A probiotic growing in popularity is the saccharomyces boulardii lyo supplement, manufactured from a strain of yeast that was first isolated from the tropical fruits lychee and mangosteen in 1923. Although not yet approved by the FDA to treat disease, it is sometimes used to improve intestinal health. It appears to help the body maintain a healthy supply of helpful bacteria.
The Saccharomyces Boulardii Lyo probiotic refers to the lyophilized, or freeze-dried, product. The lack of approval does not mean it is barred by the FDA, merely that it has not yet been licensed for use in the United States.
It was first isolated by the French scientist, Henri Boulard. He noticed that people living in Southeast Asia would chew on the skins of the two fruits in an effort to relieve the symptoms of cholera. It differs from S. Cerevisiae in a number of important parameters, such as its metabolic, taxonomic and genetic properties. Unusual for a yeast, it grows at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius.
Another strain of S. Cerevisiae extract is a yeast used in baking and in the brewing of beer. This common strain of yeast possesses what are called Berkeley bodies. Berkeley bodies are involved in secretory pathways. They are not found in this probiotic supplements. S. Lyo is classified as a probiotic because of its ability to help maintain normal gut flora.
Saccharomyces Boulardii Lyo appears to increase levels of disaccharidases, sugar-busting enzymes, in absorptive cells of the small intestines and colon.
The product is manufactured in Korea under license from a company in France. Clinical trials are ongoing on the use of florastor for the treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and in very low birth weight infants.
Florastor (based on Saccharomyces Boulardii) is considered one of the best probiotics and safe for children. If you want to give your child a light dose of these good bacteria, try this supplement or probiotic yogurt. Before using this probiotic, read up on saccharomyces boulardii side effects, which are for the most part mild but should be monitored.
S.B. supplements are widely available over the counter. When reviewing brands of probiotics, choose all natural products with a high concentration of natural ingredients, and without a lot of fillers.
Trials have been completed on the use of Saccharomyces Boulardii in patients with chronic heart failure, HIV-related chronic diarrhea and diarrhea in adults. The IBS study is registered at an institution in Pakistan. Whether it is ongoing, completed or not yet started is at the moment unclear.
There are three separate studies being conducted in infants of very low birth weight. They are all taking place in Turkey. One is a Phase 3 study investigating its effect on infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis. In a second trial, Phase 4, it is being used in tandem with Nystatin to study its effect on Candida colonization and infection.
In a third Phase 4 study of Saccharomyces Boulardii Lyo, this natural probiotic is being investigated to determine its effect, if any, on the severity of hyperbilirubinemia (newborn jaundice) and the required duration of phototherapy.
