From the Guidelines
Saccharomyces is a genus of yeast that includes several important species, most notably Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker's yeast or brewer's yeast, and is utilized by humans for thousands of years in food production and as a probiotic to treat certain gastrointestinal disorders.
Key Points
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a single-celled fungus that converts sugars into carbon dioxide and alcohol through fermentation, making it essential for food production and scientific research 1.
- Some Saccharomyces species, particularly S. boulardii, are used as probiotics to treat certain gastrointestinal disorders like antibiotic-associated diarrhea, as they can help restore gut microbiota balance 1.
- The use of Saccharomyces boulardii as a probiotic has been shown to be effective in preventing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and reducing the risk of developing CDI by 64% when given with antibiotics 1.
- However, the safety and efficacy of probiotics, including Saccharomyces species, can vary depending on the specific strain, dosage, and individual patient factors, and careful evaluation is required before use, especially in vulnerable groups 1.
Clinical Applications
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used in baking bread and fermenting alcoholic beverages like beer and wine.
- S. boulardii is used as a probiotic to treat certain gastrointestinal disorders like antibiotic-associated diarrhea and CDI.
- The importance of Saccharomyces extends from traditional food production to modern biotechnology, where it's used in the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and various industrial enzymes.
Recommendations
- The use of Saccharomyces boulardii as a probiotic is recommended for the prevention of recurrent CDI and the reduction of the risk of developing CDI 1.
- Patients who place a high value on the potential harms or a high value on avoiding the associated cost and a low value on the small risk of CDI development may reasonably select no probiotics 1.
From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Saccharomyces
- Saccharomyces is a type of fungus, specifically a yeast, that has been found to have health benefits when administered in adequate amounts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Saccharomyces boulardii is the only yeast commonly used in clinical practice as a probiotic 3.
Health Benefits and Uses of Saccharomyces
- Saccharomyces boulardii has been found to be effective in reducing the risk of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) 2.
- It has also been found to be effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) 5, 6.
- Saccharomyces boulardii may be effective in secondary prevention of CDI in specific patient populations with particular concurrent antibiotic treatment 2.
- It has been found to reduce the incidence of diarrhea and its severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 receiving antibiotic therapy 4.
- Saccharomyces boulardii shows promise for the prevention of traveler's diarrhea, enteral nutrition-related diarrhea, and reduction of Helicobacter pylori treatment-related symptoms 6.