Support Your Digestive Health on Holiday with Saccharomyces Boulardii
For many of us, summer holidays are a much-anticipated time for rest, relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re journeying to a tropical paradise or enjoying a local staycation, gastrointestinal issues like traveller’s diarrhoea, bloating, or food-related upset can quickly dampen the holiday spirit. Fortunately, nature offers a powerful, travel-friendly solution for digestive support: Saccharomyces boulardii, a probiotic yeast that’s gaining recognition for its gut-supporting capabilities.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the science behind this probiotic, its clinical applications and discuss how it can be used to support digestive health, not only during summer but all year-round.
What is Saccharomyces boulardii?
Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is a non-pathogenic yeast originally isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit in the early 20th century by French microbiologist Henri Boulard[1]. Unlike bacterial probiotics, which often struggle to survive the harsh environment of the stomach, S. boulardii is robust—it resists gastric acidity, remains unaffected by antibiotics, and can exert beneficial effects without permanently colonising the gut[2]. It is classified as a “probiotic” because it confers health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, particularly in the prevention and treatment of various forms of diarrhoea, gut inflammation and microbial imbalances.
How can Saccharomyces boulardii support digestive health?
S. boulardii is one of the oldest known probiotics and as such, its health benefits have been extensively studied, particularly in its role in supporting digestive health and treating various gastrointestinal disorders. Let’s take a closer look at some of the research:
S. boulardii and Traveller’s Diarrhoea
Traveller’s diarrhoea affects up to 50% of international travelers, particularly in regions with different sanitation and food safety standards. Several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have found that S. boulardii significantly reduces the incidence and duration of Traveller’s diarrhoea[3]. In a meta-analysis published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, prophylactic use of S. boulardii reduced the risk of traveler’s diarrhoea by over 20%[4]. It is recommended to start supplementation 5–7 days prior to travel, continuing throughout the duration of the trip for optimal protection.
S. boulardii and Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea (AAD)
Antibiotics, while life-saving, often disrupt the balance of gut flora, which may in turn lead to AAD. A 2024 systematic review suggests that S. boulardii supplementation during and after antibiotic therapy may reduce the incidence of AAD[5], particularly Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea —a dangerous condition often requiring hospitalisation. Mechanistically, S. boulardii remains unaffected by antibiotics, making it an ideal choice for concurrent use.
S. boulardii and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhoea (IBS-D) is a chronic condition characterised by abdominal pain, bloating and unpredictable, loose bowel movements. A pilot study published in 2023[6] found that IBS-D patients who took S. boulardii along with dietary adjustments experienced greater symptom relief compared to those following diet alone. Improvements were seen in stool consistency, frequency and pain intensity. It is its anti-inflammatory and microbiota-balancing properties that are believed to play a key role in calming the hypersensitive gut of IBS sufferers.
S. boulardii, Constipation Relief and Gut Motility
Although typically associated with diarrhoea, S. boulardii may also be useful in constipation. A 2024 animal study[7] using loperamide-induced constipation models showed that S. boulardii altered gut microbiota, increased short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and improved intestinal motility. It also influenced gene expression related to water reabsorption, indicating a possible mechanism by which it supports stool regularity. While caution must be exercised when applying animal research to humans, it does suggest that S. boulardii may be more broadly supportive in gut dysregulation, beyond its classic role in diarrhea management.
S. boulardii, Liver Health and SIBO Management
A randomised clinical trial[8] published in Clinical and Experimental Hepatology in 2024 explored the effects of S. boulardii on patients with cirrhosis and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). After 4 weeks, SIBO was eradicated in 80% of the S. boulardii group versus 23% in the placebo group.
This correlated with reduced levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT), improved platelet counts, and a decrease in cirrhosis-related complications such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. This highlights the yeast’s potential beyond gut health, into systemic metabolic and hepatic support.
S. boulardii and Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach, and it is specially adapted to survive in the acidic environment of the stomach by producing an enzyme called urease, which neutralises stomach acid – and requires a multi-pronged approach to treat. When used alongside triple or quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication, S. boulardii reduces side effects like nausea, bloating and diarrhoea, which often lead patients to discontinue treatment. Studies[9] show that patients who supplemented with S. boulardii had higher compliance and slightly improved eradication rates—likely due to improved tolerability.
Practical travel tips to support digestive health
If you’re planning a summer holiday, here’s how to integrate S. boulardii into your routine:
- Start early: Begin 5–7 days before your trip, especially if heading to high-risk destinations.
- Consistency is key: Take it daily during travel, and continue for a few days after your return.
- Pair with prebiotics: Foods like bananas, oats and garlic provide prebiotics which help feed healthy bacteria, supporting overall microbial balance.
- Stay hydrated: Especially if experiencing diarrhoea, as dehydration may worsen symptoms.
- Choose a quality supplement: look for products with a high number of colony-forming units (CFUs), typically in the billions. Our 150mg Saccharomyces Bouldardii supplements contain 3 billion organisms.
Saccharomyces boulardii is more than just a travel supplement—it’s a scientifically validated probiotic yeast with broad applications in gut health, immune modulation and even chronic disease support. Whether you’re traveling the globe or managing daily digestive discomfort, S. boulardii may offer a safe, natural and well-tolerated way to protect your gut. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medication.
References
[1] Wikipedia (2024) Saccharomyces boulardii, Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saccharomyces_boulardii (Accessed: 14 May 2025).
[2] Kelesidis, T. and Pothoulakis, C. (2011) ‘Efficacy and safety of the probiotic saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention and therapy of gastrointestinal disorders’, Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 5(2), pp. 111–125. doi:10.1177/1756283×11428502.
[3] McFarland, L.V. (2007) ‘Meta-analysis of probiotics for the prevention of Traveler’s diarrhea’, Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, 5(2), pp. 97–105. doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2005.10.003.
[4] McFarland, L.V. (2010) ‘Systematic Review and meta-analysis ofsaccharomyces boulardiiin adult patients’, World Journal of Gastroenterology, 16(18), p. 2202. doi:10.3748/wjg.v16.i18.2202.
[5] McFarland, L. and Li, T. (2024) ‘Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 for prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and clostridioides difficile in China: Systematic review and meta-analysis’, Journal of Digestive Diseases and Hepatology, 9(1). doi:10.29011/2574-3511.100208.
[6] Bustos Fernández, L.M., Man, F. and Lasa, J.S. (2023) ‘Impact of saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 on bacterial overgrowth and composition of intestinal microbiota in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients: Results of a randomized pilot study’, Digestive Diseases, 41(5), pp. 798–809. doi:10.1159/000528954.
[7] Ma, W. et al. (2025) ‘Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis TG11 ameliorates loperamide-induced constipation in mice by modulating gut microbiota’, Frontiers in Microbiology, 16. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2025.1525887.
[8] Efremova, I. et al. (2024) ‘Efficacy and safety of a probiotic containing saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 in the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in decompensated cirrhosis: Randomized, placebo-controlled study’, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(3), p. 919. doi:10.3390/jcm13030919.
[9] Li, M. and Xie, Y. (2025) ‘Efficacy and safety of saccharomyces boulardii as an adjuvant therapy for the eradication of helicobacter pylori: A meta-analysis’, Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, 15. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2025.1441185.
