An ostomy bag insert 104 with a liquid and odour absorbing material 203 comprising a polyacrylate superabsorbent, a mesoporous polysaccharide and a silicate adsorbent. The insert is designed to absorb fluid excreted from the body and suppress odour. It is desirable that the insert should not draken in colour and should be environmentally benign upon disposal. A combination of pores in a mesoporous and microporous size distribution range is intended to improve the odour absorption of the polysaccharide. The mesoporous volume may be greater than 0.2 cm3g-1 and the ratio of mesoporous to microporous volume may be greater than 10. The insert may be a sachet containing the polyacrylate superabsorbent, a mesoporous polysaccharide and a silicate adsorbent. The sachet may be formed from carboxymethylcellulose and wood pulp. The insert may form part of an ostomy appliance (100, Fig. 1) which may have a flange or gasket attachable to the skin at the stoma site.
