Saccharomyces boulardii

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Restores gut flora balance: Saccharomyces boulardii helps restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can be disrupted by factors such as antibiotics, poor diet, and stress. 
• Enhances immune function: Saccharomyces boulardii can stimulate the immune system and improve the body’s ability to fight infections. 
• Reduces inflammation: Saccharomyces boulardii can help reduce inflammation in the gut and other parts of the body. 
• Prevents diarrhea: Saccharomyces boulardii has been shown to be effective in preventing various forms of diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea. 
• Treats inflammatory bowel disease: Saccharomyces boulardii can be helpful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 
• Antifungal activity: Saccharomyces boulardii has antifungal properties and has been shown to be effective in treating Candida infections. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency undefined: 

Bloating 

Flatulence 

Constipation  

Black Box Warning

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that does not carry an FDA black box warning. Although it is generally safe for use, certain precautions and possible side effects should still be considered. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

• Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or undergoing chemotherapy, should avoid using Saccharomyces boulardii, as it may cause infections in these individuals. 
• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to Saccharomyces boulardii or other types of yeast and should avoid its use. 
• Risk of fungemia: In rare cases, Saccharomyces boulardii can cause systemic fungal infections (fungemia) in patients with a central venous catheter or other types of indwelling medical devices. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited research on the safety of Saccharomyces boulardii during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is best to consult with a healthcare provider before using it. 
• Medication interactions: Saccharomyces boulardii may interact with certain medications, such as immunosuppressants and antifungal drugs, so it is important to check with a healthcare provider before taking it in combination with other medications. 
• Gastrointestinal complications: Some people may experience mild digestive side effects such as bloating, gas, or abdominal discomfort when taking Saccharomyces boulardii. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: None reported 

Breastfeeding warnings: No data on the excretion of Saccharomyces boulardii in breast milk is available 

Pregnant and lactating females should consult a physician before taking this OTC product. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: There is no affirmation of risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a product in humans; Pregnant women must take care of the potential risks. 
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms. However, despite potential dangers may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh risks over benefits. The drug is not for pregnant women. 
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

• Modulation of gut microbiota: Saccharomyces boulardii helps restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can be disrupted by factors such as antibiotics, poor diet, and stress. 
• Stimulation of the immune system: Saccharomyces boulardii can stimulate the immune system and improve the body’s ability to fight infections. 
• Production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs): Saccharomyces boulardii can produce SCFAs such as butyrate, which has anti-inflammatory and gut-healing properties. 
• Inhibition of pathogens: Saccharomyces boulardii can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium difficile and E. coli, as well as fungi such as Candida albicans. 
• Production of digestive enzymes: Saccharomyces boulardii can produce digestive enzymes such as lactase, which helps break down lactose in individuals with lactose intolerance. 
• Binding to toxins: Saccharomyces boulardii can bind to toxins such as mycotoxins and prevent their absorption into the body. 
• Maintenance of intestinal barrier function: Saccharomyces boulardii can help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and prevent the leakage of harmful substances into the bloodstream. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

• Modulation of gut microbiota: Saccharomyces boulardii can modulate the composition and activity of the gut microbiota, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms. 
• Enhancement of the immune system: Saccharomyces boulardii can enhance the immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies and other immune cells, which can help protect against infections and other diseases. 
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Saccharomyces boulardii can exert anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. 
• Protection of the intestinal barrier: Saccharomyces boulardii can help protect the intestinal barrier by strengthening the tight junctions between intestinal cells and promoting the production of mucus that can act as a barrier to harmful substances. 
• Prevention and treatment of diarrhea: Saccharomyces boulardii can help prevent and treat diarrhea by modulating the gut microbiota and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. 
• Prevention and treatment of fungal infections: Saccharomyces boulardii can prevent and treat fungal infections, including those caused by Candida albicans, by producing antifungal compounds and inhibiting the growth of the fungus. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

The pharmacokinetics of Saccharomyces boulardii 

Absorption 

Saccharomyces boulardii is an orally administered probiotic supplement that is taken in capsule or powder form. It is not absorbed by the gut but instead remains in the gut lumen and colonizes the intestinal mucosa. 

Distribution 

Saccharomyces boulardii is distributed throughout the gastrointestinal tract, where it colonizes the intestinal mucosa and exerts its therapeutic effects. 

Metabolism 

Saccharomyces boulardii is a live yeast organism that is metabolized by the gut microbiota in the colon. It produces various metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and enzymes, that can help support gut health. 

Elimination and Excretion 

Saccharomyces boulardii is not excreted in the urine or feces. Instead, it is eliminated from the body through the normal turnover of intestinal epithelial cells, which results in the shedding of the organism from the gut mucosa. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Saccharomyces boulardii is a type of probiotic yeast that has been shown to have various health benefits. It is commonly used to prevent or treat diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea. 

Saccharomyces boulardii is usually administered orally, in the form of capsules, sachets, or tablets. The recommended dosage varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer or healthcare professional. 

Saccharomyces boulardii is generally safe for most people to use. However, in rare cases, it may cause mild side effects such as bloating, gas, or constipation. Individuals who are immunocompromised or have a central venous catheter should consult with their healthcare provider before using Saccharomyces boulardii. 

It is also important to note that Saccharomyces boulardii may interact with certain medications, including immunosuppressive drugs and antifungal medications. Therefore, individuals who are taking these medications should consult with their healthcare provider before using Saccharomyces boulardii. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: Saccharomyces boulardii 

Pronounced: Sack-arr-oh-my-seez B-oo-l-arr-d-ee 

Why do we use Saccharomyces boulardii? 

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that is used for various health purposes. Some of the main reasons why Saccharomyces boulardii is used are: 

• Treating diarrhea: Saccharomyces boulardii is commonly used to treat diarrhea, especially when it is caused by infections such as Clostridium difficile or rotavirus. It may also help reduce diarrhea caused by antibiotics. 
• Preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Antibiotics can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to diarrhea. Saccharomyces boulardii may help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. 
• Boosting the immune system: Saccharomyces boulardii may stimulate the immune system and help it fight infections more effectively. 
• Reducing inflammation: Saccharomyces boulardii has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the gut and other parts of the body. 
• Managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Saccharomyces boulardii may help reduce symptoms of IBS, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.