Evaluation of Butyrate Effect on Diarrhea

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is an important morbidity resulting from antibiotic use. AAD is more than a bothersome adverse event of antibiotic treatment; it is associated with prescription noncompliance and overuse of second-line antibiotics. Any antibiotic could potentially cause AAD, but broad-spectrum antibiotics that predominantly target anaerobes and are poorly absorbed, have a higher AAD incidence. Alterations in the diversity of the gut microbiota are believed to underlie the development of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, likewise, micronutrient deficiencies can exacerbate both barrier leak and morbidity.

The use of SCFAs, such as butyrate, along with vitamin D and zinc, each possessing unique properties that contribute to enhancing the microbiota, controlling inflammation, and promoting a healthy intestinal barrier, may be beneficial in the prevention of AAD.

The proposed dietary supplement contains butyrate, vitamin D, and zinc, and is presented as a potential product useful in the prevention of AAD.

Inclusion criteria

• Subjects undergoing antibiotic therapy
• Subjects capable of conforming to the study protocol
• Subjects who have given their free and informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects with untreated food intolerance, i.e. remaining symptomatic despite the withdrawal of the suspected food
• Subjects who become unable to conform to protocol
• Subjects who are continuously taking contact laxatives Subjects who are treated with pre/probiotics