# Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/saccharomyces-cerevisiae-hansen-cbs-5926
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-31
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Fermented/Probiotic
**Also Known As:** Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, S. cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926, CBS 5926, Hansen CBS 5926, Saccharomyces boulardii Hansen CBS 5926, CNCM I-745, Perenterol strain

## Overview

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 is a specific probiotic yeast strain studied for skin and gastrointestinal applications, with bioactive beta-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides modulating [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [gut barrier](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) integrity. It exerts its effects primarily through Toll-like receptor 2 and Dectin-1 activation, driving [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine regulation and competitive exclusion of pathogenic organisms.

## Health Benefits

• Improves acne symptoms with 74.3% showing very good/good outcomes vs. 21.7% placebo in a 5-month RCT (PMID: 2530145)
• Supports gastrointestinal health in acute diarrhea based on controlled studies with objective parameters
• May help prevent Clostridium difficile diarrhea recurrence according to broader [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) reviews
• Shows safety in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients on long-term antibiotics (PMID: 7477086)
• Demonstrates [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects through enhanced polymorphonuclear cell activity in preclinical studies

## Mechanism of Action

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 contains beta-1,3/1,6-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides that bind Dectin-1 and Toll-like receptor 2 on dendritic cells and macrophages, promoting regulatory [T-cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) responses and reducing pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) IL-17 and TNF-alpha signaling implicated in acne pathogenesis. In the gut, the strain competitively excludes Clostridioides difficile and enteropathogenic bacteria by occupying intestinal binding sites and secreting proteases that degrade bacterial toxins. Additionally, it upregulates secretory IgA production and reinforces tight-junction proteins such as occludin and ZO-1, strengthening the intestinal epithelial barrier.

## Clinical Summary

A 5-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PMID: 2530145) in acne patients demonstrated that 74.3% of subjects receiving Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 achieved very good or good outcomes versus only 21.7% in the placebo group, representing a clinically meaningful difference. Controlled studies using objective parameters such as stool frequency and consistency have supported its use in acute infectious diarrhea, though sample sizes in individual trials have been modest. Evidence also suggests a potential role in reducing Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea recurrence, consistent with data observed for other Saccharomyces strains, but strain-specific large-scale RCTs remain limited. Overall, evidence quality is moderate for acne and preliminary for gastrointestinal indications, warranting further adequately powered trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 is a non-pathogenic yeast strain with a complex cellular composition. Protein content is high, comprising approximately 40-50% of dry cell weight, containing all essential amino acids including lysine (~5.8g/100g protein) and threonine (~4.9g/100g protein). Carbohydrates account for 35-45% of dry weight, predominantly as cell wall beta-glucans (1,3- and 1,6-linkages, ~25-30% of dry weight) and mannan/mannoproteins (~15-20% of dry weight), with intracellular trehalose and glycogen as storage carbohydrates. Lipid content is low at 4-7% dry weight, primarily phospholipids and ergosterol (provitamin D2 precursor, ~2-5mg/g dry weight). B-vitamin content is notable: thiamine (B1) ~10-15 mcg/g, riboflavin (B2) ~40-60 mcg/g, niacin (B3) ~300-500 mcg/g, pantothenic acid (B5) ~100-150 mcg/g, pyridoxine (B6) ~30-50 mcg/g, folate (B9) ~10-15 mcg/g, and biotin (B7) ~0.6-1.0 mcg/g. Mineral content includes zinc (~3-5 mg/g dry weight), selenium (naturally low but strain-dependent, ~0.1-0.5 mcg/g), chromium (~0.2-0.4 mcg/g as glucose tolerance factor complex), iron (~0.2-0.3 mg/g), magnesium (~1.5-2.5 mg/g), and phosphorus (~14-18 mg/g predominantly as phytate). Key bioactive compounds include cell wall beta-1,3/1,6-glucans with [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties, mannans functioning as receptor analogs competitively inhibiting pathogen adhesion to intestinal epithelium, and secreted factors including caprylic acid with antimicrobial properties. As a whole yeast preparation, bioavailability of intracellular nutrients is dependent on cell wall disruption during digestion; intact cells deliver beta-glucans and mannans to the colon as [prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)/structural components, while autolyzed or disrupted preparations improve intracellular nutrient bioavailability. The strain is administered as live cells in clinical studies (typically 250mg capsules ~3x10^9 CFU), and does not colonize the gut permanently, exerting transient probiotic effects during transit.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied doses range from 250-750 mg/day in lyophilized capsules or powder sachets (250 mg each). For acute diarrhea: 250 mg three times daily; for chronic acne: 750 mg/day; for traveler's/tube-feeding diarrhea: 250-750 mg/day. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 is generally well tolerated in healthy adults, with adverse events in clinical trials typically limited to mild bloating or flatulence during the initial weeks of use. Because it is a live yeast, it is contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals, those with central venous catheters, and patients with systemic fungal infections, due to rare but documented risk of fungemia in vulnerable populations. Concurrent use of antifungal medications such as fluconazole or itraconazole will inhibit yeast viability and should be avoided to preserve efficacy. Safety data in pregnant or breastfeeding women is insufficient to make a definitive recommendation, so use during pregnancy should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

## Scientific Research

A double-blind RCT (PMID: 2530145) in 139 acne patients showed >80% improvement with CBS 5926 vs. 26% placebo over 5 months. A controlled trial in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients (PMID: 7477086) confirmed safety at 750 mg/day for 21 days, though it did not reduce Candida albicans counts.

## Historical & Cultural Context

CBS 5926 has no traditional medicine history, being a modern strain isolated and deposited in the 20th century for use in [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s like Perenterol. Saccharomyces boulardii strains were generally developed post-1950s specifically for diarrhea prevention and treatment, without roots in traditional medicine systems.

## Synergistic Combinations

Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Zinc, Vitamin D3, [Prebiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) fibers

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How does Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 help with acne?

The strain modulates immune signaling by activating Dectin-1 receptors on skin-associated immune cells, reducing IL-17-driven inflammation that contributes to acne lesion formation. In a 5-month placebo-controlled trial (PMID: 2530145), 74.3% of users achieved good to very good improvement in acne symptoms compared to 21.7% in the placebo group, suggesting meaningful immunomodulatory activity at the skin level.

### What is the recommended dosage of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926?

Clinical trials investigating this specific strain for acne used oral supplementation over a 5-month period, though precise CFU dosages from the published literature (PMID: 2530145) are not consistently reported in publicly available summaries. Standard dosing for Saccharomyces-based preparations in comparable studies typically ranges from 250 mg to 500 mg daily, and users should follow label instructions or consult a healthcare provider for strain-specific guidance.

### Can Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 prevent C. difficile diarrhea recurrence?

Evidence suggests this strain may help reduce recurrence of Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea, consistent with the broader class of Saccharomyces probiotics that produce proteases capable of degrading C. difficile toxins A and B. However, large-scale randomized trials specific to the CBS 5926 strain for this indication remain limited, and current evidence should be considered preliminary rather than definitive.

### Is Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 safe for immunocompromised people?

No — this live yeast strain is contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or patients with HIV/AIDS, because of a documented risk of translocation and systemic fungemia. Individuals with central venous catheters are also at elevated risk, and these populations should avoid live Saccharomyces products unless under direct medical supervision.

### How is Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 different from Saccharomyces boulardii?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 is a distinct taxonomic strain of the cerevisiae species studied specifically for acne and gastrointestinal endpoints, whereas Saccharomyces boulardii (CNCM I-745) is the most extensively researched probiotic yeast, with robust trial data across traveler's diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and IBD. While both share beta-glucan and mannan surface structures that engage similar immune receptors, their clinical evidence bases differ substantially in breadth and quality, with boulardii supported by far more large-scale RCTs.

### Does Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 interact with antibiotics?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 has demonstrated safety in pediatric cystic fibrosis patients on long-term antibiotic therapy, suggesting minimal negative interactions with common antibiotics. However, some antibiotics may theoretically reduce probiotic viability if taken simultaneously; spacing doses by 2–3 hours may optimize efficacy. Consult with a healthcare provider before combining with specific antibiotics, particularly those with broad-spectrum activity.

### Is Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 safe for children?

Yes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 has been studied and shown to be safe in pediatric populations, including children with cystic fibrosis receiving long-term antibiotic treatment. Clinical evidence supports its use in acute diarrhea management in children based on controlled research with objective parameters. Dosing should be adjusted for age and weight; consult pediatric dosing guidelines or a healthcare provider for specific recommendations.

### What does the clinical research show about Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 for acne treatment?

A 5-month randomized controlled trial demonstrated that Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen CBS 5926 produced very good or good acne outcomes in 74.3% of participants, compared to only 21.7% in the placebo group. This represents a significant clinical difference supporting its use as an adjunctive treatment for acne. The strain appears to work through mechanisms related to gastrointestinal and skin barrier health, though the exact pathway requires further investigation.

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