We invite you to read our series of articles on the microbiota and prebiotics (Part 4)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are probiotics and prebiotics the same thing?

No – they are two different things that perform different functions in the gut. A probiotic is a live bacterium (or yeast) with documented health benefits. A prebiotic is an indigestible dietary component that acts as food for specific ‘good’ bacteria. In short: a probiotic supplies microorganisms, whilst a prebiotic ‘feeds’ them and supports their growth.

You could compare it to sowing seeds in a garden: a probiotic is like new seeds, whilst a prebiotic is like fertiliser and good soil. Without soil and fertiliser, even the best seeds won’t grow as well as they could.

Key points:

• probiotic = live bacteria
• prebiotic = food for specific bacteria
• They work best together, but each one also has its own merit.

Can I take prebiotics on their own, without probiotics?

Yes, in many cases, a prebiotic on its own can be very effective. For people who do not have serious microbiota imbalances but, for example, eat few vegetables and struggle with constipation, bloating or mild intestinal discomfort, a well-chosen prebiotic acts as a ‘daily fertiliser’ for the gut flora. It supports the bacteria that are already there, rather than adding new ones.

A prebiotic can be particularly helpful when the aim is to:

• control of bowel movements,
• improved gut health,
• support for the intestinal barrier and SCFA production,
• long-term gut health maintenance.

In more complex situations (e.g. following a course of antibiotics, in IBS, or inflammatory bowel disease), combining a prebiotic with a probiotic – a synbiotic – will usually be a more effective and better-documented approach.

When will I see the effects of the probiotic or prebiotic?

It depends on the desired effect. In acute cases – such as post-antibiotic diarrhoea – a suitably chosen probiotic (e.g. RestorFlora PD™) can take effect within a few dozen hours. For more complex goals, such as boosting immunity, regulating the microbiota or improving metabolism, we’re talking about weeks or even months of regular use.

Indicative timeframe:

• severe diarrhoea – often improves within 1–3 days,
• regulation of bowel movements, constipation – 5–14 days,
• improvement in bowel comfort and bloating – 2–4 weeks,
• immune support – usually 4–12 weeks,
• effect on metabolic parameters – usually at least 8–12 weeks.

The microbiota doesn’t ‘flip’ like a switch – it’s more like a garden that needs to be watered, fertilised and given time to grow.

Is all fibre a prebiotic?

No. Fibre as such has numerous benefits (including increasing stool bulk, improving peristalsis and slowing down glucose absorption), but only certain types of fibre meet the criteria for a prebiotic. A prebiotic must be indigestible, fermented by the microbiota, and selectively promote the growth of specific beneficial bacteria.

In practice, this means that:

• Every prebiotic is a type of fibre,
• but not all fibre deserves to be called a prebiotic.

We discussed prebiotics in more detail in the first part of our series on the microbiota and prebiotics:

https://novolabs.pl/artykul/dlaczego-mikrobiota-jelitowa-ma-takie-znaczenie/

The best-known prebiotics include inulin, FOS, GOS, resistant starch and arabinogalactan – these are ingredients found in more advanced prebiotic formulas, such as MegaPre™.

Will the gut microbiota recover on its own after a course of antibiotics?

Not entirely. The microbiota does have some ability to regenerate, but this happens slowly and does not always return to its ‘original state’. Following antibiotic treatment, some bacteria disappear, the diversity of the microbiota decreases, and it becomes easier for opportunistic and pathogenic species to overgrow. Research suggests that a spontaneous return to relative balance can take months, and sometimes years.

Inclusion of a prebiotic and a probiotic:

• speeds up the restoration of balance,
• reduces the risk of post-antibiotic diarrhoea,
• supports the renewed production of SCFAs,
• helps to restore the intestinal barrier,
• prevents overgrowth of Candida or C. difficile.

That is why, after taking antibiotics, it is worth thinking not only about ‘how to get through the course of treatment’, but also about ‘how to restore the gut microbiota after treatment’.

Is it possible to take too many probiotics?

Yes, although it’s very difficult. Probiotics are a bit like vitamin supplements – in theory they’re ‘good’, but in excess or at the wrong time they can do more harm than good. Too high a dose, the wrong strain, or taking probiotics when the gut is severely disrupted can lead to increased bloating, constipation, overflow, abdominal pain or a feeling of a “bloated stomach”.

In most healthy people, an excess of probiotics will mainly result in discomfort. However, in people who are severely immunosuppressed, who have undergone transplants, who have advanced cancer, or who have damage to the intestinal barrier, probiotics should only be taken after consulting a doctor.

Reasonable rules:

• select strains for the indication,
• do not keep increasing the doses indefinitely ‘just in case’,
• monitor your body's reactions,
• for people with chronic conditions – the decision lies with the doctor, not the internet.

Is there any point in taking prebiotics or probiotics whilst on hormonal contraception?

Definitely yes. Hormonal contraception can indirectly affect the gut and vaginal microbiota – for example, through changes in hormone levels and the immune response. Some women experience recurrent vaginal infections, bloating, constipation or mood swings during this time.

Prebiotics and probiotics do not ‘neutralise’ the effects of the contraceptive pill, but they can help the body cope with the side effects of lifestyle factors and hormonal changes:

• help maintain a healthy gut microbiota,
• indirectly support the gut-brain axis,
• help to stabilise the intestinal and immune barriers,
• Some strains, even when taken orally, can modulate the vaginal microbiota by increasing lactic acid production and optimising pH (e.g. those contained in Vaginal Balance™), which helps to reduce vaginal dryness, boost resistance to infections and improve women’s quality of life.

This isn’t a cure for the side effects of contraception, but rather part of maintaining the body’s balance, particularly if you experience digestive symptoms, recurrent genital infections or a weakened immune system.

Do prebiotics and probiotics help with weight management?

Yes and no. There is no scientifically valid ‘weight-loss probiotic’. However, studies do show that the composition of the microbiota differs in overweight and obese individuals compared to those of normal weight, and that modulating the microbiota may support metabolism. In recent years, researchers have been paying particular attention to the bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila. Clinical and metagenomic studies consistently show that low levels of A. muciniphila correlate with:

• obesity and insulin resistance,
• type 2 diabetes,
• non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD),
• low-grade inflammation (‘metabolic endotoxemia’).

In obese individuals, levels of A. muciniphila can be as much as 3–5 times lower than in lean individuals.

Prebiotics and probiotics can:

• improve insulin sensitivity,
• influence satiety via SCFAs and gut hormones,
• reduce low-grade inflammation, lower levels of metabolic endotoxemia,
• help regulate blood sugar levels,
• increase the intestinal population of A. mucinophila (particularly prebiotics from the xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) group)

This means they can be an important part of a weight-loss strategy – but always as a complement to diet, exercise, sleep and stress management, rather than a magic substitute for these elements.

Is there any point in taking prebiotics or probiotics if you have coeliac disease?

Yes. In coeliac disease, the cornerstone of treatment is a strict gluten-free diet – there are no shortcuts here. At the same time, it is known that in many people with coeliac disease, the gut microbiota is disrupted, and the intestines have been exposed to inflammation and damage to the villi for a long time.

Prebiotics and probiotics can play a supportive role here:

• improve gut health,
• support the regeneration of the epithelium and the intestinal barrier,
• reduce inflammation,
• promote regular bowel movements,
• to aid digestion and the absorption of certain nutrients as the intestines begin to heal.

In addition to prebiotics and probiotics, plant polyphenols and amino acids such as glutamine, proline, serine, threonine and cysteine (contained in the MegaMucosa™ supplement) also help to support the regeneration of the intestinal barrier.A prerequisite: a gluten-free diet first; only on this foundation is it worth building support for the microbiota.

Is there any point in taking prebiotics or probiotics for Crohn’s disease?

Yes, but. In Crohn’s disease, the role of the microbiota is very significant, but this is an area requiring particular caution. It is a chronic, inflammatory condition characterised by periods of flare-ups and remission. Prebiotics and probiotics can provide some support, but they are no substitute for treatment administered by a gastroenterologist.

During remission, carefully selected prebiotics can:

• support butter producers,
• support the intestinal barrier,
• help maintain a more stable microbiota,
• reduce inflammation.

There is research suggesting that certain probiotics may be beneficial for IBD, but their selection and dosage should be determined on a case-by-case basis. During a flare-up, the intestines are highly sensitive – in such cases, the treating doctor always takes the lead.

Are prebiotics safe for people with SIBO?

Yes, but. This is one of the trickiest questions. SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) is a condition where there are too many bacteria in a place where there should normally be very few. If, at this stage, we ‘add fuel to the fire’ by taking a prebiotic, the symptoms may worsen: more gas, pain and bloating.

In a healthy digestive system, prebiotics reach the large intestine and ferment there, exactly where they should.

In SIBO, some bacteria migrate to the small intestine → fermentation begins too early, leading to:

• bloating,
• bouncing,
• “gurgling” and pain in the upper abdomen.

This is precisely why people with SIBO react more strongly even to small amounts of fibre.

This does not mean that prebiotics are ‘bad’ – it simply means that their type, quantity and timing of introduction play a very important role here. Usually, one does not start with classic “bifidogenic” prebiotics (inulin, FOS, GOS), as these are short-chain, easily fermentable oligosaccharides (high in FODMAPs) which may exacerbate symptoms.

For people with SIBO, it is recommended to take prebiotics containing low-viscosity, slowly fermentable fibre that acts mainly in the large intestine, such as: 

• partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG),
• acacia fibre (gum arabic), 
• arabino-galactans,
• arabinose-glucosides.

If someone has SIBO and feels worse after taking a prebiotic, it’s not ‘their fault’ – it’s a sign that their gut needs a different approach.

Is bloating after taking a prebiotic normal?

Yes, to a certain extent, this is a normal part of the adaptation process. Prebiotics are fermented by bacteria in the large intestine, and fermentation produces gas and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In people with a very ‘hungry’ gut microbiota, the gut may react quite strongly.

Most commonly, bloating and flatulence:

• appear in the first few days,
• gradually fade as they adapt,
• subside after 5–7 days or following a slight reduction in the dose.

Good practice:

• start with half the dose,
• increase gradually,
• stay hydrated (essential) and keep active,
• Do not stop taking the supplement after a single ‘bad’ day if the symptoms are mild.

Read now or save for later:

Part 1: Why is the gut microbiota so important?: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/dlaczego-mikrobiota-jelitowa-ma-takie-znaczenie/

Part 2: How probiotics and prebiotics work: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/jak-dzialaja-probiotyki-i-prebiotyki/

Part 3: Why does combining a prebiotic and a probiotic (a synbiotic) produce the best results?: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/dlaczego-synbiotyk-dziala-najskuteczniej-i-dla-kogo/

Part 4: Frequently asked questions about prebiotics and probiotics: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/najczesciej-zadawane-pytania-o-prebiotyki-i-probiotyki/

Part 5: MegaPre™: a precisely targeted prebiotic https://novolabs.pl/artykul/megapre-precyzyjnie-ukierunkowany-prebiotyk/

Part 6: For experts: MegaPre™ in clinical practice https://novolabs.pl/artykul/dla-ekspertow-megapre-w-praktyce-klinicznej/

We invite you to read our series of articles on the microbiota and prebiotics (Part 2)

How do probiotics work?

Probiotics perform many functions simultaneously – some of these are felt by the patient almost immediately (e.g. relief from diarrhoea), whilst others work more subtly, regulating the immune system and metabolism. Recent research shows that probiotics:

• affect the composition of the microbiota,
• communicate with immune cells and the intestinal epithelium,
• modulate the inflammatory response and the intestinal barrier.

The main mechanisms of action of probiotics:

• Competition with pathogens
  • occupy sites of adhesion on the intestinal epithelium,
  • use up the available nutrients,
  • produce substances with antibacterial properties.
• • increased mucus production,
  • effect on tight junction proteins (claudins, occludin),
  • a reduction in the permeability of the intestinal barrier.
  : Strengthening the intestinal barrier
• • activation and regulation of dendritic cells,
  • effect on the Th1/Th2/Treg balance,
  • reduction of chronic inflammation.
  : Modulation of the immune system

Examples of probiotic microorganism strains used industrially with proven efficacy in clinical trials (source: Kordowska-Wiater, Małgorzata. “Probiotics – functional and technological aspects.” Advances in Microbiology 52, no. 2 (2013): 161–170.)

Species / Strain	Clinical application / proven efficacy
Lactobacillus acidophilus	Ulcerative colitis; treatment of bowel motility disorders.
L. acidophilus + L. bulgaricus	Reducing the risk of post-antibiotic diarrhoea.
L. acidophilus + B. longum	Reducing the risk of post-antibiotic diarrhoea.
L. acidophilus + B. bifidum + L. bulgaricus + S. thermophilus	Reducing the risk of traveller’s diarrhoea (preliminary results).
L. casei rhamnosus Lcr35	Treatment of functional constipation.
L. casei DN-114 001	To increase the eradication rate of H. pylori and reduce treatment-related side effects.
L. casei DN-114 001 + S. thermophilus + L. bulgaricus	Prevention of post-antibiotic diarrhoea and C. difficile infections (in people aged over 50).
L. rhamnosus GG	Ulcerative colitis; reduction in atopic dermatitis symptoms; prevention of post-antibiotic diarrhoea; competition with pathogens; increased mucin secretion; moderate efficacy in community-acquired and hospital-acquired diarrhoea in children; reduction in C. difficile recurrences; fewer adverse effects in the treatment of H. pylori.
L. rhamnosus Pen + L. rhamnosus E/N + L. rhamnosus Oxy	Prevention of post-antibiotic diarrhoea.
L. rhamnosus 19070-2 + L. reuteri DSM 12246	Treatment of acute infectious diarrhoea.
L. reuteri	Rotavirus diarrhoea; reducing the duration of diarrhoea in children.
L. bulgaricus	The production of bacteriocins; the breakdown of lactose in yoghurt – a benefit for those with lactose intolerance.
L. plantarum 299v	Adhesion to the epithelium, increased mucin secretion; reduced recurrence of C. difficile.
L. plantarum DSM 9843	Treatment of bowel motility disorders.
L. lactis DN-173 010	Treatment of functional constipation.
Bifidobacterium animalis	Shortening of the intestinal tract (in older people).
B. lactis Bb-12 (+ Streptococcus thermophilus)	Relief of atopic dermatitis symptoms; prevention of post-antibiotic and rotavirus diarrhoea in children.
Escherichia coli Nissle 1917	Ulcerative colitis; remission of Crohn’s disease; treatment of defecation disorders.
Saccharomyces boulardii	Acute and post-antibiotic diarrhoea; neutralisation of C. difficile toxins; remission of Crohn’s disease; reduction of side effects associated with H. pylori treatment; traveller’s diarrhoea.

How do prebiotics work?

To understand how prebiotics work, we need to view the gut as a living ecosystem. For bacteria to grow, they need the right nutrients. Prebiotics act as a targeted fertiliser – they support only the strains we want to cultivate and help them multiply rapidly.

Unlike probiotics, which we add like building blocks, prebiotics strengthen the foundations of the entire microbial ecosystem.

The main effects of prebiotics:

• selective stimulation of ‘good’ bacteria (e.g. Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus),
• increased production of SCFAs (including butyrate),
• strengthening the intestinal barrier (tighter connections between cells),
• regulation of bowel motility (including relief from constipation),
• modulation of the immune system (reduced susceptibility to chronic inflammation),
• metabolic effects (blood glucose levels, lipid profile, insulin resistance).

What the research shows:

• FOS, GOS and inulin increase the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (Gibson GR, Roberfroid MB. Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics. J Nutr. 1995 Jun;125(6):1401-12. doi: 10.1093/jn/125.6.1401. PMID: 7782892, Markowiak P, Śliżewska K. Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health. Nutrients. 15 September 2017;9(9):1021. doi: 10.3390/nu9091021. PMID: 28914794; PMCID: PMC5622781.).
• In Crohn’s disease and other IBDs, certain prebiotics reduce inflammation and improve gut comfort (Lindsay JO, Whelan K, Stagg AJ, Gobin P, Al-Hassi HO, Rayment N, Kamm MA, Knight SC, Forbes A. Clinical, microbiological, and immunological effects of fructo-oligosaccharide in patients with Crohn’s disease. Gut. 2006 Mar;55(3):348-55. doi: 10.1136/gut.2005.074971. Epub 2005 Sep 14. PMID: 16162680; PMCID: PMC1856087.),
• Inulin helps to increase calcium absorption (Bovee-Oudenhoven IM, Termont DS, Heidt PJ, Van der Meer R. Increasing the intestinal resistance of rats to the invasive pathogen Salmonella enteritidis: additive effects of dietary lactulose and calcium. Gut. 1997 Apr;40(4):497-504. doi: 10.1136/gut.40.4.497. PMID: 9176078; PMCID: PMC1027125.),
• Prebiotic polysaccharides (e.g. arabinoxylans) improve glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes (Lu ZX, Walker KZ, Muir JG, O'Dea K. Arabinoxylan fibre improves metabolic control in people with Type II diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2004 Apr;58(4):621-8. doi: 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601857. PMID: 15042130.).
  

Read now or save for later:

Part 1: Why is the gut microbiota so important?: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/dlaczego-mikrobiota-jelitowa-ma-takie-znaczenie/

Part 2: How probiotics and prebiotics work: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/jak-dzialaja-probiotyki-i-prebiotyki/

Part 3: Why does combining a prebiotic and a probiotic (a synbiotic) produce the best results?: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/dlaczego-synbiotyk-dziala-najskuteczniej-i-dla-kogo/

Part 4: Frequently asked questions about prebiotics and probiotics: https://novolabs.pl/artykul/najczesciej-zadawane-pytania-o-prebiotyki-i-probiotyki/

Part 5: MegaPre™: a precisely targeted prebiotic https://novolabs.pl/artykul/megapre-precyzyjnie-ukierunkowany-prebiotyk/

Part 6: For experts: MegaPre™ in clinical practice https://novolabs.pl/artykul/dla-ekspertow-megapre-w-praktyce-klinicznej/

The benefits of probiotics for gut microbiome health

Your gut health and the balance of your microbiome are linked in various ways to every aspect of your health. Spore-based probiotics, such as those contained in Microbiome Labs’ MegaSporeBiotic™, support the gut microbiome in several different ways:

Increased diversity of gut microorganisms and gut restoration

Thanks to their robust protective coating, the unique blend of Bacillus strains contained in the MegaSporeBiotic™ probiotic is able to survive the hazardous journey through your digestive system – allowing them to reach your large intestine intact. Once they reach their destination, these dormant spores can transform into their active forms and begin to replicate and colonise your gut – restoring your gut flora to function optimally.

This increased diversity of microorganisms is one of the keys to creating a balanced and healthy ‘ecosystem’ amongst the microorganisms that inhabit your gut. But this is not the only way in which spore-forming probiotics benefit gut health.

Promotion of other beneficial probiotic strains:

Spore-based probiotics are also well known for their ability to increase levels of beneficial metabolites, including:

• short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – SCFAs are the main source of energy for intestinal epithelial cells. They support the repair and regeneration of the intestinal barrier;

• lactic acid – it has antibacterial properties and serves as a substrate for the production of SCFAs;
• conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) – this acid helps prevent obesity, allergies and asthma, and improves the overall functioning of the immune system;
• bacteriocins – natural ‘antibiotics’ that reduce the population of pathogenic bacteria in the gut;

All these metabolites, in turn, support and promote other probiotic strains present in your gut. This phenomenon of ‘probiotics promoting probiotics’ creates a virtuous cycle that further increases microbial diversity and fosters a thriving gut microbial ecosystem.

A strengthened and impermeable intestinal barrier

The MegaSporeBiotic™ probiotic blend aids in the production and synthesis of vitamins and other compounds (such as SCFAs) that play a role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier. By increasing the production of these key compounds, spore-based probiotics help to ‘strengthen’ the intestinal barrier and reduce intestinal permeability – enabling the gut to retain potentially harmful toxins and pathogens until they are properly excreted.

The health benefits of the spore-based probiotic MegaSporeBiotic™

Although it is clear that MegaSporeBiotic™ has an extremely beneficial effect on gut health, these health benefits go much deeper. Research has shown that the additional benefits of MegaSporeBiotic™ include:

1. Lowering triglyceride levels:

Studies have shown that daily supplementation with MegaSporeBiotic™ can significantly reduce elevated triglyceride levels – both in the short term, immediately after consuming a meal that raises triglyceride levels, and in the long term. These findings may have significant and exciting implications for managing chronic conditions that affect triglyceride levels.

2. Alleviation of leaky gut syndrome (LGS) symptoms:

Increased intestinal permeability, also known as leaky gut syndrome, can result in endotoxins (toxic compounds found in bacteria) entering the bloodstream – triggering the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and subsequently increasing overall inflammation. Supplementation with MegaSporeBiotic™ probiotics significantly improves the integrity of the intestinal barrier, whilst substantially reducing markers of inflammation, endotoxin levels and overall inflammation.

3. Protection against liver damage: 

Paracetamol (APAP) – one of the most widely used painkillers and fever-reducers in the world – is also a leading cause of liver toxicity and liver damage. Studies have shown that MegaSporeBiotic™ has significant hepatoprotective properties – reducing levels of liver-damaging compounds and protecting the liver from damage caused by increased or prolonged use of paracetamol.

Spory probiotyczne – część 1

Sources:

1. Treatment with a spore-based probiotic containing five strains of Bacillus induced changes in the metabolic activity and community composition of the gut microbiota in a SHIME® model of the human gastrointestinal system – ScienceDirect
2. A synbiotic formulation containing spore-forming Bacillus strains and a prebiotic fibre blend consistently enhanced metabolic activity by modulating the gut microbiome in vitro – ScienceDirect
3. Bacillus spp. Spores—A Promising Treatment Option for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome – PMC (nih.gov)
4. Efficacy of Spore-Forming Bacilli Supplementation in Patients with Mild to Moderate Elevation of Triglycerides: A 12-week, Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial – PubMed (nih.gov)
5. Oral spore-based probiotic supplementation was associated with a reduced incidence of postprandial dietary endotoxins, triglycerides, and biomarkers of disease risk – PMC (nih.gov)
6. Probiotic Bacillus Spores Protect Against Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Rats – PubMed (nih.gov)

If you’re browsing the aisles of a health food shop or doing a quick online search to find out which probiotic supplement to buy, there’s a good chance you’ll be bombarded with dozens of different products – all claiming to offer incredible health-boosting benefits. But how do you sort through all these products and assess which probiotic is right for you?

Choosing the best probiotic for you comes down to one thing: scientific evidence. However, there is one probiotic supplement in particular that is backed by impressive scientific evidence confirming its effectiveness. That is the unrivalled MegaSporeBiotic™ from Microbiome Labs.

Choosing the best probiotic for you comes down to one thing – scientific evidence.

In this post, we’ll look at several studies that highlight just how powerful MegaSporeBiotic™ spore-based probiotics are, and what makes them the best probiotic supplement available on the market. We’ll explore what makes spore-based probiotics so beneficial, and how these unique bacterial strains boost the health not only of the digestive system, but also of the immune and nervous systems. So… let’s dive deeper into this topic!

What are spore-based probiotics?

By definition, probiotics are a class of microorganisms – mainly bacteria – that are beneficial to health. Spore-forming probiotics, also known as spore-forming probiotics, are a subset of probiotics that occur naturally, for example in soil. (Not all beneficial gut bacteria are capable of forming spores. The most common Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species cannot do so.)

Before supermarkets came along and before we started focusing on washing our food thoroughly, our ancestors lived close to the land. They ate food from the ground, not from supermarket shelves – which means they regularly consumed these probiotics. So, for most of human history, these spore-based probiotics have evolved alongside us and within us, becoming an integral part of our microbiome.

As the name suggests, spore-based probiotics are unique due to their ability to form a protective barrier known as an endospore. These endospores surround the bacteria, protecting them from harsh environmental conditions and enhancing their ability to survive – which makes these bacterial strains particularly well-suited to surviving and thriving in the harsh conditions of your digestive system.

Types of spore-based probiotics

Whilst there are several types of spore-based probiotics, the most common and effective soil-based probiotics belong to a genus of bacteria known as Bacillus. Within this genus, there are several specific strains that offer particularly significant health benefits. These four strains (which are also found in MegaSporeBiotic™ probiotics) are:

• Bacillus subtilis, HU58
• Bacillus clausii, SC-109
• Bacillus coagulans, SC-208
• Bacillus licheniformis, SL-307

Each of these strains has a different effect on the delicate ecosystem of microbes that inhabit your gut. 

In the next section of our article on spores, we will outline the scientific benefits of taking spore-based probiotics and their advantages over other commonly available probiotics.

Spory probiotyczne – część 2

Sources:

1. Treatment with a spore-based probiotic containing five strains of Bacillus induced changes in the metabolic activity and community composition of the gut microbiota in a SHIME® model of the human gastrointestinal system – ScienceDirect
2. A synbiotic formulation containing spore-forming Bacillus strains and a prebiotic fibre blend consistently enhanced metabolic activity by modulating the gut microbiome in vitro – ScienceDirect
3. Bacillus spp. Spores—A Promising Treatment Option for Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome – PMC (nih.gov)
4. Efficacy of Spore-Forming Bacilli Supplementation in Patients with Mild to Moderate Elevation of Triglycerides: A 12-week, Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial – PubMed (nih.gov)
5. Oral spore-based probiotic supplementation was associated with a reduced incidence of postprandial dietary endotoxins, triglycerides, and biomarkers of disease risk – PMC (nih.gov)
6. Probiotic Bacillus Spores Protect Against Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Rats – PubMed (nih.gov)