In newborns, it is not uncommon for intestinal discomfort to occur, and this can cause great apprehension in fathers and mothers. In the vast majority of cases, they are transient conditions (that is, they will spontaneously cease after some time) and they do not have a pathological origin.
In general, they only indicate that the baby’s organism is still in the process of maturation. Exactly for this reason that the vast majority of pictures ceases around the 3rd or 4th month of the baby’s life.
But in the meantime, finding measures that contribute to the well-being of the little ones is very important, even relieving the family’s mental strain.
The action of Colidis occurs by stimulating non-pathogenic bacteria (ie, that do not cause disease), which promotes the reduction of bacteria that cause fermentation during digestion, often resulting in pain and discomfort.
In addition, according to the pediatrician and pediatric nutrologist Tadeu Fernando Fernandes, Colidis helps in harmonizing the intestinal flora.
With this, “modulates bowel movements by producing substances called Short Chain Fatty Acids (AGCC) that assist in intestinal motility, promoting better intestinal transit”.
Thus, it can also be indicated for episodes of constipation or diarrhea , helping to regulate bowel movements.
It should be noted that L.Reuteri DSM 17.398 is similar to what is naturally found in breast milk. Therefore, it does not usually present risks or cause complications that can harm the fragile digestive system of babies.
Pediatrician Tadeu Fernandes also points out that, in general, all children can use L.Reuteri DSM 17.938, as “it acts as a colic preventive and, in cases where they are already present, it acts as a crying time reducer. , irritability and agitation ”.
Despite this, it is necessary to follow the medical recommendations and just give the medicine with a prescription, in order to avoid wrong doses or even allergic and intolerance cases.
Finally, this is usually a medium to long-term therapy, as Colidis can take up to two weeks to rebalance the intestinal flora and take effect.
What does Colidis contain? Colidis is composed probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, naturally present in some parts of the body, such as the mouth and intestinal tract. In addition, it is one of the few that can reside in the human intestinal tract.
This lactobacillus was isolated from human breast milk itself, which makes it very safe for children, reducing the risk of rejection by the little ones’ body.
The human intestine is inhabited by trillions of living beings, some of which cause us harm. Probiotics, such as L.Reuteri DSM 17.938, work by promoting an increase in non-pathogenic bacteria in the intestine, that is, those that cannot cause disease.
At the same time, it prevents the growth of those that can be harmful and trigger pathologies.
What are probiotics? In the last few years, it has been more frequent to hear about the benefits of consuming probiotic foods, as they aid in intestinal health. This is true, but not all good bacteria are the same.
There are different types, causing them to act in different ways in the body.
Probiotics are living microorganisms and act on our bodies facilitating digestive processes and nutrient absorption. In addition, a daily intake and in adequate doses can promote immunity, avoiding possible diseases, and improve digestive functioning.
It is essential that good bacteria are resistant to the conditions of the organism. Thus, they need to survive variations in the pH of the intestinal tract, gastric enzymes and also that are able to adhere to the intestinal mucosa.
Food, environmental factors and other pathologies can interfere with the intestinal microbiota. And in babies, especially newborns, they are mainly the type of delivery, type of breastfeeding and maternal feeding.
Baby’s intestinal microbiota: what is it and how is it formed? Intestinal microbiota is basically the set of microorganisms that colonize the intestinal tract and that, under normal conditions, help to maintain the proper functioning of the organism.
When in balance, this complex system assists in the digestion and absorption of nutrients and in the control of the proliferation of harmful bacteria – that is, those that can trigger diseases or bring health risks.
At birth, the human intestinal tract is sterile, which means that it is not populated by any microorganism.
But it is already in normal birth that colonization of the intestinal flora begins and continues through food. If delivery is cesarean, the first contact is through food (breast milk or supplements).
The complete formation of the infant microbiota is essential for the integrity of the organism, as soon as it has a direct relationship with the control of harmful bacteria and with the maintenance of good immunity.
Therefore, the proper use of probiotics, such as those present in breast milk, can have good results. This, because they are fixed in the gastrointestinal tract and assist in its proper colonization.
It is estimated that the intestinal microbiota pattern is established by 2 years of age. But throughout life, some factors can interfere with the balance of the composition of microorganisms. Among them, food, indiscriminate use of antibiotics and some gastrointestinal diseases (such as inflammatory bowel diseases), for example.
Why are colic in babies common? According to Tadeu Fernando Fernandes, pediatrician and pediatric nutrologist, colic in babies has been studied for a long time, and “the role of the infant gastrointestinal microbiota in the origin of colic has recently come into focus, with several randomized clinical trials showing differences in the intestinal microbiota among children with and without colic ”.
When they are born, babies’ bodies are still getting used to life outside the womb. Some systems are not yet fully formed, such as the intestinal tract.
This means that the peristaltic movements (which are the muscular contractures) still occur in an uncoordinated way, which can hinder the correct intestinal transit, causing some dilations.
Along with this, there are still some factors that favor the formation of gases, such as the wrong footprint when feeding. It can cause the ingestion of air, which, if not eliminated by the burp, ends up turning into gases that cause this discomfort.
The result of all this is, often, the famous colic in the baby, which usually brings great concern to fathers and mothers.
Colic is usually defined by episodes of at least 3 hours in duration, for at least 3 days a week and for more than 3 weeks.
When they occur, one of the most evident signs is crying which, in general, is not stopped by any measure, such as food, diaper changes or the lap. It is common for the little ones to show irritation, agitation and to look uncomfortable.
But it is worth paying attention to some characteristics of the crying itself, as there may be other indications that the cause is actually colic:
The child usually cries between the end of the afternoon and the beginning of the night;
The child usually stretches and stiffens his legs due to the pain;
Colic can stop abruptly when changing the position of the child, and may return some time later.
Is colic serious? Colic itself is generally not serious or harmful, but as it causes great discomfort to the baby and apprehension to the family, it can trigger side effects, such as exaggerated worry and anxiety in fathers and mothers.
As the child usually cries a lot, and there are not many things that can alleviate the pain, the whole family has their rest and routine affected. If the picture goes on too long, physical and emotional well-being may be compromised.
In addition, the child feels a lot of pain and discomfort, and may even compromise good nutrition and sleep, aggravating irritation.
What does Colidis do? According to the package insert, Colidis has the function of collaborating with the child’s intestinal health , which is possible due to the fact that it helps in the balance of intestinal flora, through intestinal colonization with beneficial bacteria.
With this, Colidis can be an aid in the relief of diarrhea or intestinal gases , very common problems in babies.
In fact, intestinal gases are often responsible for the cramps that affect babies, so this is one of the main factors that lead mothers and fathers to seek pediatricians.
In adequate doses, Lactobacillus reuteri helps to balance the baby’s intestinal flora. So, according to pediatrician Tadeu Fernando Fernandes, this has a number of beneficial effects on the functioning of the intestine, because:
“The balance of intestinal flora reduces intestinal inflammation, increases the production of intestinal protective mucus, increases acidity in the large intestine that helps to reduce the proliferation of fermenting bacteria, increases the barrier effect in the intestine, protecting against infections and food allergies and mainly by harmony in the flow of information in the gut-brain axis ”.
All of this causes the intestinal health of babies to be strengthened, which can reduce discomfort, such as colic.
How to use and what is the dosage? Despite being composed of probiotics isolated from breast milk, and that collaborate as a whole for the health of the organism, Colidis must be used under medical prescription in order to avoid any harm to the child’s health.
According to the information on the package insert, the daily dose should be a maximum of 5 drops a day, since it provides 108 CFU (100,000,000 Colony Forming Units) of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 alive.
In addition, the instructions for the correct use of this medication are as follows:
Shake the product before use;
Turn it over with the dispenser facing down and wait for the drops to fall (there is no need to shake the packaging);
Mix the medication in milk (or other liquid) at cold or room temperature .
You should not mix Colidis with food or hot liquids, as this can damage lactobacilli that are sensitive to heat.
How long does it take for Colidis to take effect? As mentioned, Colidis improves the functioning of the child’s intestines and replenishes the intestinal flora, in a way that also collaborates with other factors related to health.
Therefore, it is not a medication that has an immediate effect. For it to be effective, it is necessary that probiotics act in the body, that is, increasing non-pathogenic bacteria and collaborating with intestinal processes.
Thus, the idea is that with time of use, it promotes better digestion and less gas formation, helping to eliminate cramps and discomfort. This can take up to 30 days .
It is worth mentioning that Colidis helps in intestinal health and can promote benefits for healthy children who are in the process of forming the microbiota.
Therefore, it corresponds to a medium to long-term supportive treatment and tends to not work if it is given to the child on time, with the exception of cases of diarrhea, since it can help to replenish the intestinal flora more quickly.
It is worth mentioning that, in cases of colic in babies, even using Colidis, other factors can contribute to eliminate this problem.
For example, the pediatrician can provide guidance on how to take a breast or bottle, as if the child swallows air while breastfeeding, he or she will possibly have these discomforts.
In addition, if the baby is already a few months old and still frequently suffers from problems with the intestinal tract, be sure to seek a professional for help.
Does Colidis have side effects? There is no indication in the Colidis package insert as to possible side effects, you can only find the recommendation not to use above the maximum daily dose (5 drops) and not to use in case of sensitivity to the composition – in order to avoid possible complications .
However, some people report that even when using the medication according to the instructions of the pediatrician and in the appropriate doses, the child had adverse reactions, such as diarrhea.
It is worth noting that these reactions may be linked, for example, to some child’s sensitivity or allergy to the medication.
Therefore, the ideal is to continue following the recommendation of the pediatrician and if the child presents any change, discontinue use and seek medical assistance.
Do you sleep? Colidis has no indication of changes in sleep. However, it is worth considering the fact that many babies find it difficult to rest due to severe pain or discomfort due to intestinal malfunction.
Therefore, as there is a balance of the intestinal microbiota and a maturation of the intestine, it is normal for discomfort to decrease or cease, which can contribute to sleep and rest.
However, in this case, it is not an adverse reaction, just a consequence of the medication’s effects on the child’s well-being.
Value: what is the price and where to buy? You can buy Colidis at any pharmacy. However, if you want more convenience, you can also find this medicine on online platforms, such as Consulta Remédios.
The average price of Colidis is R $ 100 (5mL packaging).
* Price consulted in July 2020. Prices may change.
What is the difference between Colidis and Colikids? Colikids is the old name of Colidis. Thus, the product did not change its formula, milligram or form of use, only the marketing name was changed.
Is this crying colic? When little ones start to cry constantly and for no apparent reason, fathers and mothers tend to show anxiety and worry. And colic is seen as a relatively common problem in the first weeks of life.
To be sure that the cause of crying is really abdominal pain, the tip is always to rule out other factors, such as hunger, changing diapers or even fear. As there is still a lot of news outside the womb, the baby may feel frightened.
So, some simple tips to deal with the situation are:
Look for a calm environment to be with the child;
Avoid excessive noises or movements that can cause more agitation;
Give baths or make warm compresses, as they can calm or even relieve colic;
Hold the baby in your arms, talk in a soft tone of voice and convey tranquility.
In addition, it is important to pay attention to the mother’s emotional state, as tiredness , stress and anxiety can affect the little one as well.
Pediatrician Tadeu Fernandes points out that “cramps, crying and irritability in children who are not gaining weight, are irritated and agitated daily, full time, must be examined and investigated other causes, in addition to infant colic”.
That is, if it is persistent and intense, it is essential to seek medical help.
