Evaluation of the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii in children with acute diarrhoea

Abstract

A double-blind placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii as an antidiarrheal agent in 100 infant and small children with acute diarhoreal illness. Evaluation of the results showed reduction in the number of stools and an improvement in their consistency in Saccharomyces boulardii group. After 48h and 96h children treated with Saccharomyces boulardii scored better than controls. It is concluded that in Saccharomyces boulardii group significantly more children recovered and normalised stolls than controls without adverse reactions. This yeast can be used as an adjunct to oral rehydration in treating acute diarrhea in infants.