Enhances growth of healthy microbiota

Improves gut immunity

Improves skin elasticity (correct)

What is the significance of intestinal trophism in infants?

It supports the development of a healthy gut environment Signup and view all the answers

How do MFGM lipids contribute to gut health?

They contribute to the growth of healthy microbiota Signup and view all the answers

Which ingredient in infant formulas is known to improve symptoms of infantile colic?

Lactobacillus reuteri Signup and view all the answers

What is the first-line dietary approach for treating infantile colic?

Formulas based on partially hydrolyzed whey proteins Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of infants worldwide are affected by infantile colic?

10-30% Signup and view all the answers

What is the peak age for infantile colic according to the Rule of Three?

3 months Signup and view all the answers

What effect do HMOs have on gastrointestinal health in infants?

Enhance intestinal barrier development Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using low lactose formulas for infants?

Reduce gas formation Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily responsible for stimulating appetite and is found at higher levels in infants with colic?

Ghrelin Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of maltodextrins in infant formulas for colic?

To replace lactose with more easily digested carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the GENTLE+ PLUS infant formula?

Reduced lactose content Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of motilin in the digestive system?

Stimulates muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered a possible cause of infantile colic?

Excessive caffeine consumption Signup and view all the answers

What outcome is associated with the use of HMOs in infant formulas?

Reduced colic episodes Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary reasons for using probiotic strains like Lactobacillus reuteri in treatment?

To promote better digestion Signup and view all the answers

What is the status of lactase activity in infants at birth?

25% active Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of Beta-palmitate related to infant growth?

Improved overall growth Signup and view all the answers

Which condition can cause secondary lactase deficiency?

Rotavirus infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of colic in infants?

Excess of lactose in the colon Signup and view all the answers

Why is lactose important for infants?

It supplies 40% of energy needs Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible consequence of long-term use of lactose-free formulas in infants?

Development of lactose intolerance Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if lactose in the intestine exceeds its absorptive capacity?

It ferments with colonic bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is responsible for activating other enzymes that break down proteins?

Enterokinase Signup and view all the answers

What impact does Beta-palmitate have on crying times in infants?

Reduces crying time Signup and view all the answers

What happens to lactase production when lactose is consistently excluded from an infant's diet?

Lactase production decreases Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT a common cause of villous atrophy?

Lactose intolerance Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of diarrhea as provided by WHO?

Three or more watery stools per day Signup and view all the answers

Which fatty acid competes with Arachidonic acid for the same enzyme in the body?

Linoleic acid Signup and view all the answers

What feature of GENTLE+ infant formula helps enhance gut function?

HMOs prebiotics Signup and view all the answers

What diagnostic test is commonly used for lactose intolerance?

Hydrogen breath test Signup and view all the answers

What is true about the composition of GENTLE+ infant formula regarding lactose?

It has 85% less lactose than standard infant formula Signup and view all the answers

What benefit does the MFGM lipid provide in the context of infant formula?

Promotion of gut maturation and immunity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) on health?

Improved cognitive function Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a competitor of GENTLE+ infant formula?

Enfamil Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Infantile Colic

Characterized by prolonged periods of irritability, fussiness, or crying in healthy infants, specifically for more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks.
Peaks around 3 months of age, following the "Rule of Three" established by Wessel and colleagues.
Affects 10-30% of infants globally, making it a primary cause for pediatric visits in the first three months.

Theories on Causes of Infantile Colic

Possible origins include an underdeveloped mucosal barrier, imbalanced gut microbiota, lactase insufficiency, and altered gut motility.
Higher levels of ghrelin and motilin found in colicky infants suggest a link to abnormal gut hormone signaling.

Gut Hormones

Motilin: Stimulates muscle contractions for gut clearance. Abnormal signaling in colicky infants may disrupt this function.
Ghrelin: An appetite stimulant with elevated levels in colicky infants, possibly increasing hunger and discomfort.

Lactase Insufficiency

Occurs when lactose exceeds the intestinal absorptive capacity (3.5g/100ml or above 4.5g/Kg/day), leading to fermentation and gas in the colon.
Infant lactase activity is typically low at birth (only 25% active), complicating lactose digestion.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of infantile colic focuses on excluding other potential causes and understanding its differential diagnosis.

Treatment Approaches

Reassurance and guidance provided to parents using the "5 S" approach.
Probiotics: Lactobacillus reuteri strains shown to improve colic symptoms in breastfed infants.
Dietary Formulas: Partially hydrolyzed whey protein formulas serve as a first-line dietary approach.

GENTLE+ PLUS Formula

Designed specifically for infants (0-12 months) with colic and gas issues, containing low levels of lactose to alleviate symptoms.
Contains 14% reduced lactose, 85% maltodextrins for easier digestion, and HMOs for gut health.

Biological Effects of HMOs

Support infant gut maturation, immune function, and promote the development of healthy gut microbiota, leading to reduced colic and fussiness.

Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM)

Contributes to intestinal health and reduces episodes of colic, enhancing gut immunity and development of healthy microbiota.

Role of Beta-palmitate

Associated with reduced crying time, improved growth, and better tolerability for infants.

Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (LC-PUFAs)

DHA & ARA sources are important for infant growth, found in various foods, including fish and plant oils.

Importance of Lactose

Essential for supplying 40% of energy needs and aiding in the absorption of calcium and iron.
Prolonged absence of lactose in an infant's diet can lead to growth issues and potential future lactose intolerance due to decreased lactase activity.

Lactose Free Formulas and Colic

Not suitable for managing colic as colic relates to excess lactose, not lactose itself.
Long-term use can lead to a decline in lactase production, risking future lactose intolerance in infants.

Diarrhea

Defined as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools per day, can result from lactose intolerance or secondary factors like infections or mucosal injury.
Hydrogen breath test can diagnose lactose intolerance by measuring breath hydrogen after lactose ingestion.

Villous Atrophy

Commonly caused by infections (e.g., rotavirus), allergies (e.g., cow milk protein allergy), or autoimmune disorders (e.g., celiac disease).

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of infantile colic, including definitions, symptoms, and the 'Rule of Three' criteria established by Wessel and colleagues. It's crucial for those studying early childhood care, as it addresses common concerns in infant health.