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Problems With Gripe Water

Gripe water is an over-the-counter herbal product designed to treat reflux, teething, colic and gas. This extremely popular remedy generally contains sodium bicarbonate, sweeteners, chamomile, fennel and ginger. A 2000 report published in the "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine" concluded that gripe water's efficacy relates primarily to the use of sweeteners, which can relieve pain in young children. Although serious adverse reactions are rare, gripe water may cause problems in some babies.

  1. Tooth Decay

    • The "Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine" regards sugar as the primary, if not singular, active ingredient in gripe water, noting that it alone exerts an analgesic effect powerful enough to account for the product's claimed efficacy. However, sugar is not without its side effects. Babies consuming gripe water may develop cavities or other forms of tooth decay. For this reason, the authors of the study call for the increased use of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, in gripe water.

    Thelarche

    • Breast development, or thelarche, is one of the most alarming side effects associated with gripe water. In 2008, the "Journal of Pediatric Surgery" reported that babies who ingest fennel, an anti-gas gripe water ingredient frequently used in the treatment of colic, sometimes develop adult-like breasts. Anethole, which is an estrogen-like compound found in fennel, is responsible for this effect. The authors of the study advise parents and health care providers to limit their babies' intake of products containing fennel.

    Allergic Reactions

    • The medicinal herbs used in gripe water can trigger severe allergic reactions in susceptible babies. Many gripe water formulas include chamomile, which is a member of the ragweed family and a fairly common allergen. Symptoms of an allergy to gripe water can include diarrhea, hives, rash and difficulty breathing. Although these reactions are rare, they can be very serious. Use gripe water only under a health care provider's guidance, particularly if your baby has a personal or family history of allergies.

    Drowsiness

    • Because of chamomile's weak sedative effects, gripe water may cause drowsiness in babies using the product. Although the National Institutes of Health states that there is insufficient evidence to prove chamomile's efficacy as a treatment for insomnia. However, the organization warns about fatigue and lethargy as potential side effects. The NIH also explicitly warns against the use of products containing chamomile for young children. Parents concerned about this side effect might choose gripe water formulas that are free of chamomile.

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