From the Guidelines
Saccharomyces is a genus of yeast fungi that includes several important species, most notably Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker's yeast or brewer's yeast, and Saccharomyces boulardii, which is used as a probiotic to treat digestive disorders. The use of Saccharomyces boulardii as a probiotic has been studied in various clinical trials, with the most recent and highest quality study being published in 2020 1. This study suggests that S. boulardii may be beneficial in preventing Clostridioides difficile infection, with a relative risk of 0.41 (95% CI, 0.22-0.79) compared to placebo. Some key points to consider when using Saccharomyces boulardii as a probiotic include:
- The recommended dose is typically 250-500 mg taken 1-2 times daily for acute conditions, or as recommended by healthcare providers.
- S. boulardii has been shown to be effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridioides difficile infection, particularly in patients with high risk of developing these conditions.
- The use of S. boulardii is generally considered safe, but patients with severe illnesses or immunocompromised individuals should exercise caution and consult with their healthcare provider before using this probiotic.
- The evidence for the use of S. boulardii in other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, is less clear and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. Overall, the use of Saccharomyces boulardii as a probiotic is supported by the most recent and highest quality evidence, particularly for the prevention of Clostridioides difficile infection 1.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Saccharomyces
- Saccharomyces boulardii is a type of probiotic yeast that has been widely studied for its health benefits 2, 3.
- It is a non-pathogenic microorganism that can confer health benefits when administered in adequate amounts 3.
- Saccharomyces boulardii is commonly used in clinical practice, particularly in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as acute gastroenteritis, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and inflammatory bowel disease 2, 3, 4.
Health Benefits and Applications
- Saccharomyces boulardii has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration of diarrhea and hospitalization in patients with acute gastroenteritis 2.
- It is also recommended for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and has been used to treat other gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease 2, 3.
- Additionally, Saccharomyces boulardii has been found to have a positive effect on cognitive decline associated with gut dysbiosis, and may have potential applications in the treatment of psychiatric conditions 4.
- It has also been used to correct intraintestinal homeostasis in patients with dysbiotic disorders due to antibiotic therapy 5.
Limitations and Contradictions
- Despite its potential health benefits, Saccharomyces boulardii has been found to have limited efficacy in certain conditions, such as Crohn's disease 6.
- There is insufficient evidence to recommend the long-term use of Saccharomyces boulardii in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and its use in newborns is not recommended without further study 2.