The palatability of colloidal bulk forming agents.

The palatability of three bulk additives was studied in volunteers under 40 and over 60 years of age. Women highly significantly preferred Normacol Special (Norgine) to Fybogel (Reckitt & Colman) and Celevac Granules (W.B.P.). On both preference and palatability score Normacol Special was significantly preferred to Celevac Granules, as it was in the under 40's on palatability score and in the over 60's on preference, but in the latter, sex may have accounted for the difference observed. Volunteers under the age of 40 gave Celevac a significantly higher palatability score than Fybogel; the reverse occurred in the over 60's. These results have therapeutic implications in patients with different gastro-intestinal disorders.