Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bacillus species, particularly Bacillus coagulans and Bacillus subtilis, are used as probiotic supplements to support gut health during or after antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics often disrupt the normal intestinal microbiota, leading to side effects such as diarrhea, including antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and Clostridioides difficile infection. Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that certain Bacillus probiotics can reduce the incidence and severity of AAD. The scientific rationale is that Bacillus species are spore-forming, enabling them to survive the acidic gastric environment and reach the intestines, where they may help restore microbial balance and inhibit pathogenic bacteria through competitive exclusion and the production of antimicrobial compounds. For example, a 2016 review in the journal Beneficial Microbes highlighted the efficacy of B. coagulans in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms during antibiotic use. However, the overall strength of evidence is moderate, as not all studies show benefit, and results can vary depending on the specific strain and population studied. Major clinical guidelines sometimes mention Bacillus probiotics as an option, but emphasize the need for strain-specific evidence. Thus, scientific support exists, but further high-quality research is needed to definitively establish optimal strains, dosages, and clinical outcomes.

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