Bacillus subtilis: A Probiotic Powerhouse
Bacillus subtilis is a rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacterium commonly found in soil and the digestive tracts of humans and some animals. This bacterium is often included in probiotic supplements due to its numerous health benefits. It supports digestion, enzyme production, and overall immune and digestive system health. Let’s explore the main health benefits of this remarkable probiotic strain.
Gut Health and Strain Survivability
The primary health benefit of Bacillus subtilis is its ability to balance the gut microbiome, a trait it shares with other probiotics. This robust strain can survive the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and positively influence the composition of gut microbiota. It achieves this by forming endospores, which are durable protein envelopes that protect it from heat, light, and other stressors.
Due to its resilience, Bacillus subtilis is particularly valuable in probiotic supplements, as it remains viable during manufacturing, packaging, and shipping. Its survivability is so impressive that it has been used to study microorganism behavior in space. One study even reported that Bacillus subtilis could survive up to six years in space when shielded from UV rays.
Resists Harmful Organisms
Research has shown that Bacillus subtilis produces compounds that naturally disrupt harmful organisms. Essentially, it helps displace unfriendly organisms in the body by affecting their ability to colonize. Several laboratory studies have found that probiotic strains, including Bacillus subtilis, can bind mycotoxins— toxic compounds produced by fungi, especially mold, that often contaminate foods like corn and nuts. Not only do these probiotic bacteria bind and break down these toxins, but some strains can also repair cell damage caused by aflatoxins and mycotoxins.
Supports Enzyme Production
Enzymes and probiotics have a symbiotic relationship, both being critical for digestive and gastrointestinal health. Enzymes promote intestinal integrity and create an environment favorable to probiotic bacteria. In turn, Bacillus subtilis supports the production of beneficial enzymes in the gut, including amylase, protease, pullulanase, chitinase, xylanase, and lipase.
Other Health Benefits
Bacillus subtilis offers additional health benefits. It may support a healthy immune system, particularly in older adults, and it protects the integrity of its DNA, making it resistant to mutation. Most importantly, it contributes to a healthy digestive system.
Bacillus subtilis History and Safety
Originally named Vibrio subtilis by Christian Gottfried Ehrenberg, a prolific German scientist, Bacillus subtilis received its current name in 1872 from Ferdinand Cohn, a botanist and one of the founders of bacteriology. In the early 20th century, this 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. In Japan and Korea, Bacillus subtilis is used to produce fermented soybean dishes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) consider this bacterium safe and beneficial for human consumption.
Best Forms of Bacillus subtilis
Bacillus subtilis is commonly found in soil, showcasing its ability to withstand environmental stressors. However, you don’t need to eat dirt to introduce this bacterium to your gut. Some fermented foods, such as natto—a fermented soybean dish popular in Japan—are sources of Bacillus subtilis and other probiotics. Many people find that the easiest and most consistent way to strengthen their gut with Bacillus subtilis is through high-quality probiotic supplements.
Global Healing has created Global Healing’s Ultimate Probiotic, a unique probiotic formula featuring Bacillus subtilis along with more than twenty other highly beneficial probiotic strains. This product supports normal digestion, metabolism, and gut health. Formulated with prebiotics to help the probiotics flourish, it’s available in 75 billion CFUs (colony-forming units), ensuring the strain’s potential for success.