What is Saccharomyces boulardii?
Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that supports digestive and immune health. Unlike bacterial probiotics, S. boulardii is a non-colonising, transient species, meaning it exerts its benefits as it passes through the gut without permanently altering the microbiota (1,11).
Optiventure includes the clinically studied CNCM I-3799 strain, one of the most robust and validated forms, with a potency of 150mg delivering 3 billion CFUs. This probiotic has demonstrated efficacy in reducing gut inflammation, promoting intestinal barrier integrity, improving digestion and immune response, and preventing gastrointestinal disturbances during travel and stress (2,12,13).
Why Do Outdoor Adventurers Need Saccharomyces boulardii?
Let’s face it: trail life is unpredictable. Whether it’s dodgy camp food, water from less-than-perfect sources, or stress-induced digestive changes, your gut takes a hit. S. boulardii is a first-responder for gut health, able to support microbial balance without requiring refrigeration or long-term colonisation.
- boulardii is especially useful for:
- Preventing and managing traveller’s diarrhoea (1,3,13)
- Supporting gut barrier integrity during stress or altitude (4)
- Protecting against pathogenic bacteria and toxins (5)
- Regulating inflammation in the digestive tract (6,12)
Dietary Sources of Saccharomyces boulardii?
None. S. boulardii isn’t found in food. It’s naturally derived from lychee and mangosteen fruit peels and is really only available through supplementation (7).
This makes it especially relevant for travel, trekking, or situations where digestive health is vulnerable.
What’s the Best Form of Saccharomyces boulardii For Hikers?
The best form of Saccharomyces boulardii for hikers and outdoor adventurers needs to be:
- The right form: The CNCM I-745 and I-3799 strains are clinically validated for use in gastrointestinal protection, travel, and prevention of antibiotic-induced diarrhea – all of which are possible on trail (7,9,10,13)
- In a non-refrigerated capsule: Important for backcountry viability
- Minimum 3 billion CFUs per dose: Shown to be effective in clinical trials (8)
Optiventure includes the heat-stable, shelf-stable CNCM I-3799 at a research-backed potency.
Key Information About Saccharomyces boulardii
Optimal Intake |
No established RDI in the US. Research dosages vary between 250-1000mg and 1–10 billion CFUs/day (therapeutic range varies by need) (1) |
Best Dietary Sources |
Not found in food (7) |
Best Form for Hikers |
Shelf-stable capsules with validated strains (1) |
Time of Day |
Morning |
Dietary Considerations |
Consistent intake will yield the best results. |
Deficiency Stats
While S. boulardii isn’t essential (like a vitamin), insufficient intake of beneficial microbes can contribute to:
- Travel-induced gut issues (13)
- Post-antibiotic imbalances (7)
- Increased gut inflammation
- Poor nutrient absorption
Studies show S. boulardii supplementation is particularly effective for those exposed to gastrointestinal pathogens or stress (9).
Why Optiventure Has 150mg of Saccharomyces boulardii
This dosage provides a solid, research-supported daily dose of 3 billion CFUs:
- Supports gut balance during dietary shifts on the trail (11)
- Defends against gastrointestinal upset from questionable food or water (1)
- Promotes resilience during stress and intense activity
- Shelf-stable, dairy-free, and easy to take with other nutrients (1)
Whether you’re hiking through remote bush or just have a sensitive gut, this strain of S. boulardii has your back.
References
- McFarland, L. V. (2010). Systematic review and meta-analysis of Saccharomyces boulardii in adult patients. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 16(18), 2202–2222.https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v16.i18.2202
- Buts, J. P., & De Keyser, N. (2006). Effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on intestinal mucosa. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 51(1), 148–153.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-006-9583-0
- Kelesidis, T., & Pothoulakis, C. (2012). Efficacy and safety of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention and therapy of gastrointestinal disorders. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 5(2), 111–125.https://doi.org/10.1177/1756283X11428502
- Czerucka, D., Piche, T., & Rampal, P. (2007). Review article: Yeast as probiotics – Saccharomyces boulardii. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 26(6), 767–778.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03442.x
- Hudault, S., Lievin, V., Bernet-Camard, M. F., & Servin, A. L. (1997). Antagonistic activity exerted in vitro and in vivo by the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii against diarrhoea-producing pathogenic bacteria. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 63(11), 4367–4373.https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.63.11.4367-4373.1997
- Rodrigues, A. C., Cara, D. C., Fretez, S. H., Vieira, E. C., Nicoli, J. R., & Vieira, L. Q. (2000). Saccharomyces boulardii modulation of the immune response of mice infected with Salmonella Typhimurium. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 33(12), 1291–1296.https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-879X2000001200012
Czerucka, D., & Rampal, P. (2002). Experimental effects of Saccharomyces boulardii on diarrheal pathogens. Microbes and Infection, 4(7), 733–739.https://doi.org/10.1016/S1286-4579(02)01605-1 - Szajewska, H., & Kolodziej, M. (2015). Systematic review with meta-analysis: Saccharomyces boulardii in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 42(7), 793–801.https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13351
- McFarland, L. V., & Bernasconi, P. (1993). Saccharomyces boulardii: A review of an innovative biotherapeutic agent. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 6(4), 157–171. https://doi.org/10.3109/08910609309141598
- Bhattacharya, P., et al. (2021). Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I‑3799 and Bacillus subtilis CU‑1 on acute watery diarrhoea: A randomized double‑blind, placebo‑controlled study in Indian children. Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, 24(5), 423–?https://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2021.24.5.423
- McFarland, L. V., & 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, 208.https://doi.org/10.29011/2574-3511.100208
- Maupas, J. L., Champemont, P., & Delforge, M. (1983). Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: Double blind trial of Saccharomyces boulardii. Médecine et Chirurgie Digestives, 12, 77–79.https://www.sciepub.com/reference/264810
- Sougioultzis, S., Simeonidis, S., Bhaskar, K. R., Chen, X., Anton, P. M., Keates, S., Pothoulakis, C., & Kelly, C. P. (2006). Saccharomyces boulardii produces a soluble anti-inflammatory factor that inhibits NF-κB-mediated IL-8 gene expression. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 343(1), 69–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.02.080
- Kollaritsch, H., Holst, H., Grobara, P., & Wiedermann, G. (1993). Prevention of travellers’ diarrhoea with Saccharomyces boulardii: results of a placebo‑controlled double‑blind study. Fortschritte der Medizin, 111(9), 152–156. https://www.metagenics.co.uk/news/benefits-of-saccharomyces-boulardii-for-diarrhoea-ibd-leaky-gut-more/