Good news for those with an embarrassing problem.Bismuth subgallate, the active ingredient of a number of over-the-counter preparations, has long been used for a variety of gastrointestinal problems. One of its lesser-known uses has recently been the object of scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration-its effect in reducing fecal odor among colostomy colostomy Surgical formation of an artificial anus by making an opening from the colon through the abdominal wall. It may be done to decompress an obstructed colon, to allow excretion when part of the colon must be removed, or to permit healing of the colon. and ileostomy ileostomy /il·e·os·to·my/ (il?e-os´tah-me) surgical creation of an opening into the ileum, with a stoma on the abdominal wall. il·e·os·to·my n. 1. patients. The FDA FDA abbr. Food and Drug Administration FDA, n.pr See Food and Drug Administration. FDA, n.pr the abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration. panel of experts reviewed two studies, one that involved ileostomy patients and the other that examined patients who had both ileostomies and colostomies. The studies concluded that the use of bismuth subgallate resulted in definite improvement in fecal odor. The panel also cited the experience of the members of the United Ostomy ostomy Surgical opening in the body, or the operation creating it, usually to allow discharge of wastes through the abdominal wall. It may be temporary, to relieve strain on damaged organs, or permanent, to replace normal channels congenitally missing or surgically removed Association, who report 20 years of successful long-term use of this ingredient, with widespread patient acceptance. The FDA thus concluded that bismuth subgallate is a safe and effective over-the-counter treatment to control ostomy odors. However, it cautions consumers to use dosages currently recommended by manufacturers of the products that contain this ingredient. The FDA panel addressed only the question of bismuth bismuth (bĭz`məth) [Ger. Weisse Masse=white mass], metallic chemical element; symbol Bi; at. no. 83; at. wt. 208.9804; m.p. 271.3°C;; b.p. about 1,560°C;; sp. gr. 9.75 at 20°C;; valence +3 or +5. subgallate's ability to improve fecal odor among ostomy patients. However, others who have used the product are convinced of its effectiveness in reducing fecal odor from flatus flatus /fla·tus/ (fla´tus) [L.] 1. gas or air in the gastrointestinal tract. 2. gas or air expelled through the anus. fla·tus n. . Given the panel's conclusion regarding its safety, there seems to be no reason for persons with problem fecal odor to avoid a trial course of bismuth subgallate. For any of our readers who would like to undergo a trial course, we are pleased to offer 100 tablets of Colo-Fresh for only $11.99-more than a month's supply. Call 1-800-621-9355 to order by Visa or MasterCard. You can also send a check or money order for as many bottles as desired to: The American Foundation for Preventive Medicine preventive medicine, branch of medicine dealing with the prevention of disease and the maintenance of good health practices. Until recently preventive medicine was largely the domain of the U.S. , P.O. Box 1144, Indianapolis, IN 46206. The foundation is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, and proceeds from the sale of this product go to medical education and research. |
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