- Has anti-inflammatory effects and strengthens the immune system
- Reduces the risk of diarrhea caused by C.difficile
- Helps maintain the balance of the intestinal microbiota
- Supports treatment of acute post-infectious diarrhea
- Effective in the prevention of traveler's diarrhea
- 5 billion Saccharomyces Boulardii yeast
- Supports the regeneration of intestinal tissue
Saccharomyces Boulardii is a single-ingredient dietary supplement containing probiotic yeast cultures of the Saccharomyces Boulardii strain, which have documented effectiveness in combating symptoms of diarrhea of various etiologies and helping to rebuild intestinal microflora. There are 5 billion CFU of Saccharomyces Boulardii per capsule.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), when administered in adequate amounts, have a beneficial effect on the health of the host. In addition to their health-promoting properties, probiotics must also meet other criteria, which include documented safety of use, resistance to gastric juice and bile acids, ability to colonize the intestine, and properties that allow them to compete effectively for receptors with pathogenic microorganisms.
Probiotics can occur both in the form of special preparations, which include a single strain or complex cultures, and can also come from food (fermented dairy products - yogurt, buttermilk, kefir).
Saccharomyces boulardii is a species of non-pathogenic yeast-like fungi. This strain has been shown to have antimicrobial and antitoxin properties, as well as influencing the composition of the intestinal flora, metabolism and immunity.
The saccharomyces boulardii strain was isolated in 1920 from lychee and mangosteen fruit by microbiologist Henry Boulard. The microorganism is characterized by optimal growth temperature (37oC) and is resistant to bile acids and low pH of gastric contents.
Mechanism of action of S. boulardii
The action of S. bouardii is multidirectional. Many mechanisms have been observed through which this strain exerts beneficial effects on the human body. These include: an increase in the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria to S. boulardii, which reduces the adhesion of bacteria to intestinal cells and improves their excretion from the body; stabilization of intestinal flora by restoring the synthesis of short-chain fatty acids (acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid); participation in the production of polyamides responsible for the maturation of enterocytes, thanks to which the production of digestive enzymes is possible.
In addition, S. boulardii plays an important role in supporting the immune system - increasing the secretory component (SC) and immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as stimulating the secretion of anti-inflammatory factor and reducing the synthesis of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8.
Counteracting diarrhea associated with antibiotic therapy
Antibiotic therapy, especially those with a high range of antimicrobial activity and against anaerobic bacteria (clindamycin, aminopenicillin, among others), can lead to the onset of diarrhea, the underlying cause of which is primarily found in the disruption of the intestinal microflora.
According to numerous meta-analyses, the use of probiotics can minimize the risk of diarrhea by up to 60%. The strain counteracts diarrhea in both adults and children. It has been proven that taking a probiotic containing S. boulardii at a dose of 0.2-1 g/day during the course of any antibiotic therapy can reduce the risk of diarrhea by more than 50%.
Efficacy in Clostridium difficile infection
Saccharomyces boulardii produce a protease capable of binding toxins produced by Clostridium difficile, which reduces the secretion of water and sodium ions into the intestine and improves protein digestion, so it may reduce the risk of pseudomembranous colitis.
C. difficile infection is a fairly common accompaniment of antibiotic therapy and accounts for about 10-20% of diarrhea. In addition, it is not infrequently the cause of intestinal nosocomial infections. Randomized scientific studies have shown that the Saccharomyces boulardii strain is effective in particular for patients struggling with recurrent episodes of diarrhea caused by C. difficile.
Saccharomyces boulardii vs. travelers' diarrhea
Traveler's diarrhea is diagnosed when a patient passes 3 or more liquid or semi-liquid stools per day, accompanied by at least 1 of the following symptoms - elevated temperature, nausea, vomiting, painful pushing on stools and blood in stools. These symptoms usually appear during the first 2 weeks of the trip and can persist for up to about 4 days without initiating appropriate treatment. The most common causes of diarrhea are bacterial infections caused by a strain of Escherichia Coli and bacteria of the genus Schigella, Salmonella or Camputobacter, among others.
Scientific studies have proven that S. boulardi can be effective against travelers' diarrhea. According to observations made among adults traveling from Austria to tropical countries, those who took S. boulardii before and during travel were found to reduce the occurrence of traveler's diarrhea by about 20%.
In conclusion, Now Foods Saccharomyces Boulardii is a dietary supplement that effectively supplements the diet with the beneficial Saccharomyces boulardii strain . The product may be particularly useful during antibiotic therapy and recurrent diarrhea of various origins, and is recommended for people traveling to countries with an increased risk of traveler's diarrhea.
