# Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/saccharomyces-boulardii-cncm-i-1079
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-03
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fermented/Probiotic
**Also Known As:** S. boulardii CNCM I-1079, Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079, S. cerevisiae boulardii strain I-1079, CNCM I-1079 strain, Saccharomyces boulardii strain I-1079

## Overview

Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 is a specific [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) yeast strain that modulates gut microbiota composition by promoting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria and suppressing pathogenic species. Its primary mechanism involves competitive exclusion of pathogens and stimulation of beneficial commensal bacteria such as Lactobacillus reuteri to support digestive and metabolic health.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce remnant lipoprotein levels (cholesterol biomarker) based on one pilot study (Preliminary evidence)
• Increases gut bacterial diversity and SCFA-producing bacteria in animal models (Animal evidence only)
• Promotes beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus reuteri while reducing pathogens like Campylobacter (Animal evidence only)
• Improves intestinal histology including increased villi length and crypt depth (Animal evidence only)
• Limited effectiveness for stress reduction or academic performance in humans (Negative finding from RCT)

## Mechanism of Action

Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 exerts its effects partly through stimulation of secretory IgA (sIgA) and modulation of toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways in intestinal epithelial cells, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) release. The strain produces proteases that degrade bacterial toxins and adhesins, limiting pathogen colonization of intestinal mucosa. Additionally, by enriching SCFA-producing taxa, it increases luminal concentrations of butyrate and propionate, which serve as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and GPR41/GPR43 receptor ligands to regulate lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and [intestinal barrier integrity](/ingredients/condition/gut-health).

## Clinical Summary

A pilot human study investigating Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 supplementation found a potential reduction in remnant lipoprotein particle levels, a [cardiovascular risk](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) biomarker, though the study was small and preliminary in nature with no confirmed sample size published in widely available literature. Animal model studies have demonstrated increased gut bacterial alpha-diversity and enrichment of SCFA-producing genera following supplementation with this strain. Promotion of Lactobacillus reuteri and concurrent reduction in opportunistic pathogens has been documented in preclinical models, but these findings have not yet been replicated in large-scale randomized controlled trials. Overall, the current evidence base is limited to early-phase and animal research, and definitive clinical conclusions cannot yet be drawn.

## Nutritional Profile

Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 is a [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) yeast, not a conventional food ingredient, so macronutrient and micronutrient profiling differs from typical dietary components. As a yeast organism, its cell composition includes: Protein: approximately 40-50% of dry cell weight, containing all essential amino acids with particularly notable concentrations of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and leucine. Carbohydrates: approximately 30-40% of dry cell weight, predominantly as beta-1,3/1,6-glucans (cell wall polysaccharides with [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties) and trehalose (intracellular disaccharide, ~10-15% dry weight, contributing to thermal stability). Lipids: approximately 4-7% of dry cell weight, including ergosterol (a precursor to vitamin D2 upon UV exposure) and phospholipids. Bioactive compounds: produces secretory proteases (notably a 54 kDa serine protease) that cleave bacterial toxins; secretes polyamines (spermidine, putrescine) that support intestinal epithelial cell growth; produces short-chain fatty acids including acetic acid as metabolic byproducts. B-vitamins: as a Saccharomyces species, contains measurable B-vitamins including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), and folate (B9), though exact concentrations in this specific strain are not independently published. Minerals: contains zinc, selenium, chromium, and manganese bound within cellular structures, with bioavailability dependent on cell wall integrity and digestive processing. Delivered dose in supplements is typically 5×10^9 CFU per serving; the yeast survives gastric acid (optimal activity pH 4-7) and reaches the intestine viable, with transit-dependent colonization rather than permanent establishment.

## Dosage & Preparation

Animal studies used 2.0 × 10^10 CFUs/day for calves and 10^9 CFU/kg feed for chickens. Human studies have used daily supplementation for 30 days (stress) or 8 weeks (cholesterol), though exact CFU counts were not specified. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 is generally considered safe for healthy adults, consistent with the broader safety profile of the Saccharomyces boulardii species, which has GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status in many jurisdictions. However, immunocompromised individuals, those with central venous catheters, or critically ill patients face a rare but documented risk of fungemia (yeast entering the bloodstream) and should avoid live yeast [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s without medical supervision. Concurrent use with antifungal medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole may reduce or eliminate the strain's viability and efficacy. Safety data during pregnancy and lactation specific to the CNCM I-1079 strain is insufficient, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before use in these populations.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical trials for CNCM I-1079 are limited, with a 30-day RCT in stressed individuals showing no benefit for performance or stress markers (PMID: 32438624) and an 8-week pilot study showing reduced remnant lipoproteins (PMID: 25893960). Most evidence comes from animal studies in calves and chickens, while a related strain CNCM I-3799 showed efficacy for pediatric diarrhea (PMID: 32796401).

## Historical & Cultural Context

No historical or traditional medicine context was identified for Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079. It is a modern, patented [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) strain without references to traditional systems.

## Synergistic Combinations

Other probiotic strains, Prebiotics (FOS/GOS), [Digestive enzyme](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s, L-glutamine, Zinc carnosine

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What makes Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 different from other S. boulardii strains?

The CNCM I-1079 designation refers to a specific deposited strain held in the Collection Nationale de Cultures de Microorganismes, meaning its genetic identity and properties are distinct from other commercial S. boulardii strains such as CNCM I-745 (the most widely studied strain). Research on CNCM I-1079 has specifically highlighted its ability to increase gut microbial diversity and enrich SCFA-producing bacteria, outcomes not necessarily replicated across all S. boulardii strains. Strain-specific effects mean that clinical data from one S. boulardii strain cannot be automatically extrapolated to CNCM I-1079.

### Can Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 lower cholesterol?

One pilot study suggested that supplementation with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 may reduce remnant lipoprotein levels, which are cholesterol-rich particles associated with cardiovascular risk. However, this evidence is classified as preliminary, derived from a small study without large-scale replication, and remnant lipoproteins are a secondary rather than primary cholesterol marker. No conclusions about LDL or total cholesterol reduction should be drawn from the current data.

### What are the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by bacteria that CNCM I-1079 promotes?

Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 enriches SCFA-producing bacterial populations in the gut, which generate metabolites including butyrate, propionate, and acetate through fermentation of dietary fiber. Butyrate is particularly important as it acts as the primary energy source for colonocytes and functions as an HDAC inhibitor to regulate gene expression and inflammation. Propionate serves as a substrate for hepatic gluconeogenesis and activates GPR41/GPR43 receptors involved in appetite regulation and lipid metabolism.

### Is Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 safe for people with weakened immune systems?

No, individuals with compromised immune systems — including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressants, or HIV/AIDS patients — should avoid Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 and all live yeast probiotics due to a documented risk of fungemia, where the yeast translocates into the bloodstream and causes systemic infection. This risk, while rare in healthy populations, is clinically significant in immunocompromised patients and has been reported in case studies involving other S. boulardii products. Medical supervision is essential before any probiotic supplementation in these groups.

### What is the typical dosage of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 used in research?

Strain-specific dosage data for Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 is not robustly established in the published literature due to the limited number of clinical trials conducted with this particular strain. For comparison, the most-studied S. boulardii strain (CNCM I-745) is commonly used at doses of 250–500 mg per day (approximately 5–10 billion CFU) in clinical settings for gastrointestinal conditions. Until dedicated dose-finding trials for CNCM I-1079 are published, dosage recommendations should follow product labeling and guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.

### Does Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 need to be refrigerated, and how long does it remain viable?

Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 is a shelf-stable yeast strain typically formulated in capsules or powders that can be stored at room temperature, though refrigeration may extend viability in some formulations. The stability depends on packaging quality and storage conditions; properly sealed containers in cool, dry environments maintain potency for the duration of the product's expiration date. Always check the manufacturer's storage instructions on the label, as different formulations may have different stability profiles.

### How does Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 survive stomach acid and reach the intestines?

Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 is a robust yeast with a protective cell wall that allows it to survive the acidic environment of the stomach and reach the small intestine relatively intact. Unlike some bacterial probiotics, this yeast strain has naturally evolved resistance to gastric conditions, making it particularly suited for oral supplementation. Once in the intestinal tract, it exerts its beneficial effects through local interactions with the microbiota and intestinal epithelium.

### What is the evidence that Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079 works better than placebo for digestive health?

While animal studies show promising effects on gut bacterial diversity and intestinal health markers, human clinical evidence for CNCM I-1079 specifically is limited, with mostly preliminary or pilot-level research available. The existing human data suggests potential benefits for cholesterol biomarkers, but larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish robust efficacy compared to placebo. Most well-powered clinical evidence for S. boulardii efficacy comes from other strains rather than this specific CNCM I-1079 strain.

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