The probiotic activity ofS.
boulardiiis used for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal tract disorders, including diarrhea symptoms.
This article discusses the uses, side effects, and precautions ofS.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
It also covers what to look for in anS.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Saccharomyces boulardiiis commonly used for gastrointestinal disorders such as the following:
Other uses ofS.
boulardiior a placebo for three weeks.
The product was given five days before the trip and continued throughout.
In the placebo group, 43% developed TD.
However, in the low-doseS.
boulardii,34% developed TD.
And in the higher-doseS.
In a similar study of 3,000 travelers,S.
boulardiiwas shown to reduce the incidence of TD dose-dependently (the outcome depended on the dose).
Specifically, 39% in the placebo group, 34% in the group given a lower dose ofS.
boulardii, and 29% in the group given a higher dose ofS.
However, the study was limited because only 34% of the participants completed the study.
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
A systematic review (a collection of studies) showed thatS.
The risk of AAD decreased in both adults and children.
However, one limitation was that the quality of the included trials varied.More studies may be needed.
boulardii(9 billion colony-forming units, or CFU, per day) or a placebo for four weeks.
The daily number of stools in theS.
Ulcerative Colitis
A study assessed the efficacy of addingS.
boulardiiin adults with mild-to-moderate clinical flare-ups ofulcerative colitis.
The dosage was 250 milligrams (mg) by mouth three times a day for four weeks.S.
boulardiiwas used in addition to maintenance treatment with Lialda (mesalamine).
Over half of the participants attained clinical remission.Further studies with higher sample sizes are needed to confirm the result.
What Are the Side Effects of Saccharomyces Boulardii?
Your provider may recommend you takeS.
boulardiifor certain gastrointestinal conditions.
However, consuming a supplement likeS.
boulardiimay have potential side effects.
These side effects may be common or severe.
Common Side Effects
No side effects were noted by travelers in studies assessing the effect ofS.
Likewise, no side effects were reported in studies usingS.
boulardiifor AAD and IBS.
However, common side effects ofS.
Seek medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction toS.
Listed below are the doses ofS.
boulardiiused in clinical trials for various conditions:
What Happens If I Take Too Much Saccharomyces Boulardii?
In general, the daily dose ofS.
Unlike other probiotics derived from bacterial strains,S.
boulardiihas not developed any antibiotic or antifungal resistance.
Moreover, human studies indicated thatS.
Interactions
Saccharomyces boulardiiis a yeast and fungus.
Therefore, takingantifungal medicationswithS.
boulardiican reduce its effects.If an antifungal medication needs to be taken concurrently withS.
boulardii, it is suggested that the two be separated by at least four hours apart.
How to Store Saccharomyces Boulardii
Similar Supplements
In addition toS.
boulardii, here are some examples of other probiotic supplements:
Similar toS.
boulardii, the aforementioned probiotics are used for AAD, IBS, TD, and ulcerative colitis.
Specifically,Bacillus coagulans,bifidobacterium(B. bifidum,B.
longum), andlactobacillus(L. acidophilus,L.
rhamnosus) are used for AAD.
For IBS,B.
rhamnosushave been shown to be effective.
Bifidobacterium breve,L.
rhamnosushave also been shown to be effective for TD and ulcerative colitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
To prevent AAD,S.
boulardiishould be started early in the course of antibiotic treatment before the change in the gut flora occurs.
In clinical trials,S.
boulardiiis continued for the duration of antibiotic treatment.
However, it is unclear whether prolonged use ofS.
Saccharomyces boulardiican be in either the lyophilized (freeze-dried) or heat-dried forms.
Due to its natural fungal properties,S.
boulardiicannot promote the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
On the other hand, bacterial probiotics can contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Other differences between yeast probiotics and bacterial probiotics exist.
For example, bacterial probiotics should be taken separately from antibiotics by at least two hours.
boulardiidue to the lower than stated dose or inaccurate strain composition.
Saccharomyces Boulardii Supplements
Saccharomyces boulardiiis available in capsules of either lyophilized (freeze-dried) or heat-dried preparations.
The potency or shelf-life of the probiotic product depends on how it is manufactured.
For example, heat-dried products, which lose their potency rapidly, should be refrigerated after opening.
Conversely, freeze-dried products ofS.
boulardiiare stable at room temperature, provided they are protected from moisture.
In general,S.
boulardiiis well-tolerated, but common side effects include bloating, flatulence, and constipation.
People with a weakened immune system or who have central venous catheters should not useS.
boulardiidue to the risk of fungal infection in the blood.
It would help if you talked with your healthcare provider before takingS.
boulardiito ensure it is safe.
Tell them about any other conditions and symptoms you have or medications you take.
Lazo-Velez MA, Serna-Saldivar SO, Rosales-Medina MF, Tinoco-Alvear M, Briones-Garcia M.program of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var.
boulardii as a probiotic; characteristics, isolation, and applications in dairy products.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr.
2015;42(7):793-801. doi:10.1111/apt.13344
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Saccharomyces boulardii.
2018;40(6):465-475. doi:10.1080/08923973.2018.1469143
Williams NT.Probiotics.Am J Health Syst Pharm.
2020;39(11):e347-e351.
doi:10.1097/INF.0000000000002849
Wilkins T, Sequoia J.Probiotics for gastrointestinal conditions: a summary of the evidence.Am Fam Physician.
2017;96(3):170-178.
