A single celled yeast fungus. An organism that belongs to the Brewer's Yeast family and is not of the group to which Candida belongs. Though not a permanent resident of the intestine, taken orally it quickly becomes established and "blooms" soon after supplementation has begun. As it blooms, it produces lactic acid and some B vitamins, and has an overall probiotic effect. S. Boulardii is eliminated shortly after suplementation is discontinued. ARG's S. Boulardii is the most potent such formulation available. S. Boulardii has been shown to increase secretory IgA and protect gastrointestinal tract against outgrowth of pathogens during use of antibiotics.

Each capsule contains:

• Saccharomyces boulardii 3 billion cells

What does Saccharomyces do in the body?
Saccharomyces is a single celled yeast fungus. It is an organism that belongs to the Brewer's Yeast family and is not of the group to which Candida belongs. Though not a permanent resident of the intestine, taken orally it quickly becomes established and "blooms" soon after supplementation has begun. As it blooms, it produces lactic acid and some B vitamins, and has an overall probiotic effect. S. Boulardii is eliminated shortly after supplementation is discontinued. S. Boulardii has been shown to increase secretory IgA and protect gastrointestinal tract against outgrowth of pathogens during use of antibiotics.

What are Probiotics?
Beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, are called probiotics. Probiotic bacteria favorably alter the intestinal microflora balance, inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, promote good digestion, boost immune function, and increase resistance to infection. [1 2] People with flourishing intestinal colonies of beneficial bacteria are better equipped to fight the growth of disease-causing bacteria. [3 4] Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds?such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid?that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria. [5 6] Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms. [7]

What are some food sources of Probiotics?
Beneficial bacteria present in fermented dairy foods?namely live culture yogurt?have been used as a folk remedy for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Yogurt is the traditional source of beneficial bacteria. However, different brands of yogurt can vary greatly in their bacteria strain and potency. Some (particularly frozen) yogurts do not contain any live bacteria. Supplements in powder, liquid extract, capsule, or tablet form containing beneficial bacteria are other sources of probiotics.

Immune Support
In a double-blind trial, it was found that BID supplementation with Bifidobacterium lactis significantly enhanced various aspects of immune function in a group of healthy elderly people. [8] Benefits were apparent after only six weeks of supplementation.

Yeast Infections
Regular ingestion of probiotic bacteria may help prevent vaginal yeast infection. [10 11] A review of the research concluded that both topical and oral use of acidophilus can prevent yeast infection caused by Candida overgrowth. [12]

Diarrhea
Saccharomyces boulardii, has prevented diarrhea in several human trials. [16] Double-blind research studying critically ill patients found this strain of yeast to prevent diarrhea when 500 mg is taken QID. [17]

Diarrhea flushes intestinal microorganisms out of the gastrointestinal tract, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Replenishing the beneficial bacteria with probiotic supplements can help prevent new infections. The incidence of ?traveler?s diarrhea,? caused by pathogenic bacteria in drinking water or undercooked foods, can be reduced by the preventive use of probiotics. [13]

Removal of Toxins
Most people know L. acidophilus, the most popular species in this group of probiotic bacteria. However, research shows that other Lactobacillus species may be beneficial as well. For example, L. rhamnosus and L. plantarum appear to be protective intestinal bacteria. They are involved in the production of several ?gut nutrients?, such as short-chain fatty acids, and the amino acids, arginine, cysteine and glutamine. [14] These beneficial bacteria may also help remove toxins from the gut and exert a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. [15]

Antibiotics
Probiotics are important in re-colonizing the intestine during and after antibiotic use. Probiotic supplements replenish the beneficial bacteria, preventing up to 50% of discomfort and ailments occurring from antibiotic use. [18]

Aids in Digestion
Probiotics also promote healthy digestion. Enzymes secreted by probiotic bacteria aid digestion. Acidophilus is a source of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk sugar, which is lacking in those who are lactose-intolerant. [19]

References:
1. Smirnov VV, Reznik SR, V?iunitskaia VA, et al. The current concepts of the mechanisms of the therapeutic-prophylactic action of probiotics from bacteria in the genus bacillus. Mikrobiolohichnyi Zhurnal 1993;55:92?112.
2. Mel?nikova VM, Gracheva NM, Belikov GP, et al. The chemoprophylaxis and chemotherapy of opportunistic infections. Antibiotiki i Khimioterapiia 1993;38:44?8.
3. De Simone C, Vesely R, Bianchi SB, et al. The role of probiotics in modulation of the immune system in man and in animals. Int J Immunother 1993;9:23?8.
4. Veldman A. Probiotics. Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde 1992;117:345?8.
5. Kawase K. Effects of nutrients on the intestinal microflora of infants. Jpn J Dairy Food Sci 1982;31:A241?3.
6. Rasic JL. The role of dairy foods containing bifido and acidophilus bacteria in nutrition and health. N Eur Dairy J 1983;4:80?8.
7. Barefoot SF, Klaenhammer TR. Detection and activity of Lactacin B, a Bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus. Appl Environ Microbiol 1983;45:1808?15.
8. Arunachalam K, Gill HS, Chandra RK. Enhancement of natural immune function by dietary consumption of Bifidobacterium lactis (HN019). Eur J Clin Nutr 2000;54:263?7.
9. Perdigon G, Alvarez S, Rachid M, et al. Immune system stimulation by probiotics. J Dairy Sci 1995;78:1597?606.
10. Hilton E, Isenberg HD, Alperstein P, et al. Ingestion of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus as prophylaxis for candidal vaginitis. Ann Intern Med 1992;116:353?7.
11. Reid G, Millsap K, Bruce AW. Implantation of Lactobacillus casei var rhamnosus into vagina. Lancet 1994;344:1229.
12. Elmer GW, Surawicz CM, McFarland LV. Biotherapeutic agents.JAMA 1996;275:870?6.
13. Scarpignato C, Rampal P. Prevention and treatment of traveler?s diarrhea: a clinical pharmacological approach. Chemotherapy 1995;41:48?81.
14. Bengmark S. Econutrition and health maintenance: A new concept to prevent inflammation, ulceration and sepsis. Clin Nutr 1996;15:1?10.
15. Bengmark S. Colonic food: pre- and probiotics. Am J Gastroenterol 2000;95(1 Suppl):S5?7 [review].
16. Golledge CL, Riley TV. ?Natural? therapy for infectious diseases. Med J Aust 1996;164:94?5 [review].
17. Bleichner G, Blehaut H, Mentec H, Moyse D. Saccharomyces boulardii prevents diarrhea in critically ill tube-fed patients. A multicenter, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Intensive Care Med 1997;23:517?23.
18. Loizeau E. Can antibiotic-associated diarrhea be prevented? Ann Gastroenterol Hepatol 1993;29:15?8.
19. McDonough FE, Hitchins AD, Wong NP, et al. Modification of sweet acidophilus milk to improve utilization by lactose-intolerant persons. Am J Clin Nutr 1987;45:570?4.
20. Bassetti S, Frei R, Zimmerli W. Fungemia with Saccharomyces cerevisiae after treatment with Saccharomyces boulardii. Am J Med 1998;105:71?2.
21. Perapoch J, Planes AM, Querol A, et al. Fungemia with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in two newborns, only one of whom had been treated with Ultra-Levura. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2000;19:468?70.