18 Jan 2026 • Infantile colic was linked to a higher risk of gastrointestinal, allergic, and neurodevelopmental disorders later in childhood, new cohort data showed.

In an analysis of 19,191 infants with colic and 95,955 matched controls, colic was associated with neonatal antibiotic exposure, cesarean delivery, and maternal comorbidities, including atopic disease, major depressive disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Over five years of follow-up, children with a history of colic had a higher incidence of disorders of gut–brain interaction, including constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional abdominal pain disorders. Colic was also associated with increased risks of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and atopic diseases in early childhood.

The findings position infantile colic as a potential early marker of biological vulnerability and support closer long-term monitoring of affected infants.

Source: Nature | Read full story