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Summary:  | Saccharomyces boulardii is a non-pathogenic yeast strain which has been used for treatment and prevention of diarrhea resulting from multiple etiologies. Saccharomyces boulardii has been isolated from the skins of tropical fruits found in Indochina. Saccharomyces boulardii is classified as a "probiotic", or a microorganism that when ingested may have a positive influence on the host's health. Probiotics may exert their effects on the gastrointestinal system directly, or may modulate the immune system in a larger scope. |
Scientific Evidence: | Uses These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. | Grade* | | Diarrhea (antibiotic associated) | A
| | Diarrhea in children | B
| | Amebiasis | C
| | Crohn's disease | C
| | Diarrhea (Clostridium difficile) | C
| | Diarrhea (HIV associated) | C
| | Diarrhea (prevention during tube feeding) | C
| | Diarrhea (traveler's) | C
| | Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | C
| | Nutritional support (premature infants) | C
| | *Key to grades: A: Strong scientific evidence for this use; B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use; D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work); F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work). |
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Safety: | Avoid if allergic/hypersensitive to yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or other species in the Saccharomycetaceae family. Use cautiously in immunocompromised or critically ill patients. Use cautiously with indwelling central venous catheters, colitis, cancer, or constipation. Use cautiously in the elderly, in individuals undergoing chemotherapy, and in infants. Use cautiously if taking antidiarrheal agents. Avoid with a yeast infection. Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. |
Possible side effects: | Abdominal swelling, bloating, constipation, fever, flatulence, fungemia (fungal infection disseminated through the bloodstream), generalized skin eruptions, increase or decrease in blood pressure, increased thirst, itching, Quincke's edema (the rapid swelling of the skin, mucosa and submucosal tissues, also known as angioedema), respiratory insufficiency, sepsis, septic shock, urticaria (hives), white blood cell count increase. |
Possible interactions: | Antibiotics, antidiarrheal drugs, antifungals, iodoquinol, mesalamine, metronidazole, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and herbs and supplements with similar effects. |
Dosing: Oral (Taken by mouth): Adults (18 years and older): | Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: 1g daily for three days following completion of antibiotics has been taken. Two sachets per day containing 5x109 colony forming units (CFU) per sachet for four weeks has been taken. | | Crohn's disease: 250mg three times daily has been taken. | | Diarrhea associated with tube feeding: 500mg four times daily has been taken. | | Irritable bowel syndrome: Three capsules Ultra-Levure daily has been taken. | | Traveler's diarrhea: 250-1,000mg for 30 days has been taken. |
Children (younger than 18 years): | Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: 250mg twice daily for the duration of antibiotics has been taken. | | Diarrhea in children: 250-600mg daily for up to five days has been taken. |
  | Natural Standard Monograph(www.naturalstandard.com)
Copyright 2007 Natural Standard Inc. Commercial distribution or reproduction prohibited.
| The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions. Natural Standard evidence-based flashcard. Copyright 2007 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This flashcard is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. |
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