Partially hydrolysed guar gum supplemented comminuted chicken diet in persistent diarrhoea: a randomised controlled trial. Issue 2 (21st January 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alam, N H; Meier, R; Sarker, S A; Bardhan, P K; Schneider, H; Gyr, N
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 90:Issue 2(2005)
• Page Start: 195
• Page End: 199
• Publication Date: 2005-01-21
• Subjects: ICDDR, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research -- ORS, oral rehydration solution -- PHGG, partially hydrolysed guar gum -- SCFA, short chain fatty acid; partially hydrolysed guar gum -- PHGG -- Benefiber -- persistent diarrhoea -- comminuted chicken diet; Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2003.040089
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

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.