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A d i v i s i o n o f P r oT h e r a® , I n c .
Saccharomyces boulardii
What is Saccharomyces boulardii?
S. boulardii is a unique, non-pathogenic yeast supplement that has been utilized worldwide as a probiotic to
support gastrointestinal health. Klaire Labs® uses only certified S. boulardii to ensure maximum potency, efficacy
and safety.
Does Saccharomyces boulardii colonize the intestinal tract?
S. boulardii does not colonize the human intestinal tract and is not one of the microorganisms that normally
inhabit the intestines. It is a transient yeast that passes through the intestines after ingestion. S. boulardii does
not attach to the mucosal cells lining the intestinal lumen, but exerts its beneficial effects on the host as it moves
through the gastrointestinal tract.
Is Saccharomyces boulardii the same as Saccharomyces cervisiae?
No, S. boulardii is not S. cerevisiae. S. boulardii is a wild, tropical yeast while S. cerevisiae is commonly known
as brewer’s or baker’s yeast. Closely related to S. cerevisiae, S. boulardii is officially classified as
Saccharomyces cerevisiae var boulardii Hansen CBS 5926. The two strains have different genetic makeup and
enzyme profiles. Unlike S. cerevisiae, S. boulardii does not make a certain type of reproductive spore called an
ascospore and does not use the sugar galactose. It is very resistant to heat and acid and secretes a number of
unique physiologically active factors. Only S. boulardii has proven gastrointestinal supportive effects.
Is Saccharomyces boulardii the same as the yeast that causes yeast infections
or overgrowth?
No, S. boulardii is completely unrelated to Candida albicans, C. tropicalas, C. krusie and other Candida species
that cause disease and overgrowth in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Candida species decrease
the acidity of the gastrointestinal mucosal environment, ultimately making the intestinal mucosal membrane
susceptible to invasion by potentially harmful bacteria and yeast. S. boulardii exerts the opposite effect
producing lactic and other acids known to inhibit potentially harmful Candida yeast species. Animal studies have
actually shown that S. boulardii plays a role in preventing the Candida yeast from reproducing in the gut.
What are the primary uses for Saccharomyces boulardii?
S. boulardii has been used to maintain and restore normal gastrointestinal function in the following situations:
support healthy bowel microflora during antibiotic therapy; support in people with diarrhea during or following antibiotic therapy; support in children and adults with acute diarrhea; support during C. difficile bowel disorders; support tube-fed patients with diarrhea; and support in people with inflammatory bowel diseases.
How does Saccharomyces boulardii work?
S. boulardii benefits the gastrointestinal tract in a variety of ways. It inactivates bacterial toxins, inhibits toxin
binding to intestinal receptors and lessens toxin-induced inflammation. It reduces the ability of potentially
harmful microorganisms to adhere to and invade intestinal cells. S. boulardii stimulates host immune defenses
and intestinal enzymes that enhance nutrient digestion and absorption. It produces acids that combat potentially
harmful microorganisms, assist in mineral absorption and nourish the colon.
10439 DOUBLE R BLVD. • RENO, NV 89521 • 775-850-8800 MAIN • 775-850-8810 FAX • 888-488-2488 TOLL-FREE • WWW.KLAIRE.COM How much Saccharomyces boulardii should I take?
Daily doses ranging from 250 to 1000 milligrams taken once to four times per day have been reported in the
medical literature. Up to 3000 milligrams per day have been used in people with recurrent C. difficile disease.
There is no one standard supplement regimen for S. boulardii. It is prudent to consult a knowledgeable
healthcare practitioner for advice on how much S. boulardii to take and for how long.
How long should I supplement with Saccharomyces boulardii?
S. boulardii is generally used for short-term gastrointestinal support. Often the S. boulardii has been used for up
to two weeks after diarrhea has resolved. A common supplement regimen lasts 3 to 4 weeks. S. boulardii has
been taken continuously for 6 months in the setting of Crohn’s disease with no side-effects noted.
How should Saccharomyces boulardii be taken?
The S. boulardii capsules should be taken with beverages or meals. If a person cannot swallow the capsules,
they may be opened and the contents mixed with semi-solid foods such as applesauce or beverages. Avoid the
use of hot foods or beverages as this may adversely affect the potency and activity of the supplement.
Can Saccharomyces boulardii be taken along with other probiotics?
Laboratory and clinical testing have demonstrated S. boulardii to be compatible with various lactic acid bacteria
including the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria frequently used as probiotic supplements. Clinical studies suggest
S. boulardii may work synergistically with other probiotics.
Can Saccharomyces boulardii be taken along with antibiotics?
S. boulardii is naturally resistant to all antibacterial antibiotics and can be taken along with antibacterial
antibiotics without adversely affecting its potency and efficacy. In fact, several clinical trials have used S. boulardii
in conjunction with standard antibiotics in the treatment of C. difficile disease and have demonstrated that
S. boulardii enhances the success of antibiotic therapy in this setting. Additional studies have shown that
S. boulardii can be taken along with antibiotics to support the gastrointestinal microflora thereby reducing the
risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Can Saccharomyces boulardii be taken along with antifungals?
S. boulardii can be sensitive to a number of commonly prescribed antifungals including nystatin, Diflucan
(fluconazol) and Sporonox (itraconazole) and these antifungal agents are known to kill the S. boulardii organisms.
If antifungals are prescribed with S. boulardii then both products should be taken at different times. S. boulardii
should be taken at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after any antifungal agent.
Can Saccharomyces boulardii be taken along with natural or herbal antifungals?
There is debate within the healthcare community on this issue. However, there are no studies that show natural
antifungal therapies such as garlic, grape seed extract, Oregon grape or berberine affect the potency or actions
of S. boulardii. It presently appears that S. boulardii can be taken along with natural antifungals.
Can Saccharomyces boulardii be taken with prescription medications or other
dietary supplements?
There is no known interaction between S. boulardii and prescription medicines except for antifungals.
S. boulardii has no adverse interaction with other dietary supplements and can be added to any supplement
regimen as needed.
Are there any conditions in which Saccharomyces boulardii should not be taken?
S. boulardii is generally well tolerated however few contraindications exist. People with known allergies to
Saccharomyces cervisiae should avoid use of S. boulardii. Currently no clinical studies on the safety of
S. boulardii during pregnancy are available. Pregnant women should consult a health care professional before
use. There have been reports of opportunistic infections in severely immunocompromised patients and in
patients with indwelling vascular catheters after supplementation with S. boulardii. In rare cases, people with an
indwelling vascular catheter sharing a hospital room with a person taking S. boulardii have developed catheter
and blood stream S. boulardii infections. It is likely these catheter and blood infections were related to careless
handling of the S. boulardii and poor handwashing by medical staff. S. boulardii should be used with caution in
severely immunocompromised patients. People with chronic indwelling vascular catheters should not use
S. boulardii.
Is Saccharomyces boulardii safe to use in infants and children?
S. boulardii has been shown to be safe in infants and children. In a clinical trial intended to evaluate the efficacy
and safety of S. boulardii for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in infants and children, 250 mg was
administered orally twice daily in 269 children aged 6 months to 14 years. No adverse effects were observed
during the course of the study.
What improvements can be expected with supplementation?
Generally, clinical response is considered positive when the number of stools decrease and improvements in
stool consistency, from being watery and foul-smelling to more formed and less odorous, are observed. Also
lessening of abdominal discomfort or cramping, along with reduction in stool urgency, and restoration of normal
bowel movements provides clinical evidence of improvement.
How long will it take for Saccharomyces boulardii to clear from the
gastrointestinal tract after discontinuing use?
Clinical studies have demonstrated S. boulardii is usually eliminated from the healthy gastrointestinal tract within
6 days after discontinuation of supplementation. People with C. difficile disease generally clear the S. boulardii
more rapidly from the intestines, but occasionally S. boulardii may be cultured from the stool up to 4 weeks after
discontinuing the supplement.
How should Saccharomyces boulardii be stored?
To maintain potency and stability, S. boulardii is best stored under refrigeration. However, S. boulardii is relatively
heat stable and does not lose potency when left at room temperature for hours and even days.
Is Klaire Labs® Saccharomyces boulardii a hypoallergenic product?
Yes. Klaire Labs® S. boulardii is free of lactose, casein, gluten, corn, soy, egg, sugar and maltodextrin. It is safe
for use in children and adults following a gluten-free or casein-free diet. Klaire Labs® S. boulardii contains no
artificial additives, colorings, flavoring, preservatives or salicylates.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Copyright 2006-2013 ProThera®, Inc., Reno, NV. All rights reserved.

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