[Double-blind comparison of an apple pectin-chamomile extract preparation with placebo in children with diarrhea]

In a prospective, double-blind, randomised, multicentre, parallel group study, children (6 months to 5.5 years of age) with acute, non-complicated diarrhea received either a preparation containing apple pectin and chamomile extract (Diarrhoesan, n = 39) or placebo (n = 40) in addition to the usual rehydration and realimentation diet. At the end of three days of treatment, the diarrhea had ended significantly (p < 0.05) more frequently in the pectin/chamomile (33/39) than in the placebo group (23/40). Pectin/chamomile reduced the duration of diarrhea significantly (p < 0.05) by at least 5.2 h. The parents documented the well-being in a diary twice daily; in contrast to placebo, a trend of continuous improvement was observed in the pectin/chamomile group. The parents expressed their contentment more frequently (82%) with pectin/chamomile than with placebo (60%, not significant). There were no further differences between the treatment groups.