Atrantil KBS Research.

Start with the loading dose: 2 capsules with each meal, so 6 capsules per 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. As soon as your complaints have clearly decreased, switch to a maintenance dose of 1 capsule with breakfast, lunch and dinner (3 per day). For persistent complaints, you can continue the loading dose for longer, up to a few months. A jar of 90 capsules lasts 15 days on the loading dose and 30 days on maintenance; a full loading course therefore usually requires 2 jars.

Atrantil contains only the patented blend of quebracho, horse chestnut and peppermint (550 mg per capsule) and is intended to restore the 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, more easily absorbed compounds such as urolithins and then help build up the gut flora. Rule of thumb: choose Atrantil for acute complaints of gas and bloating or if you first want to 'clear things out'; choose Atrantil Pro if you also want to support your gut flora at the same time, for recurring complaints, or as maintenance after a course of Atrantil. If you are sensitive 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 actually make the complaints temporarily worse. Start with Atrantil first and only add probiotics once the complaints have improved, or choose Atrantil Pro straight away, 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. During the first few days, a temporary 'die-off' or Herxheimer reaction can 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 taking effect and disappears within a few days. If the reaction is too intense, build up more slowly (for example 1 capsule per meal) and drink enough water. Occasionally someone experiences somewhat harder stools because of the binding effect; extra fibre, water or magnesium will help in that case. Always take the capsules with a meal to prevent stomach complaints.

Atrantil has not been studied in pregnant women, during breastfeeding or in children under 12; in those cases, only use it after consulting a doctor. Horse chestnut extract contains aescin, which can have a mild blood-thinning effect: if you use anticoagulants such as acenocoumarol, warfarin or newer blood thinners, consult your doctor or pharmacist first. Consultation is also advisable in the case of 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 that does not lead to 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, a lot of fast carbohydrates or stress. So combine Atrantil with an eating pattern that suits your complaints (for example temporarily low-FODMAP), sufficient breaks between meals so that the gut can sweep itself clean, movement after eating and possibly Atrantil Pro as maintenance for the gut flora.

Atrantil contains no gluten, soy, dairy, nuts, artificial colourings or flavourings 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 if you have a known allergy to horse chestnut or latex, consult your doctor. The capsule is plant-based, which makes the product suitable for vegetarians and vegans. If you have difficulty swallowing, you can open the capsules and mix the contents into a spoonful of yoghurt or apple sauce; it tastes bitter and slightly minty.