Big effect
Saccharomyces boulardii cut diarrhea risk by 64% in a meta-analysis — but only for people on H. pylori treatment
With nine studies all pointing in the same direction, the evidence for Saccharomyces boulardii reducing diarrhea during H. pylori therapy is strong — but this doesn't mean it works for other types of diarrhea.
This meta-analysis found that adding the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii to standard H. pylori treatment lowered the risk of diarrhea by about two-thirds. However, other side effects like abdominal pain and vomiting weren't affected, and the benefit was seen only in people being treated for H. pylori infection.
Where this fits in the evidence
Pillser has synthesized 9 studies on saccharomyces boulardii for Reduced Diarrhea — overall evidence strength: High.
Across 9 studies, all reported beneficial effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on reducing diarrhea, with effect sizes ranging from small to large (predominantly moderate). Evidence comes primarily from clinical populations, including patients with H. pylori infection, those undergoing pelvic radiotherapy, critically ill tube-fed patients, and hospitalized patients. The most studied dose was 250 mg/day to 500 mg four times daily, and the median study duration was 14 days.
The study
- Meta-Analysis
- 2025-02-12
- Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.