The human body hosts a vast community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, collectively known as the microbiome. The presence of commensal fungal species in the human gut suggests that microorganisms from this kingdom, such as yeasts, have significant potential to benefit the host.
Probiotics (bacteria and yeasts) are single-celled microorganisms, yet most probiotics on the market today are bacteria. By comparison, yeasts have unique characteristics that position them as a promising source of candidate probiotics.
Yeasts contribute to the development of immune homeostasis, mediators of the gut-brain axis, and influence the composition and functions of the host microbiome.
Perhaps most attractive is that yeasts, unlike probiotic strains, have cell wall components that make them resistant to antibiotics, so consumers can take them along with an antibiotic therapy without compromising their efficacy.
Unlike traditional bacteria-based probiotics, probiotic yeasts provide unique advantages for formulators: they exert anti-pathogenic actions in the intestine, do not colonise, do not need extra coating, and are resistant to gastric acid and bile salts.
What are Saccharomyces?
A genus of fungi, Saccharomyces includes single-cell yeasts that are key starters in foods such as bread, wine, beer, and medicines.
The most well-known species of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is S. boulardii, but this species harbors other strains that may offer new biotic benefits. Although they share many genetic similarities, each strain exhibits specific phenotypic differences, providing distinct health benefits.
Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) has been shown to help alleviate occasional diarrhea and promote normal stools while traveling or during periods of stress, contributing to overall digestive comfort. S. boulardii is often prominent in gut-balancing formulas for individuals who tend to experience bouts of diarrhea. This yeast is well-suited for the gut microenvironment due to its greater acid and heat tolerance.
S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 stands out as the only probiotic strain with significant efficacy in managing gastrointestinal pain. It provides relief from bloating and constipation and helps reduce intestinal pathogens. This strain also modulates intestinal inflammation.
Women can obtain specific benefits from probiotic yeasts as they can migrate from the intestine to the vagina. For example, S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 (from Gnosis by Lesaffre) helps balance and improve vaginal flora, enhancing protection against bacterial and yeast vaginosis, and supporting overall intimate health.
An Advanced Trio
Gnosis’ probiotic yeasts (Quatreflora™, Lynside®, and ibSium®) lead and elevate the market as they combine computational biology, metabolic engineering, an understanding of human pathophysiology, and gene editing expertise.
The technological properties, genomic flexibility, and inherent probiotic potential make Gnosis' advanced yeasts an exciting class of probiotics to complement probiotic bacteria offerings.