Saccharomyces Boulardii

Yes, Saccharomyces boulardii is one of the most highly researched probiotics in the world! But it’s actually a friendly yeast, not a type of bacteria. This internationally acclaimed probiotic has been used safely(1,2) for over 50 years worldwide but it was Optibac that first introduced Saccharomyces boulardii to the UK market. It is used to support occasional diarrhoea(3) and overall gut health*(4,5).

Reference
(1). Czerucka D, Piche T, Rampal P. Review: yeast as probiotics: Saccharomyces boulardii. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics. 2007 Sep;26(6):767-778. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03442.x. (2). McFarland L.V., (2010), ‘Systematic review and meta-analysis of Saccharomyces boulardii in adult patients’.World Journal of Gastroenterology, 16(18):2202–2222.(3).Das S et al. (2016) Efficacy and Safety of Saccharomyces boulardii in Acute Rotavirus Diarrhea: Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial from a Developing Country. J Trop Pediatr. Dec;62(6):464-470 (4). Kelesidis T, Pothoulakis C.(2012) ‘Efficacy and safety of the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention and therapy of gastrointestinal disorders’ Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. 2012;5(2):111-1255.(5). Qamar et al., (2001)‘Saccharomyces boulardii Stimulates Intestinal Immunoglobulin A Immune Response to Clostridium difficile Toxin A in Mice’. Infect. Immun., 69(4):2762–2765.
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S. boulardii has a broad range of potential benefits. It has been extensively researched and used worldwide for occasional diarrhoea. It has also been shown to promote a healthy gut environment, which encourages the growth of other good bacteria and discourages the growth of undesirable micro-organisms.

Each gut microbiome is unique, so the response to Saccharomyces boulardii will vary. Optibac Probiotics S. Boulardii supplement contains 5 billion live cultures per capsule. Try 1-2 capsules initially (or 3-4 capsules together if a stronger dose is required) and increase up to a maximum of 6 capsules (30 billion live cultures) spread over the day. Within these guidelines, then take as much or as little as you need, on an ad hoc or ongoing basis to support gut health and occasional diarrhoea(1,2).*

Reference
(1). Das S et al. (2016) Efficacy and Safety of Saccharomyces boulardii in Acute Rotavirus Diarrhea: Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial from a Developing Country J Trop Pediatr. Dec;62(6):464-470(2). Zengbin L et al., (2021) Which Probiotic Is the Most Effective for Treating Acute Diarrhea in Children? A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 13: 4319.
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It’s easy to take S. boulardii probiotic supplements – they can be taken at any time of day, with or without food! This friendly yeast is more robust than bacteria, and can resist high heat, humidity, and stomach acid levels(1). So it doesn’t need refrigeration, so you can take it with you, wherever you go.

Reference
(1). Hossain M et al., (2020) Identification and Growth Characterization of a Novel Strain of Saccharomyces boulardii Isolated From Soya Paste. Frontiers in Nutrition, 2020; 7: 27.
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Yes! In fact, it’s highly recommended. S. boulardii probiotic yeasts do not colonize for long in the gut but they harmonise well with good bacteria. They displace bad bacteria and unfriendly yeasts(1) and create a healthy gut environment in which good bacteria can flourish (2).For this reason, most people take them in combination.

Reference
(1). Murzyn et al., (2010), ‘Capric Acid Secreted by S. boulardii Inhibits C. Albicans’. Plos One, 5(8): (2). Qamar et al., (2001), ‘Saccharomyces boulardii Stimulates Intestinal Immunoglobulin A Immune Response to Clostridium difficile Toxin A in Mice’. Infect. Immun., 69(4):2762–2765.
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As a probiotic yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii is hardier than most good bacteria. It survives well in very hot or humid conditions(1), doesn’t require refrigeration and can be taken with or without food. It’s the perfect ‘friend’ to take on your worldwide travels!

Reference
(1). Hossain M et al., (2020) Identification and Growth Characterization of a Novel Strain of Saccharomyces boulardii Isolated From Soya Paste. Frontiers in Nutrition, 2020; 7: 27.
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As it’s very good at slowing down stool transit time, at higher doses S. boulardii may cause mild constipation in certain individuals. If you tend to suffer with slow regularity,peak to your doctor or health professional for advice.