Yeast Improves Gut Permeability
Intestinal permeability (IP) is associated with rates of disease relapse in patients with Crohn’s Disease in remission (CDR) and a new report has found that the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii can repair IP in patients with CDR, possibly explaining the beneficial effects of S. boulardii supplementation previously observed in Crohn’s Disease sufferers.
In an investigative study it was found that compared to healthy subjects, patients with CDR had a fourfold higher lactulose/mannitol ratio (a marker of intestinal permeability). After supplementation with S. boulardii (200 mg, every 8 hours for 3 months) CDR patients experienced a 33.33% decrease in the lactulose/ mannitol ratio compared to the placebo group.
Comment:
From a clinical perspective this study suggests that non-invasive testing of intestinal permeability using the lactulose/mannitol ratio and administration of Saccharomyces boulardii may form part of a clinical strategy to maintain remission of Crohn’s Disease. This finding is particularly relevant as compared to long-term corticosteroid treatment S. boulardii has an excellent safety profile.
Source
Garcia Vilela E, et al. Influence of Saccharomyces boulardii on the intestinal permeability of patients with Crohn's disease in remission. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2008;43(7):842-8.
Yeast Improves Gut Permeability
Intestinal permeability (IP) is associated with rates of disease relapse in patients with Crohn’s Disease in remission (CDR) and a new report has found that the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii can repair IP in patients with CDR, possibly explaining the beneficial effects of S. boulardii supplementation previously observed in Crohn’s Disease sufferers.
In an investigative study it was found that compared to healthy subjects, patients with CDR had a fourfold higher lactulose/mannitol ratio (a marker of intestinal permeability). After supplementation with S. boulardii (200 mg, every 8 hours for 3 months) CDR patients experienced a 33.33% decrease in the lactulose/ mannitol ratio compared to the placebo group.
Comment:
From a clinical perspective this study suggests that non-invasive testing of intestinal permeability using the lactulose/mannitol ratio and administration of Saccharomyces boulardii may form part of a clinical strategy to maintain remission of Crohn’s Disease. This finding is particularly relevant as compared to long-term corticosteroid treatment S. boulardii has an excellent safety profile.
Source
Garcia Vilela E, et al. Influence of Saccharomyces boulardii on the intestinal permeability of patients with Crohn's disease in remission. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2008;43(7):842-8.