Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that has been studied for its potential benefits in the management of Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The evidence base supporting its use in IBD is moderate but not definitive.

Several small clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest that S. boulardii may help maintain remission in Crohn’s disease and reduce the risk of relapse when used adjunctively with standard therapy. In ulcerative colitis, the evidence is less robust, with some studies failing to show significant benefit. The proposed mechanisms include modulation of the immune response, enhancement of intestinal barrier function, and inhibition of pathogenic bacteria.

For example, a randomized controlled trial (Miele et al., 2009) found that children with Crohn’s disease in remission who received S. boulardii alongside standard therapy had a lower relapse rate compared to placebo. Another study (Guslandi et al., 2000) suggested benefit in ulcerative colitis in combination with mesalazine, but subsequent research has cast doubt on the reproducibility of these results.

Overall, while S. boulardii is not a replacement for standard IBD therapies, there is moderate scientific evidence supporting its adjunctive use, particularly in Crohn’s disease. Larger, high-quality trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and clarify its role in IBD management.