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. 2005 Feb;90(2):195–199. doi: 10.1136/adc.2003.040089

Partially hydrolysed guar gum supplemented comminuted chicken diet in persistent diarrhoea: a randomised controlled trial

N Alam 1, R Meier 1, S Sarker 1, P Bardhan 1, H Schneider 1, N Gyr 1
PMCID: PMC1720249  PMID: 15665181

Abstract

Background: Partially hydrolysed guar gum (Benefiber) added to a diet is fermented in the colon, producing short chain fatty acids, which improve intestinal function, including colonic salt and water absorption.

Aims: To evaluate the effect of Benefiber supplemented comminuted chicken diet in the treatment of persistent diarrhoea.

Methods: One hundred and sixteen children (aged 5–24 months), presenting to Dhaka Hospital with a history of watery diarrhoea for more than 14 days (persistent diarrhoea), were randomised to receive either: (1) comminuted chicken diet with Benefiber (study diet); or (2) comminuted chicken diet without Benefiber (control diet). The study period was seven days.

Results: Of 116 children, 57 received the study diet and 59 received the control diet. Diarrhoea resolved in a greater number of children with the study than with the control diet (46/55 (84%) v 36/58 (62%); odds ratio 3.12, 95% CI 1.19 to 8.4). Survival analysis for the duration of diarrhoea also showed a reduced duration of diarrhoea in children receiving the study diet. There was also a trend in daily stool reduction in children receiving the study diet, significant on days 4–7.

Conclusion: Results show that Benefiber supplemented comminuted chicken diet enhances recovery of children with persistent diarrhoea, indicating its therapeutic potential.

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Figure 1.

Figure 1

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 Survival plot for recovery from diarrhoea.

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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 Stool weight daily up to 7 days.

Selected References

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