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AUTHOR: Dr. Cliff Harvey, PhD (Clinical Nutritionist & Researcher)
Photo Credit: Content Providers(s): CDC/Dr. William A. Clark / Public domain
Bacillus coagulans is a very resilient bacterium, able to withstand heat, acid, and food processing and offers an interesting option for the fortification of food and supplements.
Bacillus coagulans is interesting as a probiotic because it is spore-forming bacteria and perhaps most importantly for food and supplement applications, is able to better withstand heat and food processing than many other common probiotics.1, 2 In one study, over 99% viability of the bacteria was preserved at 24 months in a powdered tea or coffee beverage.3
Over 99% viability of the bacteria was preserved at 24 months in a powdered tea or coffee beverage.
B. coagulans also survives the acidic environment of the stomach to germinate in the small intestine, where it has been demonstrated to aid digestion of both carbohydrate and protein, inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria (such as Clostridia perfringens4) and provide immune benefits.5, 6
B. coagulans also survives the acidic environment of the stomach
In two randomized controlled trials, B. coagulans supplementation reduced pain and bloating in people with IBS and improved bowel motion frequency.7, 8
In a controlled trial of 29 recreationally trained males assigned to consume either 20 g of casein protein, or protein plus B. coagulans probiotic (1 billion CFU) for two weeks, the probiotic significantly increased recovery at 24 and 72 hours, and decreased soreness at 72 hours post-exercise compared to protein-only. There was also a trend (p = 0.08) towards reduced muscle damage in the probiotic-supplemented group, while in a Wingate test, performance was reduced in the protein-only group but was maintained in the probiotic group.9
Toxicology assessments have demonstrated the safety of B. coagulans for chronic consumption up to up to 9.38 × 1010 CFUs per day.10
Bacillus coagulans is an interesting probiotic for use in food and supplements due to its extreme tolerance of heat, processing, and acidic environment and is demonstrating promising results for several health and performance outcomes.
Bacillus coagulans is found in Digestive Support Protein by Nuzest, which was developed to target gut health.
References