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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