Management of traveller’s diarrhoea with a combination of sodium butyrate, organic acids, and A-300 silicon dioxide

Abstract

IntroductionTraveller's diarrhoea (TD), defined by UNICEF/WHO as three or more unformed stools with or without other symptoms, imposes a considerable burden on travellers from developed countries. Various efforts have focused on decreasing the prevalence and severity of this condition.AimTo assess the efficacy of a combination of sodium butyrate, organic acids, and A-300 silicon dioxide in treatment providing symptomatic relief of TD.Material and methodsThe study was conducted in accordance with a protocol presented to the Bioethical committee of Poznan University of Medical Sciences. A total of 278 patients travelling to countries with higher risk of diarrhoea for at least 10 days were divided into a study arm being administered, in case of TD, a combination of sodium butyrate, organic acids, and A-300 silicon dioxide (n = 139) and a placebo arm (n = 139) with placebo administration.ResultsForty-seven patients completed the study (22 in the study arm and 25 in the placebo arm). The diarrhoea occurrence after initiation of treatment at first symptoms was significantly lower in the study arm as compared to the placebo arm (9% vs. 36%, p = 0.041). Also, subjects from the study arm more frequently reported that the regimen administered had been efficient for their symptoms in comparison to the placebo arm (72.7% vs. 32%, p = 0.008). No adverse effects of the administered medication were noted during the study.ConclusionsSodium butyrate, organic acids, and A-300 silicon dioxide can be successful in decreasing symptoms of TD. Because of its efficacy and lack of observed side effects it has a strong potential in the treatment of patients with TD.

Butyric acid – a well-known molecule revisited

“…In addition, a statistically significant improvement was noted in the study group in terms of reduction in the number of bowel movements a day and relief of gastric symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea). Similar beneficial effects are observed after using a mixture of sodium butyrate and silicon dioxide (A300) [ 23 ].…”

Postoperative supplementation of propionate and silicon dioxide in patients after total gastrectomy – preliminary report

“…On the one hand, these mechanisms of action stimulate the process of recovery and adaptation, and on the other hand they enable an accelerated clinical improvement by physiological decrease of adverse symptoms and metabolic outcomes. The combination of propionate and silicon dioxide is administered in acute travellers' diarrhoea, usually caused by toxins produced by bacteria or viruses [6]. A growing intestinal dysbiosis is quite characteristic for these conditions [16].…”

“…It has been documented that short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) along with silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) are effective in treating diarrhoea and other intestinal conditions [6]. Short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate) produced by bacteria present in the large intestine stand as the main energetic substrate for intestinal epithelial cells [7].…”