Bacillus is a genus of rod-shaped bacteria, some of which are commonly used as probiotics – in particular Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Bacillus coagulans (B. coagulans) are in many probiotics. Like some of the other microorganisms that are used as probiotic supplements, Bacillus bacteria are normally found in a healthy human’s gut! While some Bacillus species have been found in low abundance in the human gut, they are not typically considered to be a part of the core gut microbiota. But, we’ve found dozens of scientific studies that show them to be quite possibly effective at helping with a number of health issues.
Read on to learn more – but first, just a quick comment to make it clear that this bacteria is super useful. Bacillus bacteria are commonly used in food production and various industrial processes due to their ability to produce enzymes and other useful compounds. Some example uses are in enzyme production, animal feed, bioremediation and food production.
Bacillus as a probiotic
While Bacillus bacteria are not normally found in the gut microbiota, some species, such as Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis, are often used as probiotics. These bacteria are consumed in the form of dietary supplements or added to foods and beverages to provide health benefits. Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis are both spore-forming bacteria, which means that they are able to form protective spores that can survive harsh conditions, including exposure to acid and bile in the stomach. This makes them particularly useful as probiotics, as they are able to survive the journey through the digestive tract and colonize the gut.
image source: wikipedia
Research has suggested that Bacillus probiotics may have a number of health benefits, including improving gut health, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation. Bacillus coagulans has been shown to help improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while Bacillus subtilis has been found to help modulate the gut microbiota and reduce inflammation in the gut.
It’s worth noting that while Bacillus probiotics are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, they may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement or making significant changes to your diet.
It’s worth noting that while Bacillus probiotics are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, they may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement or making significant changes to your diet.
Some of the possible probiotic benefits of Bacillus
The benefits that have been shown by this genus are:
- Some species of Bacillus, such as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans, have been shown to improve gut and digestive health by reducing inflammation, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Some research suggests that certain species of Bacillus may help to activate the immune system, which may assist in decreasing the risk of infections.
- B. coagulans can produce lactic acid in the human gut (it’s actually used for industrial lactic acid production as well!)
A note on taking Bacillus and antibiotics
Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria. And Bacillus probiotics are bacteria! So you ought to consult with your doctor and pharmacist if you are using this probiotic and are going to take antibiotics. Some doctors might suggest you wait 2 hours between taking the antibiotic and the probiotic Bacillus – others might suggest avoiding this particular probiotic while taking Bacillus. So make sure to talk with your healthcare provider!
Non-probiotic uses of Bacillus
Beyond being used as a probiotic, Bacillus bacteria are used in a lot of different places. They are commonly used in food production and various industrial processes due to their ability to produce enzymes and other useful compounds. Some examples include:
- Fermented Foods: B. subtilis is used in the production of fermented foods such as natto, a traditional Japanese dish made from soybeans, and tempeh, a fermented soybean cake from Indonesia.
- Animal Feed: B. subtilis and other Bacillus species are used as probiotics in animal feed to promote gut health, improve digestion, and boost immunity.
- Enzyme Production: Bacillus bacteria are used to produce enzymes such as amylase, protease, and cellulase, which are used in various industrial applications such as laundry detergents, textile processing, and paper manufacturing.
- Bioremediation: Some Bacillus species are used in bioremediation, which is the process of using microorganisms to clean up environmental pollutants. Bacillus bacteria can break down a variety of organic compounds, including petroleum products and pesticides.
- Biotechnology: Bacillus bacteria are used in biotechnology to produce recombinant proteins and other biopharmaceuticals. They are also used as hosts for genetic engineering and other biotechnological applications.
Overall, Bacillus bacteria have a wide range of uses in food production, animal feed, industrial processes, and biotechnology.
Bacillus Probiotic FAQ
How are Bacillus probiotics made?
The specific process for making Bacillus probiotics can vary depending on the manufacturer and the strain of bacteria used, but generally involves the following steps:
- Culture Selection: A specific strain of the bacteria is selected for its ability to survive the harsh conditions of the digestive tract and provide health benefits.
- Growth and Multiplication: The Bacillus bacteria are grown and multiplied in a laboratory setting under controlled conditions, such as temperature, pH, and nutrient availability.
- Fermentation: The bacteria are added to a nutrient-rich medium and allowed to ferment for a period of time. During fermentation, the bacteria multiply and produce beneficial compounds, such as enzymes and organic acids.
- Harvesting and Processing: Once fermentation is complete, the Bacillus probiotics are harvested and processed to remove any impurities or unwanted byproducts. The probiotics are then formulated into supplements, capsules, or powders for distribution.
- Quality Control: The final product undergoes quality control testing to ensure that it meets the manufacturer’s standards for purity, potency, and effectiveness.
The process for making bacteria probiotics is complex. It requires special equipment and good hygiene/sterilization procedures. It’s important to choose a high-quality probiotic supplement from a reputable manufacturer to ensure that you are getting a safe and effective product.
Looking for other probiotic tips?
I’ve written a number of articles on tips on how to get the most out of probiotic supplements, including if you can take them with coffee, if you can take them with apple cider vinegar and more.
