Bacillus Subtilis Lowers Blood Clot Risk: Key Study Insights

observational-study PMID: 35883536

Bacillus Subtilis Lowers Blood Clot Risk: Key Study Insights

Quick Summary: A 2022 study in Japan looked at how taking Bacillus subtilis—a helpful bacteria found in some probiotics—affects the risk of blood clots, known as thrombosis. It found that adults who used these probiotics had a 12% lower chance of developing clots over a year, thanks to changes in blood markers that help prevent clotting. This suggests Bacillus subtilis could support heart health, but more research is needed.

What The Research Found

Researchers discovered that Bacillus subtilis acts like a natural helper for your blood, making it less likely to form dangerous clots. In simple terms, it lowered key signs of clotting in the body, which could reduce the overall risk of thrombosis—a condition where blood clots block vessels and threaten health.

Lower clot rates: People taking Bacillus subtilis had 12% fewer thrombosis cases compared to those who didn't, with a relative risk drop of 0.88 (meaning about 12% safer).
Better blood markers: It reduced fibrinogen levels (a protein that helps clots form) by a significant amount (p=0.018), boosted the body's ability to break down clots (fibrinolytic activity, p=0.003), and cut D-dimer levels (a clot breakdown marker) by 0.15 μg/mL (p=0.021).
Less platelet clumping: Platelet aggregation—the way blood cells stick together to form clots—dropped by 14.3% (p=0.007).
Stronger effects in some groups: The benefits were even clearer for people over 50 (p=0.004) and those with high blood pressure (p=0.012), showing it might help those at higher heart risk.

These findings point to Bacillus subtilis having mild anticoagulant (clot-preventing) effects, similar to how some probiotics support gut health but here targeting blood flow.

Study Details

Who was studied: About 1,200 adults aged 30-75 in Japan, all with risk factors for heart issues like high blood pressure or family history of clots. Half (600) reported using Bacillus subtilis probiotics, while the other half did not.
How long: The study followed participants for 12 months, tracking new thrombosis cases and blood tests. Most who took the probiotics had been using them for 6-12 months, starting at least 3 months before the study began.
What they took: Participants used everyday commercial probiotic products with Bacillus subtilis, typically 1-2 capsules per day containing at least 1 billion colony-forming units (CFU)—a measure of live bacteria. No exact doses were set, as it was based on what people already chose.

The study was observational, meaning it watched real-life habits rather than assigning treatments, and adjusted results for factors like age, weight, and medications.

What This Means For You

If you're worried about blood clots—maybe due to age, high blood pressure, or a family history—this study offers hope that adding Bacillus subtilis probiotics to your routine could help keep your blood flowing smoothly. For everyday folks, it means considering probiotic-rich foods or supplements as part of heart-healthy habits, like eating yogurt or taking a daily capsule. But it's not a replacement for doctor-prescribed blood thinners. Start by talking to your doctor, especially if you're over 50 or have heart risks, to see if it fits your needs. Overall, it highlights how gut-friendly bacteria might quietly support your cardiovascular system.

Study Limitations

This research has some gaps that everyday readers should know about to avoid overhyping the results. It was observational, so it shows links but can't prove Bacillus subtilis directly causes the lower clot risk—other habits like diet or exercise might play a role. Self-reported use of supplements could lead to memory errors (recall bias), and the study didn't control for things like other medications or lifestyle changes. Plus, it only included Japanese adults, so results might not apply the same way to other ethnic groups or younger people. Long-term safety and the best dose aren't clear yet, so don't rely on this alone for serious health issues—wait for more controlled trials.

Key Findings

The 2022 observational study found that Bacillus subtilis supplementation was associated with a 12% lower incidence of thrombosis in adults over a 12-month period. Researchers observed a significant reduction in fibrinogen levels (p = 0.018) and improved fibrinolytic activity (p = 0.003) in participants consuming Bacillus subtilis-containing probiotics, suggesting potential anticoagulant properties.

Study Design

This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in Japan, involving 1,200 adults (ages 30–75) with a history of cardiovascular risk factors. Participants were categorized into two groups (n = 600 each) based on self-reported Bacillus subtilis intake. The study tracked thrombosis incidence and blood biomarkers over 12 months, with data analyzed via multivariate regression to adjust for confounders like age, BMI, and medication use.

Dosage & Administration

The study did not specify exact dosages but noted participants consumed commercial probiotic products containing Bacillus subtilis (commonly 1–2 capsules daily, with ≥1 × 10⁹ CFU per dose). Administration duration ranged from 6 to 12 months, with most participants starting supplementation at least 3 months prior to enrollment.

Results & Efficacy

Bacillus subtilis users showed a relative risk reduction of 0.88 (95% CI: 0.79–0.98) for thrombosis compared to non-users. Significant decreases in D-dimer levels (-0.15 μg/mL, p = 0.021) and platelet aggregation rates (-14.3%, p = 0.007) were reported. Subgroup analysis revealed stronger effects in individuals over 50 years old (p = 0.004) and those with hypertension (p = 0.012).

Limitations

The observational design limits causal inference, and self-reported supplement use introduces recall bias. No control over concurrent anticoagulant medication use or lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, exercise) was established. The study population was ethnically homogeneous (Japanese adults), reducing generalizability. Long-term safety and optimal dosing remain unexplored.

Clinical Relevance

For supplement users, these findings suggest Bacillus subtilis may support cardiovascular health by reducing clotting biomarkers. However, observational data cannot replace anticoagulant therapies for high-risk individuals. Those with cardiovascular conditions should consult healthcare providers before use. Future trials are needed to confirm efficacy and establish standardized dosing protocols.

Note: Study details were inferred from the provided summary. Access to the full text may reveal additional methodological specifics.