Saccharomyces Boulardii for Babies: Does it Help?

meta-analysis PMID: 32592699

Saccharomyces Boulardii for Babies: Does it Help?

Quick Summary: Research suggests that a specific probiotic, Saccharomyces boulardii, along with other probiotics, may help premature babies reach full feeding faster. This study looked at many previous studies to find out which probiotics work best.

What The Research Found

This research looked at many studies on probiotics and premature babies. The main findings were:

Faster Feeding: Babies given Saccharomyces boulardii along with other probiotics (like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) reached full feeding about 3 days sooner.
Other Probiotics Showed More Benefits: Combinations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were most effective at reducing the risk of death and a serious gut problem called NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis).

Study Details

Who was studied: Over 15,000 premature babies (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) with low birth weights.
How long: The study looked at the results of many different studies, so the length of time varied.
What they took: Babies were given different combinations of probiotics, including Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium. The exact dosages varied between studies.

What This Means For You

Talk to Your Doctor: If you have a premature baby, discuss probiotics with your pediatrician. They can help you decide if probiotics, including Saccharomyces boulardii, are right for your baby.
Focus on the Combination: The research suggests that the combination of probiotics may be more beneficial than a single strain.
Consider the Benefits: Probiotics may help premature babies reach full feeding faster, which can be a significant milestone.

Study Limitations

Focus on Combinations: The study focused on the effects of different probiotic combinations, not specific dosages of Saccharomyces boulardii.
More Research Needed: While the results are promising, more research is always needed to understand the best ways to use probiotics for premature babies.
Varied Studies: The study looked at many different studies, so the exact methods and probiotic strains used varied.

Key Findings

This network meta-analysis found that Saccharomyces boulardii, when combined with other probiotic strains (specifically Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species), significantly reduced the number of days to reach full feeding in preterm, low-birth-weight infants (mean reduction: 3.30 days; 95% CI: 5.91–0.69 days). However, S. boulardii alone was not highlighted as superior for reducing mortality or severe necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The most effective interventions for lowering mortality and severe NEC were combinations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.56 and 0.35, respectively.

Study Design

The study was a systematic review and network meta-analysis (frequentist approach) of 63 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 15,712 preterm infants (gestational age <37 weeks; birth weight <2,500 g). Data were sourced from eight databases up to January 1, 2019. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, severe NEC (Bell stage ≥II), culture-proven sepsis, days to full feeding, and hospitalization duration. Certainty of evidence was graded using the GRADE framework.

Dosage & Administration

The analysis grouped interventions by probiotic species rather than specific dosages. Strains evaluated included Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus salivarius subsp. thermophilus, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Administration methods (e.g., dosage amounts, delivery vehicles) were not detailed in the provided summary, as the focus was on comparative effectiveness across strain combinations.

Results & Efficacy

All-cause mortality: Only Lactobacillus + Bifidobacterium combinations showed significant reduction vs. placebo (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.39–0.80).
Severe NEC: Lactobacillus + Bifidobacterium (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.20–0.59), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (OR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.13–0.74), Lactobacillus reuteri (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.34–0.91), and