Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation
08:34

Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation

Published on: July 27, 2022

Effects of Saccharomyces boulardii in children with acute diarrhoea

Z Kurugöl1, G Koturoğlu

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey. kurugol@med.ege.edu.tr

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|April 30, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Saccharomyces boulardii significantly reduced acute childhood diarrhea duration and hospital stays in a clinical trial. This probiotic offers a promising therapeutic option for managing pediatric acute diarrhea effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Probiotic agents like Lactobacillus GG are effective for acute childhood diarrhea.
  • Limited research exists on the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii for this condition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the therapeutic effect of Saccharomyces boulardii in children experiencing acute diarrhea.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 200 children.
  • Participants received either 250 mg of Saccharomyces boulardii or a placebo daily for 5 days.

Main Results:

  • Saccharomyces boulardii significantly reduced stool frequency and diarrhea duration (4.7 vs. 5.5 days).
  • Hospital stay was shorter in the Saccharomyces boulardii group (2.9 vs. 3.9 days).
  • Fewer children in the Saccharomyces boulardii group experienced persistent diarrhea.

Conclusions:

  • Saccharomyces boulardii demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing the duration of acute diarrhea and hospital stays in children.
  • This probiotic is a promising therapeutic agent for improving the course of acute pediatric diarrhea.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Transformation of Probiotic Yeast and Their Recovery from Gastrointestinal Immune Tissues Following Oral Gavage in Mice12:12

Transformation of Probiotic Yeast and Their Recovery from Gastrointestinal Immune Tissues Following Oral Gavage in Mice

Published on: February 8, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents01:18

Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents

Acute diarrhea, a common gastrointestinal disturbance, is characterized by the rapid evacuation of fluid stools, leading to an excessive weight in fluid. This condition typically arises from disorders affecting intestinal water and electrolyte transport. It can be triggered by an increased osmotic load within the intestine, excessive secretion of electrolytes and water, mucosal exudation of protein and fluid, or altered intestinal motility. The primary risks of acute diarrhea are dehydration...
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Giardiasis01:12

Giardiasis

Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota01:18

Dysbiosis of the Gut Microbiota

The human gut microbiome includes a diverse array of microbial species, including beneficial commensals and opportunistic pathogens, which interact to support host health. These microbes contribute to essential functions such as nutrient metabolism, immune system modulation, and maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity. However, disruptions to this equilibrium—referred to as dysbiosis—can have widespread physiological consequences.Dysbiosis is often characterized by reduced microbial...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...