Yeast as probiotic – Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that beneficial to human health. Back in year 1920, a French microbiologist, Henri Boulard discovered a closely related strain to baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii¹. He observed that some people who were drinking a special tea made from the outer skin of lychee and mangosteens did not develop cholera¹. He then succeeded in isolating this special strain of yeast: Saccharomyces boulardii.

Since then, the probiotic properties of Saccharomyces boulardii have been studied. Probiotics can be from bacteria or yeast microbes. Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast probiotic, thus it has different structure and properties from bacterial probiotics. One of the major differences is yeast probiotic can be taken along with antibiotic¹.

Saccharomyces boulardii has been tested for its clinical efficacy in treating and preventing gastrointestinal problem, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, and acute diarrhea. One is considered having a diarrhea if he/she is passing a loose, watery stools for 3 or more times in a 24-hour period. Any infection by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, antibiotics, and certain foods may also cause diarrhea.

So, how Saccharomyces boulardii helps to prevent harmful bacteria that cause stomach upset and diarrhea? As a yeast probiotic, it can survive through the gastric acid and bile to reach the colon². It can achieve a steady-state concentration level in the body within 3 days². In the gut, it can bind to bad bacteria and remove them from the gastrointestinal system³. It has anti-microbial and anti-toxin effects² to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut and protecting the gut from their invasion. It also can help to enhance our immune system and aid in nutrient digestion and absorption.

Diarrhea is a common side effects following an antibiotic treatment. Saccharomyces boulardii has been extensively studied for its efficacy in reducing the incidence of diarrhea among antibiotic users⁴. Unlike bacterial probiotic, yeast probiotic is resistant to antibiotics¹. Therefore, antibiotic users can consume Saccharomyces boulardii at the same time.

For travelers, Saccharomyces boulardii is a perfect companion for them to travel freely without worrying of having loose stools and abdominal pain. In addition, this yeast probiotic can survive at 37 °C and it is stable at room temperature². Therefore, it does not require to be kept in the refrigerator and convenient to be bring, everywhere they go.

Besides that, Saccharomyces boulardii is suitable to be taken by children above 1 year old⁵. Saccharomyces boulardii used among children suffering from acute watery diarrhea have showed to shorten the duration of diarrhea and normalizes the stool consistency.⁶

Mega-Probio Sachets contains Saccharomyces boulardii 250mg (2.5 billion CFU). Thus, let make Mega-Probio Sachets your companion today to help support the balance of gut microbiota and protecting your gut from harmful pathogens.