Saccharomyces is a species of yeast that is part of the human microbiota. Often compared with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium as it comprises the set of microorganisms that populate the intestines and parts of the digestive tract.
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Characteristics of Saccharomyces
This genus of yeast has the characteristic of using nitrates formed from decaying matter. These appear within the organism as residues from the consumption of proteins and urea, as well as other elements that humans need for nutrition. Saccharomyces aids in their elimination, providing properties and benefits for both human and animal bodies. They prevent the proliferation of waste in the digestive tract.
It belongs to the kingdom of fungi and, while feeding on nitrates, it also has characteristics to ferment carbohydrates.
The lifespan of a Saccharomyces yeast is 3 days, during which the colony develops and can be identified by its dark yellow color.
Notably, S. boulardii has recently been reclassified into the subspecies of fungi known as S. cerevisiae.
Types of Saccharomyces spp and their species
You can also find other types of Saccharomyces such as:
- S. bayanus.
- S. boulardii jarrow.
- S. ellipsoideus.
- S. lactis.
- S. ludwigii.
- S. pastorianus.
- S. uvarum.
Possible properties and benefits when used as a probiotic
- Treating diarrhea.
- As a complementary treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Reducing the side effects of lactose intolerance.
- Improving the condition of patients with ulcerative colitis.
- Fermenting food.
- Facilitating the creation of intestinal flora in babies.
- Helping to create a strong and robust immune system.
- Treating skin diseases like eczema.
While its benefits are somewhat different from those of lactobacilli, gram-negative bacteria that improve digestion and prevent the proliferation of infection-causing microorganisms, this type of probiotic yeast has uses in the food industry due to its fermentative properties.
It is very common to add it as an agent for fermenting wine, beer, or in bread making.
The most used and studied at present is Saccharomyces boulardii. This fungus has medicinal properties and uses as a treatment for diarrhea.
Other species of the same genus can be used in wine production like S. bayanus or in the production of dairy products like S. cerevisiae, which is also used for making bread and is necessary for manufacturing alcoholic beverages.
Most Common Uses
Saccharomyces as a Medicinal Remedy
While it has food applications like bread making, Saccharomyces medicine is administered as a treatment for intestinal inflammation, as an anti-infective agent, and as an antidiarrheal.
The daily dose of these yeasts displaces pathogenic flora from the intestine, reducing the damage these microorganisms cause in humans.
In its medicinal form, it can be used to treat children, adults, and elderly people, as long as it is prescribed by a doctor.
It is taken in capsules, which should be swallowed without chewing, accompanied by a glass of water.
In its medicinal form, it consists of live bacteria. In reality, all probiotics must contain live microorganisms to be effective and, thus, express their full potential in the intestines and genitourinary tracts, regardless of whether they are applied via tablets or ovules as would be the case for vaginal infections.
Uses as a Probiotic
In its natural applications, it has properties to stop bacterial infections and improve the immune system's response to pathogens.
Saccharomyces probiotic is a fungus that displaces infectious agents, taking their place and creating a much healthier microbiotic ecosystem for living beings.
While it can be used as a standalone supplement, it is most often included within tablets with other probiotic species to enhance joint action. Thus, Saccharomyces and Lactobacillus can greatly benefit the patient or person wishing to improve the quality of their microbiota.
Foods in Which It Can Be Used
- Beer fermentation.
- Bread making.
- Hydroalcoholic fermentation of rum, wine, beer, etc.
- Kefir.
Some foods are richer in Saccharomyces than others as they contain, in addition to this type of yeast, other bacteria considered highly beneficial.
Kefir is a dairy product that, besides containing S. cerevisiae, also has lactic bacteria such as L. delbrueckii, L. helveticus, L. casei, and other probiotics like Lactococcus lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus. Analyses also detect fungi from the species Candida inconspicua, C. maris, and Kluyveromyces marianus.
Drawbacks of Its Use
Although some yeast species like S. Boulardii and S. bayanus are beneficial to human health, some yeast variants can cause infections.
Indeed, in recent years there has been an increase in infections caused by Saccharomyces cerevisiae, many of these fungal infections being vaginal and intestinal types which, if uncontrolled, can cause discomfort, gastrointestinal disorders, and a general deterioration of health.
Is It Better Than Lactobacillus Class Probiotics?
Neither better nor worse, just different. Both lactobacilli and Saccharomyces in their different species or strains can be suitable for improving digestive processes.
In a healthy person, they usually do not have beneficial effects since such a person carries a well-regulated microbiota. However, in people with poor or deteriorated intestinal flora due to antibiotic use, they can be extremely useful. Taking Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces class probiotics, in addition to including different types of bifidobacteria, will speed up the recovery and increase the flora of the intestines. If used as vaginal ovules, they will facilitate the proliferation of these live microorganisms in the urinary tract.
We hope you enjoyed and were informed by this comprehensive review of this type of yeast. Remember that you can learn more about related probiotics in our other sections.
