Introduction
Maintaining a healthy gut is paramount for overall well-being, influencing digestion, immune function, and metabolic processes. Among the various probiotics available, Bacillus subtilis DE111® stands out as a clinically tested strain known for its resilience and diverse health benefits. This article delves into the advantages of Bacillus subtilis DE111®, exploring its mechanisms of action, clinical applications, and potential for improving overall health.
What is Bacillus Subtilis DE111?
Bacillus subtilis is a "good" bacterium naturally present in the human gut and fermented foods, aiding in food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and combating harmful organisms. The Bacillus family boasts several probiotic species, including Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus clausii, all demonstrating success in alleviating digestive issues. Traditionally, Bacillus species have been employed for their antimicrobial properties and in food fermentation.
Bacillus subtilis DE111 is a spore-forming bacterial strain that germinates in the small intestine within hours of ingestion. Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes, acquired by ADM in 2021, developed and commercialized this strain. The DE111 strain of Bacillus subtilis has been considered as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance.
Gut Health Benefits
Balancing Gut Bacteria
Soil-based probiotics, including Bacillus subtilis, play a crucial role in balancing gut bacteria. These microorganisms effectively combat the effects of detrimental bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, such as C. difficile and H. pylori, especially when used alongside conventional antibiotic therapy.
Reducing Intestinal Inflammation and Healing "Leaky Gut"
An unhealthy and inflamed digestive mucosa can lead to cells lining the gut separating, disrupting the digestive barrier and causing "leaky-gut syndrome." Bacillus subtilis benefits include lowering intestinal inflammation, healing the mucosal lining, and improving barrier function, thereby enhancing digestive health.
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Surviving Digestion
The spore-forming nature of Bacillus probiotics enables them to withstand destructive digestive processes, ensuring their unharmed passage into the digestive tract.
Alleviating IBS Symptoms and Gut Health Conditions
Bacillus species offer numerous gastrointestinal health benefits, primarily in combating IBS symptoms and other gut health conditions. While Bacillus coagulans is the most researched strain for IBS, other Bacillus species like B. subtilis also show promise. Bacillus subtilis demonstrates success in treating IBS when combined with a low FODMAP diet and medications that reduce bloating and abdominal pain, such as simethicone. Studies reveal that B. coagulans effectively reduces the severity of chronic constipation. Furthermore, Bacillus clausii and Bacillus subtilis strains can alleviate loose stools, as seen in chronic diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical studies support DE111's efficacy in promoting digestive regularity, immune function, and metabolic balance. These benefits are amplified when combined with prebiotic sources like polyphenol-rich fruit purees and citrus pectin.
Benefits Beyond the Gut
Immune Function
Supplementing with B. subtilis positively impacts immune function and may have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular Health
B. subtilis may protect against cardiovascular disease by increasing beneficial bile acids with lipid-lowering effects. Studies have revealed that B. subtilis supplementation resulted in a noteworthy decrease in total cholesterol relative to baseline measures, as well as non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Moreover, there were improvements in endothelial function and in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.
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Pain Relief
One study demonstrated the pain-relieving effect of Bacillus subtilis in patients, effectively reducing neck and shoulder tension symptoms and improving headache scores.
Metabolic Health
DE111 supplementation was associated with increases in levels of 12,13-diHOME lipokine, a molecule linked to greater skeletal muscle respiration and fatty acid uptake. DE111 has the capacity to enhance body composition in athletes and management of lipids in blood. The expression of proteins involved in fatty acid and lipid metabolism was also beneficially affected. Increases in two plant polyphenols linked to digestion of oats were also observed: Trigonelline and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid. These plant alkaloids have hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects, helping elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms by which DE111 can help control lipid levels in the body
Safety and Usage
Research indicates that soil-based probiotics are generally safe, but purchasing from a reputable vendor is crucial. Look for probiotic strains and Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) listed on the bottle label. Bacillus subtilis strains BS50, B2335, CU1, MB40, MY02, and R0179 have been safely used in doses of 2-10 billion CFUs daily for 2-8 weeks.
Potential Side Effects
When taken orally, some B. subtilis strains are commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, B. subtilis is possibly safe for most people. It seems to be well-tolerated.
Precautions
It is essential to exercise caution when considering B. subtilis supplementation, especially for specific populations.
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- Pregnancy and Breast-feeding: Due to limited reliable information, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and adhere to food amounts during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
- Children: The safety of Bacillus subtilis for children, including premature infants, requires further investigation.
- Weakened Immune System: Individuals with compromised immune systems should consult their healthcare provider before taking probiotics, including B. subtilis, due to the potential risk of blood infections.
Interactions
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics can reduce the effects of B. subtilis. To avoid this interaction, take B. subtilis products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics.
Dosage
In adults, B. subtilis is typically taken orally, alone or with other probiotics, at doses of 2-5 billion CFUs daily for up to 8 weeks. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended to determine the most suitable product and dosage for specific conditions.
DE111®: Genomic Advantages and Immune Modulation
Recent genomic studies have identified genes within DE111® that encode for acid and stress tolerance mechanisms, enabling it to thrive in the gastrointestinal environment. DE111® promotes immune health by boosting key components like IgA, regulating the body’s natural defenses. DE111® aids in producing seven amino acids, including five essential amino acids: threonine, tryptophan, methionine, leucine, and lysine.
DE111® Enhanced with Prebiotics
Combining DE111® with prebiotics enhances its effectiveness. Prebiotics, found in fruits like apples, berries, and grapes, and citrus pectin, act as food for beneficial bacteria, supporting their growth in the gut.
Probiotic Gummies: A Convenient Solution
Probiotic gummies offer a convenient and enjoyable way to maintain a daily probiotic regimen, ensuring consistent support for gut health and immune function. Clean label probiotic gummies, naturally sweetened with fruit concentrates and free from artificial additives, provide a healthy and convenient solution for busy lifestyles.
Studies on DE111
Acute Physiological Effects
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Beneficial Microbes explored the acute physiological effects of oral ingestion of Bacillus subtilis DE111. The study revealed that DE111 supplementation had a limited effect on the diversity and relative abundance of microbes in the gut in a short period of time, suggesting a beneficial role of DE111 in digestion, metabolism, and immune health that appears to begin within hours of consumption.
Gut Microbiota and Cardiovascular Health
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 4-week intervention conducted in individuals 18 to 65 years of age with a body mass index of 20 to 34.9, we saw no significant changes in measured CVD parameters among individuals consuming B. lactis with or without bacteriophages. However, B. subtilis supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol relative to baseline measures, as well as non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol.
Immune and Hormonal Status in Athletes
A study examined the effects of Bacillus subtilis DE111 supplementation on immune and hormonal markers in collegiate male athletes. The study found that TNF-α concentrations were significantly lower in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group. A main effect for time was observed for increased testosterone, IL-10, SIgA rate, and SIgM rate following offseason training.
Functional Capabilities of DE111
A study was conducted to delineate the mechanisms involved in the efficacy of DE111. The functional capabilities of this probiotic strain were further interrogated including temperature stability, adhesion to mucous and non-mucous secreting intestinal cell lines, and antioxidant activity. To understand the overall probiotic potential, the genetic repertoire of DE111® required for surviving harsh gastric transit and conferring health benefits was coupled with the phenotypic, enzymatic and metabolomics data generated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and other methodologies.