Bacillus Coagulans

Bacillus coagulans

Bacillus coagulans is a type of beneficial bacteria in the gut. It is classified as a member of the Bacillus genus, which are probiotics that have the ability to form endospores (protective covering) even under unfavorable conditions. This protective mechanism allows Bacillus genus to travel throughout the gastrointestinal tract and not become damaged by the changes in pH levels. Bacillus coagulans can be obtained through various dairy products including yogurt, buttermilk, cheese and fermented teas. It is also available as supplements in many health food stores.

Benefits of Bacillus coagulans

Bacillus coagulans has countless health benefits to offer especially with regular consumption. These include:

Healthier Digestive System

Bacillus coagulans can help normalize the delicate balance between good and bad bacteria in the gut environment. One study found that Bacillus coagulans supplementation in healthy older volunteers for 28 days increased the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Clostridium lituseburense, Bacillus species and Eubacterium rectal.^[1]

Relief from Various Gastrointestinal Disorders

Consuming Bacillus coagulans can help treat unpleasant symptoms related to digestive problems. When researchers administered Bacillus coagulans-based product in adults with intestinal gas-related symptoms, a significant reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms and an improvement in the quality of life of participants were observed after the treatment.^[2] Similarly, administration of Bacillus coagulans along with a dietary fiber for 2 weeks in volunteers suffering from constipation resulted in significant improvement in the frequency of bowel movement as well as fecal color and odor.^[3]

Strong Immune System

Probiotics have been known to boost the immune function and, therefore, may be an effective therapeutic option for various infections. In one study, healthy volunteers who took one capsule of Bacillus coagulans supplement per day for 30 days increased their production of T-cells (immune cells that fight infection) in response to exposure to certain viral respiratory tract infections.^[4]

Relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis

Bacillus coagulans is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties which can be beneficial in patients with inflammatory disorders, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. Adjunctive treatment with Bacillus coagulans in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis was found to be safe and effective in improving pain, ability to walk and reach, and participation in daily activities.^[5] In addition, the treatment significantly reduced the levels of the pro-inflammatory substance C-reactive protein.

Improved Muscle Recovery and Athletic Performance

Taking Bacillus coagulans supplements can help accelerate muscle recovery and improve athletic performance. When researchers administered Bacillus coagulans along with protein supplements in trained athletes, the treatment resulted in reduced muscle damage and improved muscle recovery as well as physical performance.^[6]

Healthy Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels

Elevated levels of cholesterol and blood sugar especially for prolonged periods of time are linked to a wide array of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Compelling evidence suggests that consumption of Bacillus coagulans-based products and supplements was able to bring down the levels of blood sugar and bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) while increasing good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.^[7-9]    

References:

1. Nyangale EP, Farmer S, Keller D, Chernoff D, Gibson GR. Effect of prebiotics on the fecal microbiota of elderly volunteers after dietary supplementation of Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086. Anaerobe. 2014;30:75-81.
2. Kalman DS, Schwartz HI, Alvarez P, Feldman S, Pezzullo JC, Krieger DR. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group dual site trial to evaluate the effects of a Bacillus coagulans-based product on functional intestinal gas symptoms. BMC Gastroenterology. 2009;9:85. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-9-85.
3. Minamida K, Nishimura M, Miwa K, Nishihira J. Effects of dietary fiber with Bacillus coagulans lilac-01 on bowel movement and fecal properties of healthy volunteers with a tendency for constipation. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2015;79(2):300-6.
4. Baron M. A patented strain of Bacillus coagulans increased immune response to viral challenge. Postgrad Med. 2009;121(2):114-8.
5. Mandel DR, Eichas K, Holmes J. Bacillus coagulans: a viable adjunct therapy for relieving symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis according to a randomized, controlled trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2010;10:1. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-1.
6. Jäger R, Shields KA, Lowery RP, et al. Probiotic Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086 reduces exercise-induced muscle damage and increases recovery. Savino F, ed. PeerJ. 2016;4:e2276. doi:10.7717/peerj.2276.
7. Sáez-Lara MJ, Robles-Sanchez C, Ruiz-Ojeda FJ, Plaza-Diaz J, Gil A. Effects of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Obesity, Insulin Resistance Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Review of Human Clinical Trials. Cifuentes A, ed. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016;17(6):928. doi:10.3390/ijms17060928.
8. Shakeri H, Hadaegh H, Abedi F, et al. Consumption of synbiotic bread decreases triacylglycerol and VLDL levels while increasing HDL levels in serum from patients with type-2 diabetes. Lipids. 2014;49(7):695-701.
9. Tajadadi-ebrahimi M, Bahmani F, Shakeri H, et al. Effects of daily consumption of synbiotic bread on insulin metabolism and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein among diabetic patients: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Ann Nutr Metab. 2014;65(1):34-41.