Bacillus subtilis: A Healthy Probiotic Strain
Bacillus subtilis is a rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria that is found in soil and the gut of humans and some types of animals. Bacillus subtilis is commonly included in probiotic supplement formulations. It's a useful and beneficial probiotic that supports digestion, enzyme production, immune and digestive system health. Below are the main health benefits of this specific probiotic strain.
Gut Health and Strain Survivability
The main health benefit of Bacillus subtilis is its ability to help balance the gut, a trait it shares with other probiotics. Bacillus subtilis is a robust strain that not only can withstand the gastrointestinal tract but also can positively affect the composition of the microbiota. It does this by forming endospores — durable protein envelopes that protect it from heat, light, and other stressors.[1]
Because Bacillus subtilis is so vigorous, it's especially valuable in probiotic supplement formulas where it's able to remain viable during manufacturing, packaging, and shipping. In fact, the survivability of this species is so great that Bacillus subtilis is used to study the behavior of microorganisms in space.[2] One study reported that Bacillus subtilis could survive up to six years in space when protected from UV rays.[3]
Resists Harmful Organisms
Studies have shown that this probiotic produces compounds that are naturally disruptive to harmful organisms. In essence, Bacillus subtilis helps displace unfriendly organisms in the body by affecting their ability to colonize.[4]
Several lab studies found that probiotic strains, including Bacillus subtilis, can bind mycotoxins – toxic compounds produced by fungi, especially mold, that often contaminate corn, nuts, and other foods.[5, 6] Not only did probiotic bacteria bind and break down these toxins, some strains were even able to fix cell damage caused by aflatoxins and mycotoxins.[5, 7]
Supports Enzyme Production
Enzymes and probiotics have a symbiotic relationship. Both are critical for digestive and gastrointestinal health. Individually, not only do enzymes promote intestinal integrity, they help create an environment that's favorable to probiotic bacteria.[8]
In turn, Bacillus subtilis supports the production of beneficial enzymes in the gut,[5] including amylase, protease, pullulanase, chitinase, xylanase, and lipase.
Other Health Benefits
Bacillus subtilis offers other incredible health benefits. It may support a healthy immune system, especially in older adults.[9] It also protects the integrity of its DNA – a trait that makes it resistant to mutation.[10] And, perhaps best of all, Bacillus subtilis contributes to a healthy digestive system.[11]
Bacillus subtilis History and Safety
Originally called Vibrio subtilis by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg, a prolific German scientist, Bacillus subtilis was given its current name in 1872 by Ferdinand Cohn, a botanist and one of the founders of bacteriology. In the early 20th century, the strain was popular as a natural means for supporting gastrointestinal health. Since then, it has been used in animal feed, probiotic supplements, and food production. Bacillus subtilis is used in Japan and Korea to produce fermented soybean dishes.[12] This bacteria is considered safe and beneficial for human consumption by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Best Forms of Bacillus subtilis
Bacillus subtilis is readily found in soil, a testament to its ability to withstand environmental stressors. But, that doesn't mean you need to eat a plate of dirt to introduce Bacillus subtilis to your gut. Some fermented foods, such as natto — a fermented soybean dish that's popular in Japan — are a source of Bacillus subtilis and other probiotics. Many people find that the easiest and most consistent way to reliably strengthen their gut with Bacillus subtilis is with the help of a trusted, high-quality probiotic supplement.
Global Healing has created Global Healing's Ultimate Probiotic, a one-of-a-kind probiotic formula that features Bacillus subtilis along with more than twenty other highly beneficial probiotic strains. It's the ultimate product for supporting normal digestion, metabolism, and gut health. Global Healing's Ultimate Probiotic is formulated with prebiotics to help the probiotics flourish, and it’s available in 75 billion CFUs. CFUs, or colony-forming units, refer to individual colonies of bacteria. The more CFUs, the better the strain's potential for success.
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References (12)
- Mckenney PT, et al. "The Bacillus subtilis endospore: assembly and functions of the multilayered coat." Nat Rev Microbiol. 2013;11(1),33-44.
- Kacena M, et al. "Bacterial growth in space flight: logistic growth curve parameters for Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis." Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 1999;51(2),229-234.
- Horneck G, et al. "Space Microbiology." Microbiol Mol Biol Rev . 2010;74(1),121-156.
- Tamehiro N, et al. "Bacilysocin, a Novel Phospholipid Antibiotic Produced by Bacillus subtilis 168." Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2002;46(2),315-320.
- Vinderola G, Ritieni A. "Role of Probiotics Against Mycotoxins and Their Deleterious Effects." J Food Res. 2015;4(1).
- Ma QG, et al. "Protective effect of Bacillus subtilis ANSB060 on egg quality, biochemical and histopathological changes in layers exposed to aflatoxin B1." Poult Sci. 2012;91(11),2852-7.
- Farzaneh M, et al. "Aflatoxin B1 degradation by Bacillus subtilis UTBSP1 isolated from pistachio nuts of Iran." Food Control. 2012;23(1),100-106.
- Latorre JD, et al. "Evaluation and Selection of Bacillus Species Based on Enzyme Production, Antimicrobial Activity, and Biofilm Synthesis as Direct-Fed Microbial Candidates for Poultry." Front Vet Sci. 2016;3,95.
- Lefevre M, et al. "Probiotic Strain Bacillus Subtilis CU1 Stimulates Immune System of Elderly during Common Infectious Disease Period: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study." Immun Ageing . 2015;12,24.
- Lenhart JS, et al. "DNA Repair and Genome Maintenance in Bacillus subtilis." Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews. 2012;76(3),530-564.
- Khatri I, et al. "Complete Genomes of Bacillus coagulans S-Lac and Bacillus subtilis TO-A JPC, Two Phylogenetically Distinct Probiotics." Ed. Niyaz Ahmed. PLoS ONE 11(6),e0156745.
- Kubo Y, et al. "Phylogenetic Analysis of Bacillus subtilis Strains Applicable to Natto (Fermented Soybean) Production." Appl Environ Microbiol. 2011;77(18),6463-6469.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
