Saccharomyces Boulardii is a popular probiotic, is it as good as they say? Does it deserve to be popular?

1. SACCHAROMYCES BOULARDII
PROBIOTIC
By Probiotics Expert: Dr. Raga

2. What is Saccharomyces
boulardii?
 Saccharomyces boulardii is a type
of yeast (fungus).
 In the past, it was thought to be a
unique yeast specie but currently
it is believed to belong in the
strain of Saccharomyces
cerevisiae (baker's yeast).
 Nowadays, it is described to be
one of the internationally most
acclaimed probiotic which is used
for certain digestive system
problems such as
IBS, IBD, diarrhea, as well as
Candida overgrowth.

3. Discovery of Saccharomyces
boulardii

Originally, Saccharomyces boulardii was derived from
lychee and mangosteen fruit by Henri Boulard, a French
scientist.
 Boulard discovered this strain of yeast during his trip in
Indochina. During his stay there, he found out that the
yeasts used in the fermentation of wine in France were
not effective in Indochina. To make a solution to this
problem, he tried to find a certain strain of yeast which
could withstand heat.
 Also, during Boulard’s Indochina trip, he was faced with
disease conditions among the locals, one of which was
diarrhea. He discovered that most locals drank tea (from
lychee & mangosteen) to stop it.
 So, as a result, Boulard was able to extract active strain
of yeast that he later on named as S. Boulardii.

4. Saccharomyces boulardii
probiotic Mechanisms
1. Anti-toxin effects
 S. Boulardii has been associated with treatment of cholera
and enteric pathogen-caused conditions.
 Has been found to neutralize the toxins and inhibit the proinflammatory response caused by the pathogens
2. Anti-inflammatory effects
 S. Boulardii also prevents the cell signalling mechanism
caused by pathogenic agents that commonly occurs in the
case of Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
3. Trophic effects on enterocytes
 Decreases the secretion of interleukin during E. Coli
infection. This enables the intestinal mucosa to be
protected from its inflammatory effects.

5. Saccharomyces boulardii
probiotic Mechanisms
4. Anti-microbial effect
 S. Boulardii does this anti-microbial mechanism by
brushing off microbes such as E. Coli and S. Typhimurium
(commonly linked to occurrence of acute infectious
diarrhea). This happens through the brush border of S.
Boulardii. It binds these pathogens there and eliminates
these from the body through defecation.
5. Increased immune response
 This promotes the binding of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the
small intestines.
6. Increased levels of disaccharidases
 The trophic effect of S. Boulardii on enterocytes lead to
trigger of increased levels of disaccharides such as lactose
, maltase, and sucrase.

6. Saccharomyces boulardii
probiotic Medicinal Uses
1. Food allergies
 This comes useful in neonates and infants who are
diagnosed with leaky gut syndrome by preventing
the allergic reactions to certain food antigens.
2. Immunity
 Triggers both innate (first line of defense) as well as
adaptive (antibodies action) to respond to infections
caused by pathogens
3. Nutrient absorption and digestion
 S. Boulardii enables the body to produce enzymes
(e.g. Lactase for lactose), which are important for
enhanced electrolyte and nutrient absorption.

7. Saccharomyces boulardii
probiotic Medicinal Uses
4. Intestinal health
 Improves and protects the integrity of the intestinal
mucosa. It also creates substances which are necessary to
nourish the colon cells as well as its normal flora.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
 This yeast specie may have a beneficial effect in the
treatment of IBD in vivo (mice) In a study conducted, it was
discovered that it limits the inflammatory response of the
colon’s immune cells to pathogens.
 Blocks the chemical secretion that leads to inflammation
 Also, in a trial conducted, it has been found to aid in
remission of ulcerative colitis.
 Promotes fewer relapses in patients with Crohn’s Disease.

8. Saccharomyces boulardii
probiotic Medicinal Uses
6. Infections
 Prevents the GI infections caused by agents such as
C.dificile, E.coli and Candida albicans.
 Inhibits the harmful effects of Candida to the spleen
kidneys, and lymph nodes, in mices.
 Responsible for reduction in the growth of C.
albicans, E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella
typhimurium, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Entamoeba
histolytica.
7. Diarrhea
 Plays a significant role in the prevention of traveller’s
diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

9. Saccharomyces boulardii
probiotic Side Effects and
Safety
 In most adults, S. Boulardii is more likely safe
when consumed by mouth. However, there
are cases in which it may cause gas.
Also, fungal infections which can spread
through the bloodstream happens rarely.
 In children, it is considered to be possibly
safe. Although that is the case, it is still best
to ask for the doctor’s advise.

10. Saccharomyces boulardii
probiotic Side Effects and
Safety
 There is not much study proving the safety of S.
Boulardii intake in pregnant women.
Again, consultation with the doctor is advised.
 Use of S. Boulardii in people with weakened immune
system still holds concern over the healthcare
professionals. This is because these people have
increased risk of the yeast infection that can spread
through the blood stream (fungemia).
 People with yeast-containing products are advised
to refrain from its use

11. Saccharomyces boulardii
probiotic Dosage
 For healthy people: Gradually consume 3 capsules
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twice a day. In the first week, take 1 capsule. In the
second week, have 2 capsules Then, in the third
week, consume 3 capsules. This is to prevent the die off
effect.
For antibiotic-associated diarrhea: 250-500 mg 2-4x
daily
Clostridium difficile-caused diarrhea: 1g daily taken for
4 weeks together with the antibiotic treatment.
Ulcerative colitis: 205mg 3x daily
Infections caused H. Pylori: A dose of 5 billion CFUs of
S. Boulardii everyday
Crohn’s disease: 250 mg of 3x daily for up to 9 weeks.
Also, 1 gram daily combined with the usual treatment

12. My Favorite Probiotic
 Probacto is the best probiotic that I
have ever run into. They use multiple
strains and they are spore forming so
they can last while not refrigerated.
They do not use cheap bacteria, but
expensive ones such as B. Subtilis, and
also contain S. Boulardii
 Probacto also contains prebiotics to
help stimulate the growth of beneficial
bacteria in your gut.
 Probacto contains digestive enzymes to
assist in cleaning out your yeast.
 Probacto is enteric coated and made to
be slow release so it will release in your
gut gradually.

13. Conclusion
 The use of Saccharomyces boulardii as a probiotic
has its advantages and disadvantages. It has many
advantages that specifically addresses the problems
of the digestive system such as diarrhea, Crohn’s
disease, and ulcerative colitis. Proper dosing should
be remembered whenever it is consumed to prevent
the “die-off effect”. However, its use, particularly in
people with compromised immune system, should
be carefully considered because it may potentially
harm the body such as in the case of the spread of
fungal infection through the bloodstream. This is a
very life-threatening condition. So, it should be used
with caution everytime.