A different probiotic: Saccharomyces boulardii

It is often said that the intestinal microbiota is made up of “beneficial bacteria”, but, to be exact, among the microorganisms that make up the “flora” there are also fungi or yeasts with equally positive properties. Saccharomyces boulardii is one of these species of fungi that make up the microbiota and that can be taken as a probiotic supplement to promote intestinal function.

The Saccharomyces boulardii It is a relative of the yeast used to make bread or beer (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) but has different qualities They were discovered more than 100 years ago.

In 1923, the French microbiologist Henri Boulard, who was in Southeast Asia during a cholera outbreak, noticed that people who drank a drink made from lychee and mangosteen skins did not get as seriously ill. Boulard analyzed the drink and discovered the yeast that he named after himself: Saccharomyces boulardii.

Since then, hundreds of studies have been published on the antidiarrheal properties of S.boulardiiwhich also owns beneficial effects on the immune system.

Saccharomyces boulardii in the treatment of diarrhea

doctors prescribe Saccharomyces boulardii to prevent or treat diarrhea that can occur when taking antibiotics. Scientists from the Medical University of Warsaw conducted a review of 21 studies with a total of 4,780 participants and concluded that yeast reduced the risk of diarrhea by half among adults and 50% among children.

Antibiotics save lives by killing or controlling populations of potentially harmful bacteria, but they also work on beneficial bacteria and reduce species diversity that make up the microbiota, which alters its balance.

Some of the consequences are that it may increase the risk of suffer new infections and the ability of the intestinal mucosa to absorb nutrients or to act as an effective barrier that prevents the passage of allergenic, toxic or inflammatory compounds into the bloodstream can be altered.

In addition to diarrhoea, antibiotic-induced alterations in the microbiota have been linked to obesity, asthma, allergies and inflammatory bowel diseases.

Why is S. Boulardii beneficial?

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have identified numerous mechanisms by which S. boulardii helps restore and maintain a healthy digestive tract and improve immune function:

Inhibits the growth of bacteria and parasites and reduces their ability to adhere to cells in the digestive tract. Reduces the effects of toxins produced by infectious organisms. Helps restore the balance of healthy microorganisms in the intestine. Enhances immune responses without overstimulating the immune system. Reduces harmful inflammation. Restores the healthy function of the cells of the intestinal lining. Stimulates the production of enzymes and other beneficial natural substances. Strengthens the walls of the digestive tract and helps repair leaky gut.

The UCLA scientists found that, in addition to helping resolve antibiotic-induced diarrhea, S.boulardii It is effective in the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea, other types of diarrhea, and infections by Clostridium difficile and Helicobacter pylori.

The chronic diseases that may improve with S. boulardii supplementation include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and parasitic infections.

How to take S. boulardii

S. Boulardii yeast is found naturally in fermented foods such as kombucha and kefir, but to achieve a dose with therapeutic effects it is recommended to take it in the form of probiotic supplements, which It is found in pharmacies and herbal diets.

In studies, doses of 1 to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFU), which are taken for 5-10 days to treat acute diarrhea. There is no standard dose for other conditions.

The most frequent indications are the accompaniment of antibiotic therapy, to prevent diarrhea and protect the microbiota, and the prevention of traveler’s diarrhea. For this indication, it is recommended to start taking it a week before leaving. It continues during the trip and up to five days after the return.

Other probiotics have similar indications but the S. Boulardii has the advantage that resists the action of antibiotics and stomach acids.

In the list of ingredients or composition of probiotic products, it can appear with different names, such as:

Saccharomyces boulardii.Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-3799 or I-3799 (this is a proprietary strain).Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (sometimes scientifically classified within the brewer’s yeast family)

Scientific references: