# Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/saccharomyces-boulardii-dbvpg-6763
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-03
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fermented/Probiotic
**Also Known As:** S. boulardii DBVPG 6763, Saccharomyces boulardii strain DBVPG 6763, Pure Therapro Rx S. boulardii, DBVPG 6763 strain, S. boulardii diploid strain, Lyophilized S. boulardii DBVPG 6763

## Overview

Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763 is a [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) yeast strain that produces serine proteases and secretory IgA-stimulating factors to competitively exclude pathogenic bacteria and modulate intestinal immune signaling. Its primary mechanism involves secreting a 54-kDa protease that degrades bacterial toxins and neutralizes Clostridioides difficile toxins A and B at the brush border.

## Health Benefits

• Eradicates small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in 80% of cirrhosis patients vs 23.1% placebo (RCT, n=38)
• Reduces mortality in decompensated cirrhosis from 42.9% to 5.3% (p=0.007, RCT)
• Prevents antibiotic-associated diarrhea with 84% efficacy across placebo-controlled trials (meta-analysis, n=5029)
• Shows promise for preventing C. difficile infection in hospitalized patients on antibiotics (prospective study, n=1389)
• Decreases [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers including LPS and CRP in patients with cirrhosis (RCT evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

S. boulardii DBVPG 6763 secretes a 54-kDa serine protease that proteolytically cleaves C. difficile toxin A receptor-binding domains, preventing epithelial cell internalization and downstream NF-κB-mediated [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cascades. The strain stimulates luminal secretory IgA production via dendritic cell-mediated IL-10 upregulation, reinforcing mucosal barrier integrity and reducing tight junction protein ZO-1 degradation. Additionally, it competitively inhibits pathogenic bacterial adhesion by occupying mannose-sensitive receptor sites on intestinal epithelial cells, directly suppressing SIBO-associated dysbiosis.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial (n=38) demonstrated that S. boulardii DBVPG 6763 eradicated SIBO in 80% of cirrhosis patients versus 23.1% in the placebo group, and a separate RCT found mortality in decompensated cirrhosis dropped from 42.9% to 5.3% (p=0.007), suggesting substantial [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects tied to reduced bacterial translocation. A meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials reported 84% efficacy in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, consistent with mechanistic data on toxin neutralization and mucosal IgA stimulation. Evidence strength is strongest for GI-related endpoints in cirrhosis and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, with most trials using short durations (2–4 weeks) and moderate sample sizes, warranting larger confirmatory studies. The hepatic mortality data, while statistically significant, derive from a single small RCT and should be interpreted cautiously until replicated.

## Nutritional Profile

Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763 is a [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) yeast strain, not a conventional food ingredient, so traditional macronutrient profiling is not applicable in the dietary sense. However, its compositional and bioactive profile includes: Protein content approximately 40-50% dry cell weight, primarily structural and enzymatic proteins including secreted proteases and phosphatases. Carbohydrates comprise approximately 30-40% dry cell weight, dominated by cell wall polysaccharides: beta-1,3-glucan and beta-1,6-glucan (~50-60% of cell wall mass) and mannoprotein complexes (~40% of cell wall mass), which serve as key [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) compounds. Lipids account for approximately 5-10% dry cell weight, including ergosterol (a provitamin D2 precursor, ~5-10 mg/g dry weight) and sphingolipids. Bioactive compounds produced or secreted by this strain include: secretory IgA-stimulating mannoproteins, a 54 kDa aspartyl protease that cleaves C. difficile toxins A and B, a 63 kDa phosphatase that dephosphorylates LPS (reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling), polyamines (spermidine, spermine) at trace concentrations supporting epithelial repair, and short-chain fatty acid precursors. The strain produces B-vitamins including folate and riboflavin in small quantities during fermentation. Bioavailability note: As a live yeast, it transits the GI tract without systemic absorption under normal conditions; its benefits derive from luminal and mucosal interactions rather than nutritional absorption. Standard therapeutic dose is 250-500 mg/day (approximately 5×10^9 CFU/g dry weight for this strain).

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinical studies use 5×10^9 CFU twice daily (Sacchaflor formulation) for C. difficile prevention, or 250 mg (5-10×10^9 CFU) twice daily for 10 days alongside H. pylori therapy. Standard form is lyophilized powder in capsules. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

S. boulardii DBVPG 6763 is generally well-tolerated; the most commonly reported side effects are mild bloating and flatulence, which are transient and dose-dependent. Because it is a live yeast organism, it is contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals, patients with central venous catheters, and those with confirmed fungemia risk, as rare cases of Saccharomyces fungemia have been documented in critically ill populations. Concurrent use with antifungal agents (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole) will abolish [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) viability and negate therapeutic effect, so co-administration should be avoided. Pregnancy and lactation safety data are limited; while no teratogenicity has been observed in animal models, clinical use in pregnant women should be restricted to cases where benefit clearly outweighs risk under physician supervision.

## Scientific Research

A randomized controlled trial (n=38) demonstrated 80% SIBO eradication and significantly reduced mortality in cirrhosis patients (PMID: 38337613). Systematic reviews of 27 RCTs (n=5029) confirm S. boulardii's efficacy for various diarrheal conditions, while a large prospective study (n=1389) found DBVPG 6763 specifically effective for C. difficile prevention (PMIDs: 20458757, 2868213).

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research provides no traditional medicine context for S. boulardii DBVPG 6763. Modern [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) use stems from 20th-century isolation, with no documented historical or cultural applications in traditional medicine systems.

## Synergistic Combinations

Prebiotics (FOS/GOS), Lactobacillus strains, Zinc carnosine, L-glutamine, [Digestive enzyme](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the recommended dosage of Saccharomyces boulardii for antibiotic-associated diarrhea?

Clinical trials supporting the 84% efficacy rate for antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevention typically used doses of 250–500 mg (approximately 5–10 billion CFU) twice daily, initiated at the start of antibiotic therapy and continued for 5–7 days post-antibiotic course. Doses above 1 g/day have not demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in available trials and may increase gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating.

### Can Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763 be taken with antibiotics at the same time?

Yes, and concurrent administration is actually the intended protocol for antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevention, since S. boulardii is a yeast and therefore intrinsically resistant to most antibacterial antibiotics including amoxicillin, metronidazole, and fluoroquinolones. However, antifungal drugs such as fluconazole or itraconazole will kill the yeast and must not be co-administered. It is advisable to separate dosing by at least 2 hours from any antibiotic as a precautionary measure.

### How does Saccharomyces boulardii help with SIBO in cirrhosis patients?

In cirrhosis, impaired gut motility and reduced bile acid secretion create conditions favorable for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, which drives bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation. S. boulardii DBVPG 6763 competitively displaces pathogenic gram-negative bacteria from epithelial adhesion sites, secretes proteases that degrade virulence factors, and stimulates secretory IgA—collectively eradicating SIBO in 80% of treated patients versus 23.1% on placebo in a 38-patient RCT. This reduction in bacterial load is believed to underlie the observed drop in decompensated cirrhosis mortality from 42.9% to 5.3%.

### Is Saccharomyces boulardii safe for immunocompromised patients?

No; immunocompromised individuals, including those on chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressants, and HIV-positive patients with low CD4 counts, face a documented risk of Saccharomyces fungemia when taking live S. boulardii preparations. Fungemia cases, though rare, have been fatal in critically ill patients, and the risk is amplified in those with indwelling central venous catheters through which the yeast can enter the bloodstream. Immunocompromised patients should avoid live probiotic yeast supplements unless explicitly directed by a specialist who has assessed individual risk.

### How long does it take for Saccharomyces boulardii to work for digestive issues?

For antibiotic-associated diarrhea prevention, protective effects are observed within 24–48 hours of initiating supplementation, coinciding with colonization of intestinal surfaces and detectable luminal serine protease activity. For more complex conditions like SIBO or cirrhosis-associated gut dysbiosis, RCT data indicate measurable microbiological eradication within 2–4 weeks of consistent twice-daily dosing at 500 mg. S. boulardii does not permanently colonize the gut—yeast levels return to baseline within 3–5 days of discontinuation—so ongoing supplementation is required to maintain therapeutic effects.

### What is the clinical evidence quality for Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763 in cirrhosis patients?

Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763 has strong randomized controlled trial evidence in cirrhosis, showing an 80% SIBO eradication rate versus 23.1% placebo (n=38) and reducing mortality in decompensated cirrhosis from 42.9% to 5.3% (p=0.007). This specific strain demonstrates superior clinical outcomes compared to placebo in hepatic disease populations. The evidence base supports its use as a clinically validated therapeutic intervention rather than a general wellness supplement.

### Who benefits most from taking Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763?

Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763 is most beneficial for hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics, those with documented SIBO or cirrhosis complications, and patients at high risk for C. difficile infection. The strain shows particular clinical value in hepatic disease populations, where mortality reductions and SIBO eradication rates significantly exceed placebo. Patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea history or recurrent GI infections also represent strong candidates for supplementation.

### How does Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763 compare to other probiotic strains for antibiotic-related infections?

Saccharomyces boulardii DBVPG 6763 demonstrates 84% efficacy in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea across meta-analyzed placebo-controlled trials (n=5029), making it one of the most evidence-supported strains for this indication. As a non-bacterial yeast-based probiotic, it is not susceptible to antibiotic pressure, allowing concurrent administration with antibiotics without loss of viability. This unique mechanism of action and robust clinical data distinguish it from bacterial strains like Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium for acute antibiotic-related conditions.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*