Bacillus subtilis (spore probiotic)
What it is
A spore-forming soil probiotic with excellent gastric survival (spores resist stomach acid and heat) and a distinct mechanism from lactobacilli. B. subtilis DE111, HU58, and R0179 strains have RCT evidence for improved bowel regularity, reduced bloating, and immune modulation. Spore probiotics transiently colonise — they don't establish permanent residency but produce bioactive metabolites (bacteriocins, nattokinase-like enzymes) and crowd out pathogens during transit. Generally well-tolerated; rare bacteraemia concerns in severely immunocompromised patients.
Dose
1–5 billion CFU (spore-based) daily
Time of day & tips
Do not require refrigeration (key advantage); take with meals; particularly useful when Lactobacillus/Bifido probiotics have failed; 4-8 weeks to assess
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