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Saccharomyces boulardii

What does the research say about Saccharomyces boulardii?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Research on Saccharomyces boulardii covers 2 health outcomes related to digestive health. The strongest evidence, based on 3 studies, supports a small beneficial effect on reducing diarrhea rates in children with acute diarrhea and adults with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The most consistently studied dose is 500 mg twice daily, though the overall evidence strength is low due to the small number of studies and preliminary findings.

Strongest evidence

The evidence for Saccharomyces boulardii is currently limited. No outcomes have high or moderate evidence strength. The strongest area of research is for reduced diarrhea rate, where 3 of 3 studies reported small beneficial effects, and all three were statistically significant. The effective dose was 500 mg twice daily. However, the evidence strength for this outcome is rated low.

Mixed or weaker evidence

For the broader outcome of reduced diarrhea (including populations with SIBO, IBS-D, and H. pylori eradication), the findings are mixed. Only 1 of 3 studies reported a beneficial effect; 2 found neutral results. The evidence strength is also low, and the effect may be smaller than the predominant direction suggests, as many studies did not reach statistical significance.

Effective dose patterns

Both syntheses converge on a commonly studied dose of 500 mg twice daily. The median study durations differed (35 days for the diarrhea rate outcome; 15 days for the broader diarrhea outcome), but the dose remained consistent across clinical populations.

Population insights

Beneficial effects were observed in children aged 6 months to 5 years with acute diarrhea and in adults with SIBO associated with long-term PPI use. Mixed or neutral results were seen in adults with IBS-D or undergoing H. pylori eradication. The evidence base across populations remains small.

Notable caveats

  • The evidence base for both outcomes is small (only 3 studies each), so conclusions are preliminary.
  • The clinical literature in this area is subject to publication bias (null results less likely to be published).
  • One study lacked dose and duration details; another had a small sample size (108) and focused on a specific clinical population.
  • For the mixed evidence outcome, many included studies did not reach statistical significance.

Frequently asked

  • What is Saccharomyces boulardii good for according to research?
    Research suggests Saccharomyces boulardii may help reduce diarrhea rates. In 3 studies, all reported small beneficial effects on reducing diarrhea rate in children with acute diarrhea and adults with SIBO. However, evidence for reducing diarrhea in broader populations (IBS-D, H. pylori eradication) is mixed, with only 1 of 3 studies showing benefit.
  • What dose of Saccharomyces boulardii is typically used in studies?
    The most commonly studied dose across clinical populations is 500 mg twice daily. This dose was used in studies on acute diarrhea, SIBO, IBS-D, and H. pylori eradication. Median study durations ranged from 15 to 35 days.
  • Who benefits most from Saccharomyces boulardii?
    The most consistent benefits were seen in children aged 6 months to 5 years with acute diarrhea and in adults with SIBO associated with long-term PPI use. Evidence for benefit in adults with IBS-D or undergoing H. pylori eradication is mixed or neutral.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on Saccharomyces boulardii?
    Yes. The evidence base is small (only 3 studies per outcome), so findings are preliminary. The literature is subject to publication bias, as null-result studies are less likely to be published. Additionally, some studies lacked dose and duration details, and one had a small sample size (108) in a specific clinical population.
  • Does Saccharomyces boulardii help reduce diarrhea rate in children?
    Three studies reported small beneficial effects on reducing diarrhea rates in children aged 6 months to 5 years with acute diarrhea, all statistically significant. However, this is based on a limited evidence base, and conclusions should be considered preliminary.
  • Does Saccharomyces boulardii help with diarrhea in IBS-D or H. pylori treatment?
    For adults with IBS-D or undergoing H. pylori eradication, the evidence is mixed. Out of 3 RCTs, only 1 reported a beneficial small effect, while 2 found neutral effects. The evidence strength is low, and the effect may be smaller than the predominant direction suggests.

Safety profile

7 studies reporting safety data

Across 7 clinical studies, Saccharomyces boulardii was generally well tolerated, with 6 studies describing it as having excellent tolerability or being well tolerated. Two studies specifically tested for adverse events (overall and diarrhea) and found no significant difference compared to control after adjustment for multiple comparisons. No serious adverse events or increased risks were reported in any of the studies.

Caveats: Most studies were short-term (≤14 days) and may not capture rare or long-term adverse events. Findings reflect specific strains (CNCM I-745 in several studies); other formulations or doses may differ. Evidence is primarily based on tolerability mentions rather than systematic safety assessment, and the small number of studies limits the ability to detect rare events.

Most-studied combinations with Saccharomyces boulardii

most supplement research is combination research
Also studied with:Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (2)

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