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What is
diarrhea?

Diarrhea occurs when the body passes stool that is looser and more liquid-like than normal. These irregular bowel movements are due to one of two things: either more fluid is released into the intestines, or conversely, the intestines are instead struggling to absorb any liquid at all.

Acute vs. ChronicThere are two main types of diarrhea, acute and chronic.

Acute diarrhea is the most common form of diarrhea. It produces watery stool and does not last more than a few days. Most acute cases are caused by an infection (bacteria, viruses, or parasites) that attacks the gut. Other conditions may arise from non-infectious causes, where the problem develops due to medication or medical trauma.

Chronic diarrhea also produces inconsistent stool, but it lasts much longer. It is associated with certain conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The symptoms and effects of chronic diarrhea are often more severe than acute diarrhea.

SymptomsWhile the stool's consistency is the main point in assessing the condition, it is not the only characteristic of diarrhea. Often there is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, as well as how much stool is produced per sitting. But these symptoms are often meaningless if the stool's consistency remains normal. Additional symptoms may include a greater urgency to use the bathroom, blood or mucus appearing in the stool, feelings of abdominal discomfort, and dehydration (which will significantly intensify the severity of the diarrhea).

Although infrequent, some cases of diarrhea may require hospitalization and can have severe effects on the body. Diarrheal disease is in fact the second leading cause of death in children under five years old, mainly due to dehydration.

PrevalenceThere is an average of two billion cases of diarrheal disease every year, and the typical adult will encounter an episode of diarrhea about four times a year. Diarrhea can occur at any age, and in most cases it is treatable and short-lived.

What is
Saccharomyces boulardii?

For those suffering from diarrhea, rehydration is both the first and most important treatment for your symptoms. Saccharomyces boulardii from Biocodex may also help. Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast-based probiotic that balances the naturally occurring bacteria that are located inside of your intestines. At the same time, it strengthens the intestinal immune system and restores normal bowel functions.

Treats and PreventsIn addition to oral rehydration solutions (ORS), Saccharomyces boulardii both treats and prevents diarrhea.

In cases of viral or bacterial types of acute diarrhea, Saccharomyces boulardii acts to effectively treat your condition along with ORS.

Saccharomyces boulardii's strain also prevents diarrhea that typically accompanies most antibiotic therapy, which is better known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Up to 30% of patients suffer from diarrhea during antibiotic treatment. Since Saccharomyces boulardii is the only probiotic drug with natural resistance to antibiotics, it allows you to continue and finish your treatment without the uncomfortable side effect of diarrhea.

Additionally, Biocodex Saccharomyces boulardii helps prevent recurrent diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile. Saccharomyces boulardii also minimizes the effects of diarrhea related to numerous other conditions, such as diarrhea when traveling, known as travelers' diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

ProofSb has been proven effective many times over. It is supported by more than 300 publications, including 90 pharmacological and 50 clinical studies, which confirm Saccharomyces boulardii's record of safety and success. Professional societies like ESPGHAN, NICE and numerous other leading experts in the field recommend Saccharomyces boulardii Biocodex for the management of all types of acute diarrhea.

LyophilizedSaccharomyces boulardii from Biocodex uses a unique strain that is lyophilized ? a method that processes ice directly into vapor, without melting it into a liquid state. The lyophilization process promises the strain's superior quality, vitality, and stability over time.

Place in MarketBiocodex Saccharomyces boulardii has been on the market for more than 50 years, longer than any other probiotic drug. Today, it is available in more than 100 countries. S. boulardii's success has earned the title of #1 probiotic drug worldwide in the treatment of diarrhea. Since it was first commercialized, Saccharomyces boulardii has reached to the top of the probiotic market in scientific evidence, global sales and coverage, years of experience and patients treated.

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open-close What are probiotics?

Probiotics are "live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host."[1] In practice, it means that a killed bacteria cannot be considered a probiotic and, additionally, that a health benefit must be demonstrated in clinical trials. Saccharomyces boulardii can be considered a true probiotic as it is a live yeast whose efficacy has been demonstrated in more than 50 clinical and pharmacological trials.

1. FAO-WHO Guidelines for the Evaluation of Probiotics in Food 2002 Package Insert

open-close What is Saccharomyces boulardii?

S. boulardii is an effective anti-diarrheal agent (refer to the package insert for the mode of administration). S. boulardii is a live yeast, a specific strain of Saccharomyces that balances the naturally occurring intestinal microflora.

open-close What is a Saccharomyces boulardii capsule and sachets composed of?

List of the excipients of the capsule: Lactose, sucrose (in capsules 50mg & 100 mg only), magnesium stearate, capsule shell.
List of the excipients of the sachet: Lactose, fructose, colloidal anhydrous silica, artificial tutti frutti flavor.

open-close How is Saccharomyces boulardii manufactured?

The production of S. boulardii is based on an original manufacturing process: lyophilization, a dehydration process that removes water from a substance. This lyophilization process is the only one that allows storage at room temperature and guarantees an optimal level of living cells when put into a suspension. Therefore, the clinical efficacy demonstrated in clinical trials is optimized.

S. boulardii from Biocodex is manufactured to exacting and certified pharmaceutical standards using the latest technologies and platforms. Manufacturing standards have been certified by appropriate health authorities and meet the GMP (good manufacturing practices).

open-close What is lyophilization (and what are the advantages)?

Lyophilization is an original manufacturing process based on a dehydration process that removes water from a substance by transforming ice (solid state) directly into steam (gas state) without passing through its transitional liquid state. This lyophilization process is the only one that allows storage at room temperature and guarantees an optimal level of living cells when put into a solution. This process requires ultra-modern manufacturing technology and combined with Biocodex's S. boulardii high quality control (which adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices), the process guarantees a superior drug.

open-close Is the Saccharomyces boulardii lyophilization process exclusive to Biocodex?

Lyophilization is an original manufacturing process used in many industries (pharmaceutical and biotechnology, vaccines and certain foods [instant coffee, astronaut supplies]) to make these products more stable. This lyophilization process is the only one that allows storage at room temperature and guarantees an optimal level of living cells when put into a solution. This process requires ultra-modern manufacturing technology and combined with Biocodex's S. boulardii high quality control (which adheres to Good Manufacturing Practices), the process guarantees a superior drug.

open-close How does Saccharomyces boulardii work?

S. boulardii has been observed in the following ways:

A) Anti-toxinic: S. boulardii produces proteins, which work to neutralize bacterial toxins. This may include the toxins produced by Clostridium difficile.

B) Anti-microbial: S. boulardii adheres to pathogens, which decreases their adhesion to the intestinal wall and decreases invasion of enterocytes into the body. These pathogens are then removed during bowel movements.

C) Enzymatic activity: In healthy adults, S. boulardii increases the enzymatic activities (lactase, alpha-glucosidase, alkaline phosphatase).[1] The production of intestinal polyamines by S. boulardii is one of its most relevant and specific mechanisms of action. The polyamines spermidine, spermine, and putrescine enhance the expression of brush border enzymes (such as hydrolases, proteases, and transport molecules).[3]

D) Immune enhancement: S. boulardii helps prevent infection by stimulating the immune system along the GI lining by increasing the protective antibody IgA.

E) Anti-inflammatory: S. boulardii causes a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines.

1. J.P. Buts & al. - PEDIATRIC RESEARCH 1986;20:192-196
2. J.P. Buts & al. - GUT 1999; 45:89–96
3. J.P. Buts & al. - PEDIATRIC RESEARCH 1994;36(4):522-527

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S. boulardii

The No.1 probiotic drug worldwide

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Biocodex is an independent, global pharmaceutical company that was founded in 1953 in France by Michel Hublot and François Vallet. Biocodex was originally created for the production and marketing of Saccharomyces boulardii, a unique probiotic drug. Since then, Biocodex has expanded its range by developing more of its own products, as well as redeveloping products acquired from other companies. Biocodex now specializes in several therapeutic areas: Gastroenterology, Neurology, Psychiatry and Pain Treatment.

Today Biocodex strives to develop safe and effective products that improve the patient's health and quality of life. Biocodex makes sure that its products are available to the doctors and patients who need them. The company's progress relies on a commitment to the service of its patients and a close-knit relationship with doctors, pharmacists, and hospitals. Biocodex works towards the long term, while constantly improving its products with a clear and focused mindset. There are a total of 8 Biocodex offices stationed worldwide, with 3 sites in France and 5 subsidiary locations around the world. Today, Biocodex products are available in more than 100 countries around the world.

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