Doctors told take bran off menu

Tues March 10th, 2009

A wholesale revision of the professional "bible" has seen the inclusion of new guidelines for a range of complex conditions.

Bran is not recommended for people with irritable bowel syndrome - but soluble fibre may be, according to the new edition of the British National Formulary.

The book, BNF 57, published yesterday, also advises doctors on when to prescribe anti-depressants for the syndrome.

It also advises for the first time on how to use oxygen alert cards for some lung patients.

Pharmacologist Professor Martin Kendall, of Birmingham University, said: "Health professionals at all levels can continue to rely on the BNF to keep them up to date and help them to maintain sensible, cost-effective and safe use of medicines."

The new specialist advice was welcomed by specialist charities.

Dr Nick Read, medical adviser to the Gut Trust, said: "We believe that the advice on fibre consumption is long overdue and we are delighted that this guidance is now included in the BNF.

"The advice on drug treatment is also a welcome step forward for the many millions who live with the pain and discomfort of IBS on a daily basis."

And Dame Helena Shovelton, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "Getting the right level of emergency oxygen treatment is vital. Oxygen alert cards are a great way for patients, ambulance crew and healthcare professionals to avoid making mistakes."

Tags: UK News | Respiratory | Gastroenterology | Pharmaceuticals | Diet & Food

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