Saccharomyces boulardii

Probiotic supplementation and acne:

Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 139 acne patients demonstrated that Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 (Perenterol) also known as Saccharomyces boulardii healed or substantially improved acne in over 80% of the treatment group, compared to 26% in the placebo group. The results of the study were rated by physicians as very good/good in 74.3% of the patients receiving the treatment, as compared with 21.7% in the placebo group. There were no serious adverse side effects reported in this 5-month study. (5)

Assessment and Plan: Saccharomyces boulardii

• Saccharomyces boulardii has been found in at least 2 well designed meta-analyses to be effective in treating antibiotic associated diarrhea with a relative risk reduction of over 50% (2,3,4).

• Saccharomyces boulardii reduced the relative risk of Clostridium difficile colitis by 41% while also reducing the rate of recurrence (4).

• A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial by Weber G,et al found that Saccharomyces boulardii healed or substantially improved acne in over 80% of the treatment group, compared to 26% in the placebo group (5).

• Saccharomyces boulardii can be considered for use just prior to or at the same time as starting antibiotics. It is generally advised that a probiotic supplement should contain several billion microorganisms for it to be effective.

• Adverse reactions and interactions of Saccharomyces boulardii include the following: Saccharomyces boulardii appears safe and well tolerated in patients with an intact immune system, but caution should be taken in patients who are critically ill, on chemotherapy or immunocompromised. The most common side-effects include bloating and flatulence (1). In a 5 month, study, there were no serious adverse side effects reported (5).