Probiotics for diarrhea may help shorten its duration, but not all strains work equally well. Find out which ones have scientific support and how to take them.
Do probiotics help with diarrhea?
Yes: in acute diarrhoea, several meta-analyses show that certain probiotics can reduce its duration by around one day. They work by reinforcing the intestinal barrier and competing with microorganisms that cause the problem.
Which strains should you choose?
- Saccharomyces boulardii: a yeast, so it is unaffected by antibiotics. Especially useful for traveller’s diarrhoea and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: one of the strains with the strongest evidence for acute diarrhoea, including in children.
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Antibiotics alter the microbiota and can cause diarrhoea. Here, S. boulardii and L. rhamnosus GG can notably reduce the risk. If you take both, it is generally recommended to leave 2 hours between the antibiotic and the probiotic. A fibre-rich diet and ingredients such as turmeric with black pepper can also support the microbiota.
How to take them and precautions
Follow the product dosage (in CFU) and take them for several days. Immunocompromised people or people with catheters should seek advice before taking probiotics. If diarrhoea is severe, bloody or persistent, see a healthcare professional. For antioxidant and immune support, you may also be interested in quercetin.
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