UltraFlora Acute Care Probiotic by Metagenics

Travelers and anyone starting antibiotics are the main groups who benefit. Saccharomyces boulardii (a probiotic yeast) reduces antibiotic-associated diarrhea and shortens many cases of acute infectious diarrhea. If your stool testing points to C. difficile toxin or you have loose stools after antibiotics, this is often the right first move. If your Calprotectin (a stool inflammation marker) is high or there is blood, see a clinician before self-treating.

S. boulardii is a live yeast that does not colonize long term but competes with pathogens, binds toxins, and increases secretory IgA (the antibody that lines the gut). It makes enzymes that degrade C. difficile toxins and reduces water loss in the intestine. The companion lactobacillus and bifidobacterium strains help restore a healthy balance after disruption, which is why loose stools often settle within 24 to 72 hours in responders.

Take one capsule once or twice daily at the first sign of loose stools, with or without food, for 5 to 14 days. During antibiotics, separate the dose by at least 2 to 3 hours and continue for a week after the last pill. For prevention during travel, start 2 to 3 days before departure. If diarrhea persists beyond 3 days, especially with fever or dehydration, escalate care.

Antifungal drugs like fluconazole, nystatin, or ketoconazole can inactivate S. boulardii, so do not take them together. People with central venous lines, those who are severely immunocompromised, or patients in intensive care should avoid live probiotics due to rare bloodstream infections. If you have a known yeast allergy, skip S. boulardii and choose a bacterial-only probiotic.

Skip self-treatment if you have high fever, bloody stools, signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, or diarrhea after recent hospitalization or chemotherapy. Pregnancy is generally considered compatible with probiotics, but persistent symptoms warrant medical evaluation. If your symptoms are chronic with weight loss or nighttime diarrhea, you need workup rather than a short probiotic course.