Atrantil - Bacterial Overgrowth - 90 capsules

Atrantil was developed by the American gastroenterologist Dr. Kenneth Brown for people with a bloated belly, gas, abdominal pain and sluggish bowels, complaints that are often linked to an overgrowth of methane-producing micro-organisms in the small intestine (SIBO/IMO). The three plant extracts (quebracho, horse chestnut and peppermint) act locally in the small intestine: the polyphenols from quebracho bind hydrogen, the saponins from horse chestnut inhibit the enzyme that forms methane, and peppermint relaxes the intestinal wall. Many users notice less gas within a few hours; after 7 to 10 days there is usually a clear difference in bloating and bowel movements. Results vary per person and depend on the severity of the complaints.

Start with the loading dose: 2 capsules with every meal, i.e. 6 capsules a day, for at least 10 to 20 days. Always take the capsules with food so that the active substances reach the small intestine together with the food. Once your complaints have clearly decreased, switch to a maintenance dose of 1 capsule with breakfast, lunch and dinner (3 a day). With persistent complaints you can continue the loading dose longer, up to several months. A bottle of 90 capsules lasts 15 days at the loading dose and 30 days at maintenance; a full loading course therefore usually requires 2 bottles.

Atrantil contains only the patented blend of quebracho, horse chestnut and peppermint (550 mg per capsule) and is intended to restore balance in the small intestine. Atrantil Pro combines that same blend with three spore-forming probiotics (Bacillus subtilis HU58, B. coagulans and B. clausii, 3 billion per daily dose). The Bacillus strains convert the large polyphenols from quebracho into smaller, better absorbable compounds such as urolithins and then help rebuild the gut flora. Rule of thumb: choose Atrantil for acute complaints of gas and bloating or if you want to 'clear out' first; choose Atrantil Pro if you also want to support the gut flora, for recurring complaints, or as maintenance after a course of Atrantil. If you react sensitively to probiotics, start with regular Atrantil.

We advise against starting regular probiotics (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains) at the same time: with an overgrowth in the small intestine, extra bacteria can temporarily make the complaints worse. Start with Atrantil first and only add probiotics once the complaints have improved, or go straight for Atrantil Pro with spore-forming Bacillus strains, which cause fewer problems in this respect. Atrantil can be used alongside a course of antibiotics such as rifaximin and is also used by doctors to prevent relapse after such a course; discuss this with your practitioner. Combinations with digestive enzymes, betaine HCl, magnesium or ox bile are no problem.

Atrantil is generally well tolerated. In the first few days a temporary 'die-off' or Herxheimer reaction may occur as the micro-organisms in the small intestine die off: more gas, abdominal cramps, headache or fatigue. This is usually a sign that the product is working and disappears within a few days. If the reaction is too strong, build up more slowly (for example 1 capsule per meal) and drink plenty of water. Some people experience somewhat harder stools due to the binding effect; extra fibre, water or magnesium helps then. Always take the capsules with a meal to avoid stomach upset.

Atrantil has not been studied in pregnant women, during breastfeeding or in children under 12; in those cases use it only after consulting a doctor. Horse chestnut extract contains aescin, which can have a mild blood-thinning effect: if you take anticoagulants such as acenocoumarol, warfarin or newer blood thinners, consult your doctor or pharmacist first. Consultation is also advisable with liver or kidney problems and when using medicines with a narrow therapeutic range. Atrantil contains no substances on the doping list.

Yes, Atrantil is a plant-based supplement without habituation and can be used long-term at the maintenance dose (1 capsule per meal); many people with recurring bloating or IBS-C complaints use it daily. Relapse usually occurs because the cause of the overgrowth persists: slow gut motility, too little stomach acid, many fast carbohydrates or stress. Therefore combine Atrantil with an eating pattern that suits your complaints (for example temporarily low-FODMAP), sufficient breaks between meals so the gut can clean itself, exercise after eating and possibly Atrantil Pro as maintenance for the gut flora.

Atrantil contains no gluten, soy, dairy, nuts, artificial colours or flavours and is non-GMO. Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is botanically not a nut and not related to the edible sweet chestnut; people with a nut allergy can use Atrantil normally, but consult your doctor if you have a known allergy to horse chestnut or latex. The capsule is plant-based, making the product suitable for vegetarians and vegans. If you have trouble swallowing, you can open the capsules and mix the contents into a spoonful of yoghurt or apple sauce; it tastes bitter and slightly minty.