Synopsis

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

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that has been investigated for its potential role in supporting and treating Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD), which include ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The rationale for its use is primarily grounded in scientific evidence, though the overall strength of the evidence is moderate (rated 3 out of 5).

Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have explored the effectiveness of S. boulardii in IBD. For ulcerative colitis, studies suggest that S. boulardii may help maintain remission when used alongside standard therapies, with some trials showing reduced relapse rates compared to placebo. In Crohn’s disease, results are more mixed; a few small studies have indicated possible benefits in preventing relapse, but larger trials have not consistently shown significant effects.

The proposed mechanisms by which S. boulardii may benefit IBD include modulation of the intestinal microbiome, enhancement of the intestinal barrier, inhibition of pathogenic bacteria, and downregulation of inflammatory responses. S. boulardii has also demonstrated the ability to increase secretory IgA and modulate cytokine production, which could help mitigate the intestinal inflammation characteristic of IBD.

Despite these promising findings, the evidence is not robust enough to recommend S. boulardii as a sole or primary therapy. Most guidelines consider it as a potential adjunctive treatment, particularly in ulcerative colitis, but emphasize the need for more high-quality, large-scale trials. Overall, its use in IBD is scientifically justified but should be considered complementary to standard medical care.

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