Saccharomyces Boulardii for Microbiome Diversity Enhancement
S. boulardii is a beneficial yeast with strong evidence for protecting gut ecology during antibiotic courses — antibiotics do not kill it.
Overview
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 5–10 billion CFU/day, can be taken alongside antibiotics.
- Expected timeframe
- 2-4 weeks
Protocol
- form
- Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, lyophilised; a yeast rather than a bacterium
- duration
- Duration of the antibiotic course plus 1-2 weeks
- co factor
- Take with water, with or without food. The evidence here is strong but points the other way: S. boulardii is a transient organism that does not colonise the gut and is cleared within 2-5 days of stopping, and it is a yeast, so it does not add to bacterial diversity at all. What trials do show is that it limits the disruption antibiotics cause - reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea by roughly half and supporting faster recovery of the disturbed microbial community - which is protection of existing diversity rather than enhancement of it. No trial has shown increased baseline microbiome diversity in healthy adults.
- titration
- Up to 500 mg twice daily
- starting dose
- 250 mg twice daily if used for a recognised indication such as antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
Evidence
What the studies say
No studies are yet linked to both Saccharomyces Boulardii and Microbiome Diversity Enhancement.
Safety
Caveats
Avoid in central venous catheters or severe immunocompromise (rare fungemia reports); it is a yeast, so not for those with yeast allergy.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.
Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.