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Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856

Also known as: Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856, Weizmannia coagulans MTCC 5856, LactoSpore®

Overview

Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 is a spore-forming probiotic strain widely used as a dietary supplement to support gastrointestinal health. Naturally found in soil and fermented foods, it's consumed primarily to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional gas, bloating, and diarrhea. This non-genetically modified strain has GRAS status from the US FDA and has been marketed for nearly three decades. Research includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses focusing on gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric outcomes, indicating a moderate level of evidence with growing clinical interest. Its spore-forming nature enhances its stability and viability through the digestive tract, improving bioavailability compared to non-spore probiotics. It is available in tablet form and is generally well-tolerated.

Benefits

Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 offers several evidence-based benefits. It effectively reduces functional gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and stool frequency in adults with IBS at a dose of 2 billion CFU/day. Network meta-analyses suggest its efficacy in IBS symptom relief. As an adjunct treatment for acute diarrhea in children, it significantly reduces the duration of diarrhea when combined with oral rehydration salts and zinc. Furthermore, in IBS patients with major depressive disorder, it improves depression scores and IBS quality of life, along with reductions in inflammatory biomarkers. Clinical trials consistently report that this strain is well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects in both adults and children.

How it works

Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 works by modulating the gut microbiota and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. As a spore-forming probiotic, it survives gastric acidity and transiently colonizes the gut, producing lactic acid and altering the gut's microbial ecology. It reduces inflammatory biomarkers like myeloperoxidase, suggesting systemic anti-inflammatory activity that may contribute to both gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric benefits. The strain also exhibits motility-inhibiting effects, potentially reducing symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Its spore-forming nature enhances its stability and viability through the GI tract, improving bioavailability compared to non-spore probiotics.

Side effects

Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 is generally considered safe, with a GRAS status. Clinical trials have reported no serious adverse events or significant safety concerns at doses around 2 billion CFU/day in both adults and children. No significant side effects have been reported in well-controlled studies. While no documented significant drug interactions exist, caution is advised in immunocompromised patients due to its probiotic nature. No specific contraindications have been identified in healthy populations; however, use in severely immunocompromised individuals should be approached with caution. It has been safely studied in children for acute diarrhea adjunct therapy and in adults with IBS and depression.

Dosage

The commonly studied and effective dose of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 is 2 billion CFU per day, typically administered in tablet form. No adverse effects have been reported at this dosage; however, higher doses have not been well-studied. There are no specific timing requirements for administration, as the stable spore form allows for flexible usage. The spore form enhances shelf stability and survival through the gastrointestinal tract, improving gut delivery. While 2 billion CFU/day is considered safe, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

FAQs

Is Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 safe for children?

Yes, clinical trials in children with acute diarrhea showed safety and efficacy without adverse events when used as an adjunct therapy.

How long before benefits appear?

Clinical trials suggest symptom improvements can be observed within weeks to 3 months of consistent daily supplementation.

Can it be used for depression?

Evidence supports its adjunctive use in IBS patients with depression, showing improvements in mood and inflammatory markers.

Does it require refrigeration?

No, the spore form is stable at room temperature, making it convenient to store and use without refrigeration.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37686889/ – This network meta-analysis evaluated various probiotic strains for IBS symptom relief. It found that Bacillus coagulans strains ranked among effective probiotics for IBS, although strain-specific data was limited. The study confirms the overall efficacy of probiotics in managing IBS symptoms but notes heterogeneity in probiotic strains and outcome measures.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9982755/ – This randomized, placebo-controlled trial assessed the impact of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 on adults experiencing abdominal gas and bloating. The study found a significant reduction in gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort with the use of the probiotic. The probiotic was found to be safe, with no adverse events reported during the trial.
https://foodandnutritionresearch.net/index.php/fnr/article/view/1218 – This double-blind RCT investigated the effects of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 in IBS patients with major depressive disorder over 90 days. Results showed significant improvements in depression scales and IBS quality of life, along with a reduction in the inflammatory biomarker myeloperoxidase. The study suggests potential benefits for mood disorders associated with IBS, but the small sample size warrants replication in larger cohorts.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/17/3856 – This article is a review of Bacillus coagulans as a functional ingredient. It highlights the safety and efficacy of Bacillus coagulans in various applications, including gut health and immune support. The review emphasizes the spore-forming nature of the bacteria, which enhances its stability and survival in harsh conditions.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2023.1338126/pdf – This randomized controlled trial examined the effect of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 on acute diarrhea in children. The study found that the probiotic reduced the mean duration of diarrhea and improved dehydration status, with no adverse events reported. The findings suggest that Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 can be a safe and effective adjunct therapy for acute diarrhea in children.