Taking probiotics can be a great way to improve your health. But what probiotic strain is best? Here we’ll discuss Bacillus coagulans (and, in particular, the GBI 30 6086 strain) and why it’s a good choice for digestive and immune health.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics definition: According to the World Health Organization, probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms which when consumed in adequate amounts as part of food confer a health benefit on the host” (1).
Essentially, probiotics are good bacteria, and you can add them to your microbiome simply by consuming them.
If your microbiome is imbalanced -- meaning there’s too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria in it -- you may experience digestive and other health issues. Rebalancing your microbiome may reduce your symptoms.
There are plenty of benefits to taking probiotics, so it’s no wonder you might be looking to incorporate them into your routine.
But you’re probably also wondering… which probiotic strain works best?
The Importance of Probiotic Strains
There are several kinds of good bacteria out there -- and each benefits its host (you) in a different way.
When you look at a name of a probiotic, there are three parts to it: the genus, the species, and the strain.
Let’s use our probiotic, Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086 (Ganeden BC30), as an example.
The genus is the first word, Bacillus. The second word is the species, coagulans.
And the combination of letters and numbers trailing afterwards, GBI 30 6086, identifies the strain, which is incredibly important. Why?
Well, different probiotic strains do different things.
For example, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is great for killing off parasites, but Lactobacillus rhamnosus PB01 is good for reproductive organ health. See how those last few letters and numbers make a world of a difference?
When picking a probiotic, it’s important to consider how it affects the body and how well researched it is. Some probiotics are researched more than others -- you want to make sure your money is going toward a probiotic that has scientific evidence supporting its safety and efficacy.
Bacillus coagulans Benefits
There are several strains of Bacillus coagulans that may offer health benefits.
But today, we’ll focus on one that’s proven to be effective for digestive health and immunity: Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086 (Ganeden BC30).
Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086 may particularly benefit the following:
- Reducing diarrhea
- Reducing abdominal pain and bloating
- Increasing immunity
- Properly digesting food
Bacillus coagulans and Diarrhea
In one study, diarrhea-predominant IBS patients received Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086 (Ganeden BC30) or a placebo once a day for 8 weeks.
The results showed that the patients’ number of bowel movements (diarrhea episodes) per day was significantly reduced in those taking the probiotic.
Bacillus coagulans and Abdominal Pain and Bloating
A study examining abdominal pain and bloating gave IBS patients Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086 or a placebo once a day for 8 weeks.
The patients rated their abdominal pain and bloating daily for the entirety of the study -- their abdominal pain and bloating was significantly reduced by the end of the study.
Bacillus coagulans and Immunity
A study examined Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086’s effects on patients’ levels of immune cells after being exposed to the flu and a respiratory virus.
After being exposed to the sicknesses, patients consumed Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086 once a day for 30 days. The patients’ immune cell counts significantly increased in response to consistent consumption of the probiotic.
Bacillus coagulans and Digestion
A study examined the effect of Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086 in properly digesting food -- particularly, in absorbing and utilizing protein. Supplementing this probiotic strain showed improved absorption and utilization of protein, which researchers believe may help maximize the health benefits associated with protein intake.
The results of these studies, among others, strongly suggest that supplementing with Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086 may improve digestion and immunity.
Takeaway: Bacillus Coagulans Benefits
Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086 (Ganeden BC30) may improve digestive symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain and bloating, in addition to potentially improving immunity, and enhancing the digestion and absorption of food.
If you’re looking for benefits to your digestive and immune systems, Bacillus coagulans GBI 30 6086 (Ganeden BC30) may be a good fit for you!
Resources
- BJ;, Dolin. “Effects of a Proprietary Bacillus Coagulans Preparation on Symptoms of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2009, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20140275/.
- Jäger, Ralf, et al. “Probiotic Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30, 6086 Improves Protein Absorption and Utilization.” Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, Springer US, Dec. 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6208742/.
- L;, Hun. “Bacillus Coagulans Significantly Improved Abdominal Pain and Bloating in Patients With IBS.” Postgraduate Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2009, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19332970/.
- M;, Baron. “A Patented Strain of Bacillus Coagulans Increased Immune Response to Viral Challenge.” Postgraduate Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2009, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19332969/.
