Ensuring the gut is populated by healthy beneficial bacteria—a balanced microbiota—is key to proper immune function and response. One probiotic yeast strain, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (S. boulardii), is the most documented probiotic yeast with more than 50 years of clinical research that supports the gut barrier defense system. S. boulardii is clinically proven to help restore a balanced microbiota and provide support for the immune system.
How S. boulardii enables immune health
A healthy gut has a three-point defence system: resistance to pathogen colonisation, immune exclusion that prevents pathogens from crossing the gut barrier, and a mucosal immune response that enhances the body’s defence.
S. boulardii helps to support immunity in the gut microbiota in three proven ways:
- Binds pathogens (reducing their virulence) and neutralises toxins in the lumen.
- Protects the intestinal mucosa, strengthening tight junctions and reducing secretion.
- Modulates the immune system, stimulating sIgA release and reducing inflammation.
Additionally, the cell wall components of S. boulardii act as a prebiotic, enhancing microbiome diversity.
This probiotic yeast may also boost immune function by stimulating natural defences and balancing the immune response. It activates innate and adaptive immunity, enhances antimicrobial activity, neutralises toxins, and provides anti-inflammatory effects, supporting overall immune health. Additionally, S. boulardii strengthens the intestinal barrier, helping to maintain its integrity and allowing it to perform its protective role better.
Immune protection during antibiotic courses
Consumers rely heavily on antibiotics for many common infections. Antibiotics generally work by either killing bacteria or inhibiting their growth. However, they are indiscriminate in what they kill; they don’t differentiate between harmful and beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota. This can lead to dysbiosis, causing unpleasant side effects such as bloating, indigestion, and diarrhoea.
However, such is not the case with S. boulardii and probiotic yeasts. They are eukaryotic (yoo-ka-ree-yot-ic) organisms, which are unaffected by antibiotics. This is a critical distinction from conventional probiotics that may get caught up in the antibiotic massacre; probiotic yeasts consumed alongside antibiotics can still perform their immune-protective functions.
Lynside® S. boulardii, a proprietary strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii developed by Lesaffre and registered as CNCM I-3799, is notably resistant to gastric acid and bile salts. These crucial attributes enable it to survive the harsh conditions of the digestive process. This resilience is important as it must reach the intestine to fulfil its probiotic role effectively. The strain, which is shelf stable, also maintains its viability optimally at body temperature (37°C), further supporting its effectiveness.
S. boulardii CNCM 1-3799 can be blended with probiotics for effective long-term immune support and overall well-being.