Saccharomyces boulardii: a summary of the evidence for gastroenterology clinical practice in adults and children

Probiotics are viable, nonpathogenic microorganisms (bacteria or yeast) which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. At this time, Saccharomyces boulardii is the only yeast commonly used in clinical practice. Literature on this probiotic is wide and even more dat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEuropean review for medical and pharmacological sciences Vol. 15; no. 7; p. 809
Main Authors Berni Canani, R, Cucchiara, S, Cuomo, R, Pace, F, Papale, F
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Italy 01.07.2011
Subjects
Adult
Child
Evidence-Based Medicine
Gastroenterology - methods
Gastrointestinal Diseases - microbiology
Gastrointestinal Diseases - therapy
Gastrointestinal Tract - microbiology
Humans
Probiotics - adverse effects
Risk Assessment
Saccharomyces - growth & development
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Probiotics are viable, nonpathogenic microorganisms (bacteria or yeast) which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. At this time, Saccharomyces boulardii is the only yeast commonly used in clinical practice. Literature on this probiotic is wide and even more data become available each year. Thus, it could be problematic for a physician summarize all the best information deriving from basic research and clinical studies. With the aim to help physicians in the use of Saccharomyces boulardii, this paper focuses on the available evidences for its efficacy and safety in different diseases in adult and pediatric patients in order to provide a practical guidance for gastroenterology clinical practice. Indications and dosage for several gastrointestinal diseases for a correct use of this probiotic are provided, and recent insights on its mechanisms of action and possible future clinical application are also discussed.
ISSN:1128-3602