Data over doubt: Clarifications on calcium butyrate efficacy in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome

[...] We agree that the treatment effect magnitude was notable and derives from rigorous methodological choices. Placebo success rates in Disorders of gut–brain interactions result heterogeneous (2.8%–62.5%), with lower responses associated with stringent designs and objective endpoints. Our methodology aligns with these conditions. The run-in period, requiring persistent symptoms for randomization, ensured a stable symptomatic cohort: nine children improved during run-in and were excluded. [...]