One of the most studied probiotics available - supporting gut health and immune function for nearly a century.
Saccharomyces boulardii is a health-promoting, probiotic yeast that helps support immune function and balance gastrointestinal flora. First identified in the 1920s by French microbiologist Henri Boulard, S. boulardii has been the subject of over 250 peer-reviewed articles, making it one of the most researched probiotics available.*
Clinical Applications
- Balances gastrointestinal flora*
- Boosts immune function*
- Supports gastrointestinal barrier function and integrity*
Three Powerful Mechanisms of Action
1. Healthy Intestinal Barrier Function
Healthy intestinal barrier function is key to maintaining overall 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. 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.*
2. Blocking Unwanted Microbes
The intestinal ecosystem thrives when healthy species of bacteria are abundant and unwanted microbial species are kept under control. Factors that can upset this balance include certain medications, diets high in refined and processed foods, as well as stress and lifestyle factors. S. boulardii promotes healthy microbial balance by competing against harmful bacteria. It can bind and eliminate unwanted organisms during normal probiotic transit and attracts unwanted organisms to the mannose component of its cell wall.*
3. Healthy Immune Balance
S. boulardii supports gastrointestinal health by boosting secretory IgA (sIgA) levels. sIgA is an immunoglobulin (protective antibody) 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 supporting sIgA levels and intestinal barrier function, S. boulardii boosts immune response by supporting healthy white blood cell activity and maintaining a healthy inflammatory cycle in the GI tract.*
