Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic benefits

Antimicrobial

Within the lumen of the digestive tract Saccharomyces boulardii has antagonistic and antitoxic effects against pathogenic bacteria and yeasts.
S.boulardii is able to secrete a protein/microcin that inhibits the growth of these microorganisms.
S.boulardii has been shown to bind pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and specific fimbriae expressing Escherichia coli on their surface. In doing so S.boulardii reduces their adhesion to the intestinal epithelium and eliminates them from the intestine.
Bacterial toxins, such as those produced by Clostridium difficile are enzymatically neutralized by S.boulardii

S. boulardii may directly inhibit the growth of pathogens (such as Candida albicans, Salmonella typhimurum, Yersinia enterocolitium, Aeromonas hemolysin
S.boulardii displays beneficial effects against other pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella and Yersnia

Intestinal Mucosa and Immune System Support

The antisecretory effect of S.boulardii helps normalise the water and electrolyte homeostasis. Administration of S.boulardii leads to an increase in the disaccharidase activity which improves the absorption of carbohydrates.
S.boulardii stimulates the production the production of secretory immunoglobulin A (sigA) in the gut associated lymphoid tissue and thereby helps strengthen the digestive tract defences against infections.

Acute Diarrhea

Acute diarrhoea is often caused by bacteria or viruses. Apart from the increased frequency of bowel movements and a more liquid stool consistency, fluid and electrolytes are lost to various degrees which can cause life-threatening dehydration. As causal therapy is often impossible, symptomatic treatment becomes important. This includes the normalisation of the water and electrolyte homeostasis. Clinical studies on both children and adults demonstrated the efficacy of the administration of S. boulardii for the treatment of acute diarrhoea.

Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea

Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea occurs in about 30% of patients who undergo antibiotic therapy. Patients of advanced age, with compromised immune status or prolonged hospital stays are at higher risk of developing these symptoms. For this indication, S. boulardii has protective and therapeutic effects on the intestinal mucosa. Several clinical studies have demonstrated the yeast reduces the frequency, duration and severity of an antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and helps prevent relapses

Traveller’s diarrhoea

Tourists are exposed to higher infectious risk in areas with low hygiene status. Common pathogens in traveller’s diarrhoea include enterotoxigenic E. coli and Salmonella. The main source of infection is food and water contamination. Therefore, the first and most effective prophylaxis is good hygiene, e.g. eating only peeled or cooked food and drinking boiled water. S. boulardii exerts prophylactic therapeutic effects on traveller’s diarrhoea as demonstrated in clinical studies

History of Saccharomyces boulardii

Whilst travelling in Indochina during the early 1920’s, a Cholera outbreak had French microbiologist, Henri Boulard observe how the local population drank a tea that they had made from macerating tropical fruits (lychee and mangosteen) in order to prevent and treat diarrhoea.

Boulard continued his investigation and in 1923 was able to isolate the particular yeast strain responsible and named this Saccharomyces boulardii.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a non-pathogenic, non-systemic, eukaryotic microorganism that can grow under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions and at a high temperature of 37°C.

Evidence Based and verified probiotic strain

Yomogi® is a verified strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (boulardii) HANSEN CBS 5926 also known as CNCM I 745

Caution needs to be taken when purchasing probiotics as there have been many reports of questionable supplements sold commercially. One study investigated 58 different probiotic supplements available and found only 38% had the dose stated on the label and 29% did not contain strains listed on the label!

Dosage

Adults: 1 capsule 1-2 times daily

Children: 2-6 years of age, same dosage but the hard capsule is to be opened and contents stirred into food or liquid

Travellers’ diarrhoea: 1 capsule 1-2 times daily starting 5 days before departure and continue for the duration of travel.

Ingredients

1 hard capsule contains:

At release – minimum 2.5 billion viable cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae HANSEN CBS 5926 (synonym: Saccharomyces boulardii) in 250 mg lyophilisate.

other ingredients: Lactose, magnesium stearate (Ph.Eur.), gelatin, water, sodium dodecyl sulfate, chlorophyllin-copper complex, titanium dioxide, iron oxide hydrate.

Warnings:

If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner.

If diarrhoea persists for more than 6 hours in infants under 6 months, 12 hours in children under 3 years, 24 hours in children 3-6 years or 48 hours in adults and children over 6 years, seek medical advice.

Contains lactose. For diabetics, taking 1 hard Yomogi® capsule should be calculated as 0.01 carbohydrate exchange units.

If taking medication, pregnant, or breastfeeding please consult a licensed healthcare provider before taking this supplement. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Always read the label. Use as directed. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or TGA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.