Effect of Carbolevure on intestinal fermentation induced by the ingestion of lactulose

A double-blind trial involving two parallel groups of healthy volunteers was carried out in order to determine whether Carbolevure was capable of decreasing the over-production of intestinal gas induced by the ingestion of 15 ml of lactulose, a synthetic disaccharide not absorbed by the small intestine. Catabolism of this substrate by the anaerobic bacterial flora produces hydrogen, a constant fraction of which diffuses from the intestinal lumen into the blood, later to be excreted in expired air. Hydrogen levels were measured in air samples collected at the end of forced expiration. This hydrogen respiratory test was carried out before and after administration of Carbolevure to 17 volunteers or of a placebo to 15 volunteers, at a dose of three capsules morning and evening for seven days. Comparison of measurements of expired hydrogen by the subjects before and after administration showed a decrease in both groups. However, this decrease was statistically significant only in the group of volunteers having received Carbolevure.