The effects of colic
Colic may occur in up to 1 in 4 of all infants.10,11 It usually appears at around 2 to 4 weeks of age and no one knows exactly why it happens . What is clear is that babies with colic cry excessively for long periods of time (sometimes for 3 hours a day)12 and appear to be uncomfortable or in pain. They may pull their legs up to the stomach, become red in the face, clench their hands, pass gas, refuse to eat or become fussy soon after eating. Symptoms tend to worsen in the evening and your baby may find it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Colic is not usually serious and babies continue to eat and gain weight normally . Being unable to pacify an inconsolable baby though can be exhausting and constant crying can create stress and anxiety for families. The good news is that colic usually resolves without any form of treatment by the age of 4 months2.
Colic can be related to poor absorption of carbohydrates, in particular lactose. Lactose is normally digested with the help of the enzyme lactase. However, if there is insufficient lactase, significant lactose will pass through the intestine undigested. Excess lactose is fermented in the colon, leading to the production of gas and abdominal pain.
What can you do to manage colic?
Breast milk is the most compatible nutrition for babies and breastfeeding should be continued as normal. Parents can take steps to help calm babies, such as frequent burping, not overfeeding, rocking gently or giving gentle massages.
If you are already bottle feeding, talk to your healthcare professional or pharmacist about trying an easily digestible colic formula which is designed to help reduce wind and abdominal discomfort. By lowering the lactose content of the feed it may help cure your baby of these ‘colicky’ symptoms.
How Novalac Colic helps
Novalac Colic infant milk formula has an easy to digest, reduced lactose formulation that helps to manage colic. A significant proportion of the lactose is replaced with other easily digestible carbohydrates which aim to reduce wind and abdominal pain.
The reduced level of lactose is sufficient for normal mineral absorption and healthy intestinal flora.
It is not suitable for general use and should be used under medical supervision.
Novalac Colic is nutritionally complete and can be used even when colic has resolved. |
