A formulation of two probiotic strains provided by Kaneka Probiotics was evidenced in a recent human clinical trial to have potential colic and gastrointestinal health benefits in a group of 34 infants.
 
The formulation which consists of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum KABP-042 and Pediococcus pentosaceus KABP-041 strains, which the company refers to as the KABP formulation, was also evaluated for its safety and mechanisms of action in the GI system including intestinal barrier integrity.
 
Based on the findings of the study, the researchers linked supplementation with the KABP formulation to significant reductions in the severity of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) such as colic and constipation. In addition, the parents of the infants who were involved in the study self-reported favorable scores in assessments of anxiety.
 
Scientists estimate that one in two infants develop FGID within the first six months of life, Kaneka reports, and the most prevalent manifestations are colic and functional constipation. Experts in the gut microbiome characterize FGID as a gut-brain axis disorder, given the alterations observed in the gut microbiota of infants with FGID.
 
The study, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, examined the effects of the KABP formulation through multiple investigations including in silico analyses, in vitro characterization, and an in vivo trial on infants with FGID. In the in vivo portion of the study, 34 infants were administered the liquid probiotic drops for 14 weeks. The university researchers from Spain and Pediatric Primary Care in Italy demonstrated that the KABP Formulation reduced FGID severity and also provided confirmation of its safety. As there are many factors involved in the pathophysiology of FGIDs, the researchers also evaluated the effects of B. longum KABP™-042 and P. pentosaceus KABP™-041 upon infants of different feeding modes (breast-fed as well as formula-fed), as well as different delivery types (vaginally delivered or C-section).  
 
Regardless of the feeding mode or delivery mode, the outcomes of supplementing with the KABP formulation were consistent.
 
“This newly published study substantiates the efficacy of the KABP formulation for reducing FGIDs, which is one of the most prevalent challenges for infants and a significant source of anxiety for parents,” Mike Kolifrath, vice president, sales and marketing of the probiotics division at Kaneka, said. “Moreover, the study substantiates the efficacy of Floradapt Baby Colic, our dietary supplement probiotic that is constituted entirely of the KABP formulation. Although Baby Colic is a dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, this multi-pronged study of the effects of the KABP formulation adds another layer of support to the existing competent and reliable scientific evidence that Baby Colic supports a calm gut and healthy microflora in babies and helps reduce the duration of crying episodes and crying time. Kaneka’s robust presence in infant probiotic nutrition has again been proven.”