Which Probiotic is Best for Diarrhea?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2019 review, probiotics—particularly Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii—can reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea by up to 51%. Selecting the right probiotic is crucial for effectiveness, as different strains offer specific benefits for various types of diarrhea. This guide will help you understand which probiotic is best for diarrhea based on its cause, and how to use it safely and effectively.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at the most effective probiotic strains for treating and preventing different types of diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated and infectious diarrhea. The article highlights Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG with guidance on selection and safety precautions.

Key Points

Specific Strains are Key: Not all probiotics are equal. Efficacy depends on the specific strain, with Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) being among the most evidence-backed options.
Combat Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: Saccharomyces boulardii is highly effective for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and reducing the risk of C. difficile infection.
Reduce Acute Diarrhea Duration: LGG is particularly proven to shorten the duration of acute infectious diarrhea, especially in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis.
Observe Proper Timing: When taking probiotics with antibiotics, ensure a separation of at least two hours to prevent the antibiotic from neutralizing the beneficial microbes.
Start Early for Travelers: For travelers' diarrhea, starting a regimen of S. boulardii a few days before travel and continuing throughout the trip is recommended.
Consult a Doctor for Safety: While generally safe, individuals with weakened immune systems should consult a healthcare provider before taking probiotics due to a small risk of infection.
Check Product Instructions: For potential therapeutic effects, select products providing sufficient live cultures and always follow product-specific usage guidelines.

Understanding the Role of Probiotics for Diarrhea

Diarrhea occurs when the balance of the gut microbiota—the community of microorganisms living in your digestive tract—is disrupted. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms, can help restore this balance by introducing beneficial bacteria and yeast into the gut. They work through several mechanisms, including competing with harmful pathogens for nutrients and adhesion sites, producing antimicrobial substances, and modulating the immune system. However, not all probiotics are effective for all types of diarrhea. The best choice depends on the underlying cause, whether it's an antibiotic-induced, infectious, or traveler's diarrhea.

Saccharomyces boulardii

One of the most widely researched probiotics for diarrhea is Saccharomyces boulardii, a beneficial yeast that is highly effective for several conditions. Unlike many bacteria, this yeast is naturally resistant to most antibiotics, making it particularly useful for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). Research shows it can significantly reduce the risk and recurrence of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, a severe form of AAD. It is also effective for managing traveler's diarrhea. S. boulardii works by neutralizing bacterial toxins and creating a more favorable gut environment for beneficial microbes.

Benefits: Especially effective for AAD and C. diff prevention. Reduces duration of acute infectious diarrhea in children.
How to take: Follow product label instructions or consult a healthcare professional for guidance. It can be taken during and after antibiotic treatment, ideally spaced a few hours apart from the antibiotic dose.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)

LGG is a well-established bacterial strain with extensive research supporting its use for various diarrheal conditions, particularly in children. It is highly regarded for its efficacy in reducing the duration of acute infectious diarrhea, including rotavirus gastroenteritis. LGG adheres strongly to intestinal cells, preventing pathogens from colonizing the gut. Its protective effects are thought to involve bolstering the intestinal barrier and modulating immune responses.

Benefits: Reduces duration of acute viral and infectious diarrhea. Effective in preventing AAD in both children and adults.
How to take: Consult product label instructions or a healthcare professional for guidance. Can be taken with or without food.

Other Beneficial Strains

While S. boulardii and LGG have the strongest evidence, other strains can also be effective, depending on the type of diarrhea.

For AAD: Certain combinations containing Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus have shown promise in preventing AAD. Studies also point to the efficacy of Lactobacillus casei.
For Traveler's Diarrhea: Alongside S. boulardii, some studies suggest benefits from Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum.
For Chronic Diarrhea: Specific strains like Lactobacillus plantarum CCFM1143 have been shown to improve symptoms.

Probiotics for Diarrhea: A Comparison Table


Probiotic Strain	Type of Diarrhea	Efficacy Evidence	Notable Actions
Saccharomyces boulardii	Antibiotic-associated, C. diff, Traveler's	Strong, particularly for prevention and recurrence	Neutralizes toxins, competes with pathogens
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)	Acute infectious, Antibiotic-associated	Strong, especially for acute cases and in children	Enhances intestinal barrier, modulates immunity
Lactobacillus casei	Acute infectious, Antibiotic-associated	Moderate, supports gut flora balance	Promotes beneficial bacteria growth, inhibits pathogens
Bifidobacterium lactis	Antibiotic-associated	Moderate, may protect against gut changes	Strengthens gut barrier, produces short-chain fatty acids
Lactobacillus reuteri	Acute infectious (in children)	Moderate, can reduce duration	Reduces duration and severity of diarrhea

How to Maximize the Benefits of Probiotics

For the best results, consider these practical tips:

Check the product: Optimal effects are often associated with products providing sufficient live cultures. Follow the instructions on the product label and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Mind the timing: When taking probiotics with antibiotics, space them out by at least two hours to prevent the antibiotic from killing the beneficial organisms.
Consistency is key: Take probiotics consistently, especially for preventive use, such as for traveler's diarrhea.
Combine with food: While some can be taken on an empty stomach, many are best taken with food to help them survive the stomach's acidic environment.

Safety and Precautions

Probiotics are generally safe for most healthy individuals and typically cause only mild side effects like gas or bloating when first introduced. These effects usually subside as the body adjusts. However, in rare cases, particularly among severely debilitated or immunocompromised individuals, there is a risk of infection. If you have a weakened immune system, are critically ill, or have a central venous catheter, consult a healthcare provider before use. Always consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis before self-treating diarrhea.

Conclusion

While many probiotic strains exist, scientific evidence strongly supports the use of specific strains like Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for various types of diarrhea. S. boulardii is a top choice for antibiotic-associated and traveler's diarrhea, while LGG excels at managing acute infectious diarrhea, particularly in children. It is essential to select a product providing sufficient live cultures and to follow product label instructions carefully for optimal results. As always, consulting with a healthcare professional can ensure the most appropriate and safest treatment plan for your specific condition.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement regimen.

Citations

Healthline. "Probiotics for Diarrhea: Benefits, Types, and Side Effects." October 28, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/probiotics-for-diarrhea PMC. "Probiotics for antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children." February 2020. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7012114/ Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. "Use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in children with acute infectious diarrhea." April 15, 2011. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/-/media/cincinnati%20childrens/home/service/j/anderson-center/evidence-based-care/recommendations/type/probiotics-lgg WebMD. "Saccharomyces Boulardii - Uses, Side Effects, and More." Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-332/saccharomyces-boulardii

Frequently Asked Questions

For antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), Saccharomyces boulardii is highly recommended. It is a yeast-based probiotic that is resistant to antibiotics, allowing it to survive and restore gut balance while on medication.

Yes, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a well-researched probiotic that has been shown to reduce the duration of acute infectious diarrhea, especially in children. It is also effective for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

In some cases, especially when first starting, probiotics can cause temporary digestive upset, including gas, bloating, or mild diarrhea. These effects typically subside within a few days or weeks as your body adjusts to the changes in your gut flora.

The duration depends on the type of diarrhea. For acute cases, the appropriate duration varies. For prevention, such as with antibiotics or travel, you should take it for the duration of the antibiotic course or the trip, plus several days afterward.

Yes, taking probiotics during and after an antibiotic course is recommended to help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The doses should be separated by at least two hours to prevent the antibiotic from killing the probiotic organisms.

While some strains like LGG are effective for both adults and children, specific products may be formulated differently. Children often benefit from strains like LGG for acute infectious diarrhea, while adults with C. diff or AAD may find S. boulardii more beneficial.

Probiotics are generally safe for healthy individuals. However, they should be used with caution and under medical supervision by those who are immunocompromised, severely debilitated, or critically ill, as there is a small risk of infection.

It depends on the product. Some probiotics are shelf-stable and don't require refrigeration, while others do to maintain potency. Always check the product's label for specific storage instructions.