Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial yeast that is often used as a dietary supplement. It is believed to improve digestive health, support the immune system, and help with the treatment of certain intestinal disorders. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can be found in capsule form, and it is typically taken orally.

Saccharomyces boulardii, often abbreviated as S. boulardii, is a type of yeast classified as a probiotic. Here's a breakdown of its key points:

What it is:

• A beneficial yeast strain from the same family as baker's and brewer's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), but with distinct properties [1, 2].
• Originally isolated from the skins of lychee and mangosteen fruits [2].

What it's used for:

• Primarily for promoting gut health and treating or preventing various digestive issues, including [2, 3, 4]:
  • Diarrhea (traveler's diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBS)
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Pouchitis (inflammation of the ileal pouch)

How it might work (the mechanisms are still being researched):

• May help restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut [2].
• May compete with harmful bacteria for attachment sites in the intestines [3].
• May produce substances that fight off harmful bacteria or toxins [3].
• May help reduce inflammation in the gut [4].

Availability:

• Sold as a dietary supplement in various forms like capsules, packets, and liquids [2].

Important considerations:

• Generally well-tolerated by most healthy adults [2].
• Potential side effects include bloating, gas, and constipation [2].
• Not recommended for people with weakened immune systems or central venous catheters due to the risk of fungal infection [2].
• Talk to your doctor before taking S. boulardii, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications [2].