Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast often used for the treatment of GI tract disorders such as diarrhea symptoms (A). S. boulardii may also help protect a person’s gut flora while they take antibiotics, it can also help with Traveler’s diarrhea, Helicobacter pylori, and Antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Benefits and uses of S. boulardii

Traveler’s diarrhea

Traveler’s diarrhea occurs within 10 days of travel to an area with poor public hygiene. It’s the most common illness in travelers. It’s caused by drinking water or eating foods that have bacteria, viruses, or parasites. It usually goes away without treatment in a few days Traveler’s diarrhea occurs when a person ingests viruses, bacteria, or protozoa in food or drink while traveling. A 2019 review found that, in comparison with two other probiotics, S. boulardii is significantly more effective for preventing traveler’s diarrhea.(B2)

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea refers to passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day after taking antibiotic medications used to treat bacterial infections. About 1 in 5 people who take antibiotics develop antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Antibiotics disrupt gut flora, which often lead to diarrhea during treatment. In some cases, antibiotics can also lead to dysbiosis, which is when a person’s gut flora becomes imbalanced.(B3)

According to a 2020 review (C), there is evidence that S. boulardii may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and help restore a person’s gut flora after treatment. As it is a yeast, antibiotics do not kill it, which means a person can take antibiotics and S. boulardii at the same time.

Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that causes infection in the stomach. It is the main cause of peptic ulcers, and it can also cause gastritis and stomach cancer. About 30 to 40% of people in the United States get an H. pylori infection

A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis looked at data from 18 previous trials on the use of S. boulardii for treating this infection. In comparison with the standard treatment alone, which is antibiotics, a combination of S. boulardii and antibiotics was more effective in eradicating the bacteria.

People taking S. boulardii also have lower rates of side effects from treatment, particularly diarrhea and constipation. Fewer people also stopped their treatment in comparison to people who only took antibiotics.

Pure Saccharomyces boulardii powder

Clinical studies show that S. boulardii supports healthy intestinal function, promoting healthy bowel transit time.^† This single ingredient Saccharomyces boulardii powder comes with a small, single scoop for measuring accuracy; this clean-label formulation is particularly effective and uniquely convenient for use in high-potency titration protocols.^† Saccharomyces boulardii is a non-pathogenic, transient yeast.

Since its discovery in 1920, clinicians worldwide have used S. boulardii to support normal bowel transit time, promote healthy immune and inflammatory response, and bolster gastrointestinal microbiota diversity, particularly in conjunction with antibiotic therapy. S. boulardii is also commonly used to safely and effectively displace undesirable yeast species, which may play a beneficial role in neurological health, particularly for individuals on the neurodiverse spectrum.^†