Review article: yeast as probiotics –<i>Saccharomyces boulardii</i>

TLDR

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits, and while most are bacterial, the yeast strain Saccharomyces boulardii has proven effective in double‑blind clinical studies. The study aims to compare yeast and bacterial properties and review Saccharomyces boulardii’s characteristics to explain its probiotic benefits. The authors conducted a PubMed and Medline literature search using keywords related to probiotics, yeast, antibiotic‑associated diarrhea, Saccharomyces boulardii, bacterial diarrhea, and inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical studies show S.

Abstract

Summary Background Probiotics are defined as live micro‐organisms which confer a health benefit on the host. Although most probiotics are bacteria, one strain of yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii , has been found to be an effective probiotic in double‐blind clinical studies. Aims To compare the main properties that differentiates yeast from bacteria and to review the properties of S. boulardii explaining its potential benefits as a probiotic. Methods The PubMed and Medline databases were searched using the keywords ‘probiotics’, ‘yeast’, ‘antibiotic associated diarrhea’, ‘ Saccharomyces boulardii’, ‘bacterial diarrhea’ and ‘inflammatory bowel disease’ in various combinations. Results Several clinical studies have been conducted with S. boulardii in the treatment and prevention of various forms of diarrhoea. Promising research perspectives have been opened in terms of maintenance treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. The mechanism of S. boulardii ’s action has been partially elucidated. Conclusion Saccharomyces boulardii is a strain of yeast which has been extensively studied for its probiotic effects. The clinical activity of S. boulardii is especially relevant to antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea and recurrent Clostridium difficile intestinal infections. Experimental studies clearly demonstrate that S. boulardii has specific probiotic properties, and recent data has opened the door for new therapeutic uses of this yeast as an ‘immunobiotic’.