Saccharomyces boulardii

Saccharomyces boulardii is a health-promoting, probiotic yeast.  It was first identified in the 1920s by French microbiologist Henri Boulard. Since its discovery, there have been 250 peer-reviewed articles examining S. boulardii, making this one of the most studied probiotics available. S. boulardii is a non-pathogenic yeast and is distinctly different from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or “brewer’s yeast.” S. boulardii has been shown to support gastrointestinal health by boosting secretory IgA (sIgA) levels. sIgA is an immunoglobulin (protective antibody) that is found in the digestive tract and in mucosal secretions throughout the body. Maintaining healthy sIgA levels is crucial for supporting immune health, particularly in the GI system where there can be significant exposure to unwanted agents. 

sIgA acts as the first line of defense against foreign substances in the gut by attaching and neutralizing proteins that are unrecognized by the body. Depleted levels of sIgA are often found in people with low immune response, food intolerance and dysbiosis. Dysbiosis occurs when normally dominant probiotic organisms are outnumbered by commonly out-competed species. In addition to boosting sIgA levels, S. boulardii promotes gastrointestinal health by competing for space and nutrients against unwanted organisms.

To be an effective probiotic, microorganisms must have certain qualities to withstand the natural defense factors of the host. This includes resistance to gastrointestinal transit and the ability to thrive at human core temperatures. This formulation of Saccharomyces boulardii is a stomach acid-resistant probiotic, proven to survive high temperatures and transit into the intestines. The formula is freeze-dried, lactose-free and strain-verified through genetic typing to ensure maximum efficacy.

Healthy Intestinal Barrier Function
Healthy intestinal barrier function is a key factor in maintaining health. Within the GI tract, tightly packed intestinal cells act as a protective barrier preventing substances such as allergenic compounds, undigested food and toxins from leaking directly into the bloodstream. These represent the major barrier found within the pathway between intestinal epithelial cells. S. boulardii has been shown to improve tight junction structure ensuring that foods and nutrients from the diet are properly absorbed, while blocking the entrance of potentially harmful substances.

Blocking Unwanted Microbes
The intestinal ecosystem is in a state of equilibrium when healthy species of bacteria, or probiotics, are abundant and unwanted microbial species are kept under control. Factors that can upset the balance of a healthy intestinal ecosystem include certain medications, diets high in refined and processed foods, as well as stress and lifestyle factors. S. boulardii has been shown to promote healthy microbial balance by competing against harmful bacteria. Probiotics like S. boulardii can bind and eliminate unwanted organisms during normal probiotic transit and attracts unwanted organisms to the mannose component of its cell wall.

Healthy Immune Balance
In addition to supporting sIgA levels and intestinal barrier function, S. boulardii boosts immune response by supporting healthy white blood cell activity. The researchers of this study concluded that S. boulardii supports a healthy immune response and protects GI barrier function by maintaining a healthy inflammatory cycle in the GI tract.