Bacillus subtilis BS50: Boosts Gut Health in 6 Weeks
Quick Summary: A clinical trial tested Bacillus subtilis BS50, a tough probiotic bacteria, in healthy adults for 6 weeks. It improved stool consistency and reduced bloating without side effects or changes to blood markers. This suggests it's a safe option for everyday digestive support.
What The Research Found
Researchers looked at how daily Bacillus subtilis BS50 affects digestion in healthy people. Bacillus subtilis is a spore-forming probiotic, meaning it survives stomach acid better than many other good bacteria, making it great for foods and supplements.
Key results included:
- Better stool consistency: People taking BS50 had firmer, more regular stools, scoring 0.6 points higher on a standard stool scale compared to those on a placebo (a fake pill). This was a clear improvement (p=0.002).
- Less bloating: Bloating severity dropped by 23% in the BS50 group versus placebo (p=0.004), helping with that uncomfortable full feeling.
- No other big changes: It didn't affect abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, blood fats like cholesterol, or inflammation markers in the blood.
- Safe and easy to tolerate: No one reported side effects, and gut comfort stayed steady.
These findings show BS50 targets specific gut issues without broader impacts on metabolism or inflammation.
Study Details
- Who was studied: 76 healthy adults aged 18-65 with normal weight (BMI 18.5-30). They had no major gut problems to start.
- How long: 6 weeks of daily use, with check-ins at the beginning and end.
- What they took: One capsule daily with 2 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of Bacillus subtilis BS50. The placebo group got empty capsules that looked the same.
Doctors tracked symptoms daily through questionnaires on gut feelings and bowel habits. They also tested blood for safety and inflammation at the start and finish.
What This Means For You
If you're dealing with occasional bloating or irregular stools, Bacillus subtilis BS50 could offer simple relief. It's durable, so it works well in yogurts, drinks, or pills without needing refrigeration.
- For daily wellness: Add it to your routine for better gut regularity—think smoother bathroom visits and less puffiness after meals.
- Who might benefit: Healthy folks wanting preventive support; it's not a fix for serious conditions like IBS, but a gentle boost.
- How to use it: Look for supplements with at least 2 billion CFU daily. Always check with a doctor if you have health issues or take meds.
- Real-life tip: Pair it with fiber-rich foods for even better results, but start slow to see how your body responds.
This probiotic shines for short-term gut tweaks, making it accessible for busy people seeking natural digestive aid.
Study Limitations
Every study has limits, so here's what to keep in mind:
- Small group: Only 76 people, so results might vary in larger crowds.
- Short time frame: Just 6 weeks— we don't know about long-term use or effects.
- Healthy participants only: It may not help those with gut disorders like IBS; more research needed there.
- Self-reported data: Symptoms came from daily logs, which can be subjective.
- Missing details: No info on how it changes gut bacteria overall or affects quality of life.
For the best advice, talk to a healthcare pro and consider bigger studies for full confidence.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
Daily supplementation with Bacillus subtilis BS50 (2 × 10⁹ CFU) for 6 weeks significantly improved stool consistency (Bristol Stool Scale score +0.6 vs. placebo, p=0.002) and reduced bloating severity (p=0.004) in healthy adults. No significant changes were observed in other gastrointestinal symptoms, plasma lipids, or inflammation markers (CRP, LBP, IL-10). The probiotic was well-tolerated with no adverse events reported.
Study Design
This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial involving 76 healthy adults (aged 18–65 years, BMI 18.5–30). Participants were assigned to either BS50 or placebo capsules for 6 weeks. Gastrointestinal symptoms were tracked daily via the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Bowel Habits Diary (BHD). Clinical labs (hematology, lipids, intestinal permeability) and safety assessments were conducted at baseline and week 6. Analyses included intent-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) populations.
Dosage & Administration
Participants received 2 × 10⁹ CFU/day of Bacillus subtilis BS50 in capsule form, administered once daily. The placebo group received identical capsules without active bacteria. Supplementation occurred for 6 weeks, with compliance monitored via capsule counts.
Results & Efficacy
- Stool consistency: BS50 increased BSS scores by 0.6 vs. placebo (p=0.002; 95% CI not specified).
- Bloating: Severity scores decreased by 23% with BS50 vs. placebo (p=0.004).
- Other GSRS subscales (abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation): No significant differences.
- Biomarkers: No changes in GLP-1, PYY, CRP, LBP, IL-10, or lipid profiles (total-C, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG).
- Safety: No serious adverse events; GI tolerance scores (GITQ) remained stable. Results were consistent in both ITT and PP analyses.
Limitations
- Small sample size (n=76) and short duration (6 weeks) limit long-term safety and efficacy insights.
- Participants were healthy adults; findings may not generalize to individuals with functional GI disorders (FGIDs) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Self-reported symptom data (GSRS, BHD) may introduce bias.
- Lack of mechanistic data (e.g., gut microbiota composition, spore germination rates) and unmeasured endpoints (e.g., quality of life).
Clinical Relevance
Bacillus subtilis BS50 demonstrates potential as a safe, transient probiotic for improving stool consistency and alleviating bloating in healthy individuals. Its spore-forming durability may enhance formulation into foods and supplements. However, the absence of effects on inflammation, metabolic markers, or other GI symptoms suggests targeted benefits rather than broad systemic impacts. Larger trials in clinical populations (e.g., IBS, dysbiosis) and longer-term studies are needed to confirm applicability. For supplement users, this supports BS50 as a viable option for short-term digestive support without significant safety concerns.
Note: The study’s abstract appears truncated in the provided summary, limiting access to full methodological details. The URL links to the full text (PMID: 36269141) for further review.
