The Effect of the Yeast Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii on Acute Diarrhea in Children

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of yeast probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii on the frequency and duration of acute diarrhea in children. Methods: Sixty children were randomized to receive yeast probiotic S. boulardii in a daily dose of 250 mg (trial group-30 patients) or placebo (control group-30 patients) for five days. The clinical and demographic characteristics of two groups were recorded before the intervention. After intervention, the two groups were compared in terms of frequency of diarrhea, duration of diarrhea, and hospital stay. Results: The median (interquartile range) of frequency of diarrhea in the trial group was significantly lower than placebo group (4 [2] vs. 5 [2.5]) (P = 0.04). Also, the median (interquartile range) of duration of diarrhea in the trial group was significantly lower than placebo group (3 [2] vs. 4 [2.5]) (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference between groups for hospital stay (P = 0.8). Conclusions: The present study reveals that the use of yeast probiotic S. boulardii can reduce the frequency and duration of acute diarrhea. Therefore, we recommended S. boulardii administration to acute diarrhea in children.