Understanding the probiotic - Bacillus Coagulans
Probiotics are live microorganisms which provide
numerous health benefits when consumed. One such promising probiotic strain
gaining popularity is Bacillus Coagulans. Let's understand more about this
beneficial bacteria in this article.
What is Bacillus Coagulans?
Bacillus Coagulans is a thermally resistant,spore-forming bacterial strain that
naturally occurs in the human digestive system and other warm-blooded animals.
It belongs to the Bacillus genus of bacteria and produces L(+) lactic acid as a
major byproduct during fermentation. This unique property helps Bacillus
Coagulans survive the high acid levels in the stomach unlike many other
probiotic strains.
Distinguishing characteristics
Bacillus Coagulans has a few distinguishing physiological characteristics that
make it stand out from other probiotic bacteria:
- Spore forming ability: It can form metabolically dormant endospores that
protect the bacterial cells from extreme environmental conditions like heat,
radiation, drought etc. This allows supplements containing B. Coagulans spores
to remain viable through the production process.
- Thermally resistant: Due to sporulation, B. Coagulans is highly heat
resistant and can survive temperatures up to 100°C. This makes it suitable for
use in baked and processed food products.
- Acid tolerant: The lactic acid production helps lower gastric pH levels
making the environment too acidic for pathogenic bacteria to survive. This
property aids its colonization in the intestine.
- Anaerobic: B. Coagulans is an anaerobic bacteria and does not require oxygen
for growth. This enables it to thrive well in the low-oxygen environment of the
human gut.
Potential health benefits of Bacillus Coagulans
Various animal and clinical studies have linked the consumption of Bacillus
Coagulans to the following health benefits:
Gut health and regularity: As a probiotic, it helps restore intestinal balance
and microflora diversity. Some studies have found it effective against conditions
like IBS, abdominal pain and constipation in adults and children.
Immunity boost: Preliminary evidence suggests Bacillus
Coagulans may activate immune cells,
enhancing both innate and adaptive immune responses against pathogens.
Anti-inflammatory action: Recent research links the probiotic to reducing
levels of inflammatory markers like IL-6, TNF-α and CRP associated with chronic
diseases.
Antioxidant effects: B. Coagulans demonstrates antioxidant properties by
reducing oxidative stress in the gut and body. This may help reduce chronic
inflammation.
Resistance to antibiotics: Some research indicates it may help promote a
healthier gut microbiome during and after antibiotic treatment by resisting
antibiotic-related disturbances.
More research is underway to validate these benefits and elucidate other
mechanisms of action. Overall, B. Coagulans appears to be a promising probiotic
strain worth including in the diet.
Safety of Bacillus Coagulans consumption
When taken as recommended through supplements or foods, Bacillus Coagulans has
exhibited excellent safety in various studies:
- No documented side effects, drug interactions or adverse reactions have been
reported from consumption so far.
- As a non-pathogenic, spore-forming probiotic bacteria indigenous to the human
body, it is unlikely to cause disease or contamination.
- Even at high doses, no toxicity was observed in animal studies evaluating its
safety.
However, people with severely compromised immunity should consult a doctor
before use. Pregnant/lactating women may also want to check with their
healthcare provider before taking B. Coagulans supplements.
Food sources and supplementation
While some fermented foods like miso and tempeh naturally contain B. Coagulans,
supplementation offers a more concentrated dose:
- B. Coagulans supplements are available as capsules or sachets containing
billions of spores per serving. Refrigeration isn't required.
- Look for products carrying GMP/FDA certifications using strains like B.
Coagulans GBI-30 6086.
- For best results, take as directed on the label - usually 1-2
capsules/sachets with meals or as advised by a nutrition expert.
- Food products being introduced contain B. Coagulans as an active probiotic
ingredient. But supplements offer the highest CFU counts.
To summarize, with an excellent safety profile and promising health effects,
Bacillus Coagulans is a leading probiotic option worth including in the diet
through supplements or targeted food choices wherever possible. More research
will provide deeper insights into this beneficial bacterium.
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