Health Benefits of Saccharomyces Boulardii
Medically reviewed by Suzanne Fisher, RD
Saccharomyces boulardii (or S. boulardii) is a probiotic yeast that can be taken in supplement form to help support the digestive system. It's classified as a strain of brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and has been identified on the skins of tropical fruits lychee and mangosteen.
S. boulardii works by balancing out the bacterial environment in the gut and may be effective for treating and preventing digestive issues—including diarrhea and symptoms of certain gastrointestinal (GI) conditions.
Design by Health / Getty Images
Likely Relieves Diarrhea
Studies suggest that Saccharomyces boulardii is likely effective for treating certain types of diarrhea, which is generally defined as having loose, watery stools.
For example, in some studies, S. boulardii helped prevent and treat diarrhea in children and adults taking antibiotics—a bacteria-killing drug that often includes diarrhea as a side effect. While other research in adult and older adult populations did not find the probiotic helpful in reducing in antibiotic-induced diarrhea, this might be related to the age and health status of study participants.
S. boulardii might also lower the chances of developing traveler's diarrhea, which happens when a diarrhea-causing germ is consumed in food or drink while traveling. Still, experts note that larger studies are needed before this could be broadly recommended as a preventive tactic.
In addition, some research has suggested that taking S. boulardii could shorten a bout of diarrhea in children who have contracted gastroenteritis (stomach flu) via rotavirus—a contagious virus with diarrhea as a primary symptom. However, the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) doesn't recommend probiotic use in children with a case of gastroenteritis.
Potentially Supports Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Treatment
S. boulardii might be beneficial for people with some forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is an overarching term that describes inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract—leading to chronic inflammatory conditions ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease.
In some research, S. boulardii appeared to help reduce mild to moderate UC symptoms—like pain and bowel movement changes—when used with another standard UC medication. Additional, larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
There is less evidence behind its usefulness in supporting Crohn's disease treatment. One small study found that S. boulardii helped improve the gut barrier function (a protective mechanism for the digestive system) in Crohn's disease remission patients. While probiotic use for Crohn's disease seems promising, more research with larger sample sizes is needed to expand on initial findings.
Could Improve Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms
With irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the digestive system either moves too quickly or too slowly—causing symptoms like stomach pain, cramping, bloating, and bowel movement changes. Preliminary findings suggest that S. boulardii could help support this.
At least one smaller study found that people who took S. boulardii for four weeks experienced a decrease in the daily number of bowel movements and improved IBS symptoms overall. Another suggested that taking S. boulardii daily for the same amount of time helped improve IBS patients' quality of life more than a placebo did.
In general, though, when probiotics have been tested for IBS, the results are varied on whether they're helpful for this condition. Because of this, experts haven't made any recommendations on probiotics in IBS treatment.
Possibly Treats Stomach Infections
Supplementing with S. boulardii may be beneficial for treating certain types of infections and relieving their symptoms.
For example, taking S. boulardii for a Clostridiodes difficile (C. diff) infection has been shown to prevent the diarrhea that comes along with it. Taking S. boulardii with C. diff antibiotic treatment appears to help prevent the recurrence of the infection. It's unclear whether the probiotic fights the diarrhea or prevents the infection.
S. bouldardii could also be a potential supportive treatment for the common digestive tract bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which often leads to stomach ulcers and indigestion. A recent research review suggested that, when used with antibiotics, S. boulardii was more effective in clearing this type of infection than antibiotic use alone. The probiotic also appeared to help prevent treatment side effects like diarrhea and nausea, though more studies are needed in this area.
May Support Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Outside of the digestive system, initial findings suggest that S. boulardii might help change LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.
Researchers hypothesize that S. boulardii may help regulate cholesterol from the gut. In at least one study, supplementing with the probiotic daily for eight weeks showed potential for positively altering LDL cholesterol. Much more research is needed to confirm this possible benefit.
How To Take Saccharomyces Boulardii
Oral probiotics like S. boulardii come in a variety of different forms, including capsules, pills, powders, and liquids.
Before taking S. boulardii, check the packaging label for directions, expiration or "use by" date, and storage instructions. Certain probiotics require refrigeration, while others can be safely stored at room temperature.
Research suggests that S. boulardii can be effective when taken with or without a meal. If you're also taking antibiotics, taking S. boulardii at a different time might improve the effectiveness of both products.
Dosage
There isn't a standard dosage that experts recommend for probiotic supplements. For most healthy adults, around 500-1000 mg—or 10-20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs)—of S. boulardii daily for four weeks seems most effective. For children, 250-500 mg of S. boulardii is a standard dose used in clinical trials.
Check with a healthcare provider to determine the safest and most effective dose for you.
Is Saccharomyces Boulardii Safe?
Data suggests that when taken orally (by mouth), S. boulardii is safe for most healthy adults. Still, some people should discuss it with their healthcare provider first. They may need to avoid it altogether. For example:
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding: Avoid S. boulardii, as there isn't enough evidence of its safety
Children: Can likely take this probiotic safely, but a healthcare provider consultation is advised before it's used in children for anti-diarrheal purposes
Older adults and people with a weakened immune system: Discuss with a healthcare provider or avoid S. boulardii, as it may increase the risk of developing a fungal infection.
People with a yeast allergy: Avoid S. boulardii, as you might have an allergic reaction to this fungus
Anyone with a digestive disorder or other underlying health condition: Ask a healthcare provider before supplementing with S. boulardii
Potential Drug Interactions
S. boulardii isn't known to interact with any other supplements or herbs.
However, because it's a fungus, taking S. boulardii with an antifungal medication (like a yeast infection treatment, for example) can interfere with its effects.
What To Look For
Supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way that prescription medications are, so there isn't a standardization when it comes to probiotic products. Take some precautions when considering purchasing and using an S. boulardii product.
For example, check to see that the product is third-party tested. Some reputable independent testing organizations include ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, and U.S. Pharmacopeia. Products that have passed this testing include a seal of quality assurance noting that: the product has been properly manufactured, contains the ingredients on the label, and does not contain harmful contaminant levels.
Can You Take Too Much Saccharomyces Boulardii?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that generally come in relatively large doses, with billions of colony-forming units (or CFUs) recommended per serving. The suggested dose depends on what the probiotic is being used for.
There's no standardization on what constitutes "too much" of a particular probiotic, so follow label instructions in conjunction with your healthcare provider's recommendation to be safe.
Side Effects of Saccharomyces Boulardii
S. boulardii can come with some mild side effects—mostly related to the digestive system. The most commonly reported side effects include:
Bloating
Gas
Diarrhea
These symptoms typically subside within a few weeks.
A Quick Review
Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) is a yeast used as a probiotic supplement. Potential benefits of S. boulardii include relieving diarrhea, preventing some infections, and treating certain digestive conditions.
More research is needed to fully understand the utility, efficacy, and safety of S. boulardii. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying a new supplement to ensure it's safe for you.
For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Health.com.
