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Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) can cause discomfort for infants and lead to stress and anxiety for parents. This stress often results in pressure on nutrition consultants and frequent, sometimes illogical, changes in infant formula. Some parents also turn to treatments from social media or friends, which can worsen the situation rather than improve it. In this article, we present simple scientific information to help parents understand these disorders.

Development of the Newborn GI Tract and the Importance of Colostrum

 At birth, the infant’s digestive system is not fully functional. In the early days of life, several changes occur in the gastrointestinal tract, such as increased mucus production in the esophagus and tissue development in the stomach and intestines. These changes are directly linked to colostrum intake, which contains hormones and growth-promoting peptides like human growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Studies show that colostrum intake helps speed up the maturation of the digestive system, especially in premature infants.

Digestion in Newborns

Although digestion in newborns has not been fully studied, available research suggests that newborns rely on compensatory systems to digest proteins, sugars, and fats. Infants use enzymes found in breast milk, along with those produced by their own digestive systems, to aid this process. The lipase in breast milk plays a significant role in fat digestion, making breastfeeding highly beneficial for infants.

Types of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infants

 FGIDs in infants are classified into seven main types:

1. Infant regurgitation

2. Infant colic

3. Functional constipation

4. Functional diarrhea

5. Cyclic vomiting syndrome

6. Infant dyschezia

7. Infant rumination syndrome

Management of FGIDs in Infants

Key measures for managing these disorders include:

• Educating parents and increasing their understanding of FGIDs.

• Supporting breastfeeding and avoiding foods that may irritate the baby.

• In the case of formula feeding, avoid randomly switching formulas. Always consult a nutritionist before making any changes.

• Special formulas like lactose-free (LF) or anti-reflux (AR) formulas can be considered for infants with these issues.

• Avoid using medications without consulting a doctor, as they may have side effects on the baby’s health.

Conclusion: Collalac’s Role in Supporting Digestive Health in Infants

At Collalac, we understand the importance of providing scientifically formulated infant milk to meet the nutritional needs of babies. We ensure that our ingredients support digestive health and promote normal growth. Our products are carefully designed to provide relief for infants suffering from FGIDs, offering parents peace of mind about their baby’s health.