Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that has been studied for its ability to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can disrupt the gut microbiota and damage the intestinal lining, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, which can negatively impact patient quality of life and may necessitate reductions in chemotherapy dosing. Several clinical trials and meta-analyses indicate that S. boulardii supplementation can help prevent or lessen the severity of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, particularly in patients with colorectal cancer or those receiving regimens known to cause significant gastrointestinal toxicity.

Mechanistically, S. boulardii is thought to work by modulating the gut microbiota, enhancing mucosal barrier function, and reducing inflammatory responses in the intestinal tract. It may also help restore short-chain fatty acid production and protect against pathogen overgrowth, both of which are implicated in chemotherapy-associated dysbiosis and diarrhea. While not all studies have found significant benefit, and more large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed, the current evidence is promising enough that some oncology guidelines mention probiotics, including S. boulardii, as a supportive option for managing chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal symptoms, provided patients are not severely immunocompromised. Thus, its use is primarily justified by scientific studies, though the overall strength of evidence is moderate.

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