Saccharomyces Probiotic Review, Effects and Uses

Saccharomyces are a genus of Fungi that includes yeast which may have benefits for maintaining a healthy microflora.

The probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii was discovered by Henri Boulard in 1923 when the tropical strain of yeast was isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit. These fruits are used to treat diarrhea in Indochina.

According to Web Md Saccharomyces boulardii is now believed to be a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast).

Probiotic supplements with Saccharomyces boulardii are used to treat diarrhea, including HIV related diarrhea, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and the Helicobacter pylori and E. Coli infections and Candida.

According to one source, Saccharomyces supplements survive “stomach acid and colonizes the intestinal tract. It promotes the health of the intestinal tract, helps protect its beneficial microbiota, and enhances immune function.”

While safe for most healthy adults, there are some individuals who should not use products that contain Saccharomyces boulardii yeast. This includes individuals with compromised immune systems or those with open wounds.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Saccharomyces Benefits

Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic tablets are often used to support digestive function and to reduce diarrhea symptoms in adults and children.

This beneficial strain of yeast can prevent or reduce diarrhea episodes caused by pathogenic bacteria.

According to Jarrow Formulas, “Its most important use is when intestinal flora come under assault, such as during antibiotic use or when traveling.”

A clinical study published in Beneficial Microbes in January 2015 showed S. boulardii CNCM I-745 in adjunction to oral rehydration solution in acute infectious gastroenteritis in children reduces the time span of the diarrhea.

Its use also reduced the length of emergency care and hospital stay needed in children with acute diarrhea. Most symptoms of diarrhea were reduced within 48 hours of treatment. After 72 hours only 27.3% of children still had watery diarrhea as opposed to 48.5% of the control group.

A clinical study published in the Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition journal in March 2015 showed em>Saccharomyces boulardii was beneficial in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea during H. pylori eradication in children.

There were 12 cases of diarrhea in the probiotic group as opposed to 26 cases in the control group. The duration of the diarrhea was shorter in the probiotic group.

Saccharomyces Boulardii and the Immune System

A clinical animal study of mice published in Pharmalogical Research in July 2015 showed that taking doxycycline and Saccharomyces boulardii together helped managing colitis by reducing intestinal inflammation.

This treatment combination helped accelerate the recovery and attenuated relapse. This was a reduction in the disease activity index, colonic tissue damage and expression of inflammatory mediators.

The doxycycline helped induce remission and the long term probiotic treatment was shown to helps prevent the relapses.

Saccharomyces boulardii has anti-cholera toxin properties. In vitro (Laboratory) studies, Saccharomyces boulardii prevented water and electrolyte secretion and loss due to the cholera toxin.

During E. Coli infection in the gut Saccharomyces boulardii showed anti-inflammatory action with the decrease of the secretion of Interleukin 8 (IL-8) (pro-inflammatory cytokine) that is secreted during this infection.

Saccharomyces Boulardii for Candida

A clinical study published in Critical Care Medicine in February 2013 showed supplementation with probiotics could be a potential treatment to reduce gastrointestinal Candida colonization and candiduria (Candida in the urine) in critically ill children receiving broad spectrum antibiotics.

The clinical trial patients received one sachet twice a day of either probiotics or placebo for 7 days. The sachets contained a combination probiotic formula of Lactobacillus acidophillus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Saccharomyces boulardii, Streptococcus thermophilus and prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).

Candiduria was significantly less common in the probiotic group (17.3%) than in the placebo group (37.3%).

Saccharomyces Boulardii for IBS-D

A clinical study published in the European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology in June 2014 showed S. boulardii with ispaghula husk had better results than the placebo with ispaghula husk (used as a laxative) in improving the cytokine profile, histology, and quality of life of patients with IBS-D (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea).

The S. boulardii group showed a significant decrease in blood and tissue levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor. There was also an increase in anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels and an increase in the tissue IL-10 and IL-12 ratio.

Keeping a food diary that includes emotions will help to find out food triggers and which situations are causing symptoms.

Following a low FODMAP diet (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols) which are carbohydrates that are not easily absorbed in the small intestines may help the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.

This diet has helped about 75% of people following it for these symptoms.

Is Saccharomyces Safe to Use?

Probiotics should not be taken by those with impaired immune systems. Saccharomyces boulardii has been linked to fungemia with those with intravascular catheters and on anti-biotic therapy.

Other studies have shown using Saccharomyces boulardii for immunosuppressed or critically ill patients increases the risk factors for Saccharomyces cerevisiae infection.

Symptoms of septic shock and fever have also been reported. Cases of symptoms of sepsis that include abdominal meteorism, white blood cell count increase, and respiratory insufficiency have been reported.

Anti-fungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), terbinafine (Lamisil), and itraconazole (Sporanox) should not be taken with this probiotic. Unless advised otherwise by a medical professional, probiotics should not be taken during pregnancy or whilst breast feeding.

People allergic to yeast should also avoid this probiotic as it may cause a reaction. Antibiotics do interact with probiotics and should be taken at least two hours apart.

Saccharomyces boulardii does have applications for the treatment of diarrhea, IBS and IBD as well as treating the Helicobacter pylori and E. Coli infections and the yeast infection Candida.

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