What is the recommended dosage for Saccharomyces boulardii?

General: 250-500 mg/day (equivalent to 5-10 billion CFU); Aad Prevention: 500 mg/day (start with antibiotic, continue 7 days after); C Diff Prevention: 500 mg twice daily as adjunct to standard therapy; Travelers Diarrhea: 250-500 mg/day starting 5 days before travel

What are the side effects of Saccharomyces boulardii?

Potential side effects include: Mild gas and bloating, Rare: fungemia in critically ill patients with central venous catheters, Thirst (yeast may increase water requirements), Very rare: potential environmental contamination risk in ICU settings.

What is Saccharomyces boulardii and how does it work for gut health?

Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast (not a bacterium) that has been used as a probiotic since the 1950s. Unlike bacterial probiotics, it is naturally resistant to antibiotics, making it particularly useful during antibiotic therapy. It works by producing proteases that neutralize bacterial toxins, strengthening intestinal barrier function, and modulating the immune response. It is one of the most evidence-supported probiotics for diarrheal conditions.

What is the recommended dosage of Saccharomyces boulardii?

The standard clinical dosage is 250-500 mg (equivalent to 5-10 billion CFU) taken 1-2 times daily. The strain S. boulardii CNCM I-745 (marketed as Florastor) is the most extensively studied. For preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, it should be started on the first day of antibiotic therapy and continued for 2 weeks after antibiotics are completed.

Are there side effects or interactions with Saccharomyces boulardii?

S. boulardii is generally well-tolerated with a good safety profile. Rarely, it may cause gas or bloating. It should be avoided in patients with central venous catheters due to rare reports of fungemia. Because it is a yeast, it is resistant to antibacterial antibiotics but susceptible to antifungal medications like fluconazole — so it should not be taken concurrently with antifungal drugs.

Saccharomyces boulardii

probiotic_strain

Also known as: S. boulardii, CNCM I-745, Florastor, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii

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About

Saccharomyces boulardii is a non-pathogenic tropical yeast that supports digestive health through multiple mechanisms. Unlike bacterial probiotics, it is naturally resistant to antibiotics, making it uniquely suited for use alongside antibiotic therapy. Research suggests it may help support the body's defense against C. difficile by secreting a protease that degrades toxins A and B, while also enhancing secretory IgA production and stimulating brush border enzyme activity.

How It Works

Non-pathogenic yeast that secretes a 54-kDa protease degrading C. difficile toxins A and B; enhances secretory IgA production protecting mucosal surfaces; stimulates brush border enzymes (lactase, sucrase, maltase); naturally resistant to all antibacterial antibiotics.

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)	A	25	5000	View →
Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI)	B	6	3000	View →
Traveler's Diarrhea	B	4	3200	View →

Side Effects

Mild gas and bloating
Rare: fungemia in critically ill patients with central venous catheters
Thirst (yeast may increase water requirements)
Very rare: potential environmental contamination risk in ICU settings

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Antifungal medications (may kill S. boulardii, reducing effectiveness)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (S. boulardii contains tyramine)
Immunosuppressants (theoretical risk of fungemia in immunocompromised patients)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

Bacillus coagulans Bifidobacterium bifidum Bifidobacterium breve Bifidobacterium lactis Bifidobacterium longum

Quick Facts

Dosage: General: 250-500 mg/day (equivalent to 5-10 billion CFU); Aad_Prevention: 500 mg/day (start with antibiotic, continue 7 days after); C_Diff_Prevention: 500 mg twice daily as adjunct to standard therapy; Travelers_Diarrhea: 250-500 mg/day starting 5 days before travel
Forms: capsule powder sachet
Natural Sources: Originally isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit skins, Available primarily as commercial supplements
Upper Limit: Well-tolerated up to 1,000 mg/day in clinical trials
Best Time: Can be taken with or without food; space 2 hours from antifungals

Evidence Summary

Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD) A

Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI) B

Traveler's Diarrhea B

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.