Spore Based Probiotics: The Good and The Bad

Spore Based Probiotics – What You Should Know

Replacing healthy bacteria into the GI tract is a difficult task, considering the increasing number of small intestinal bowel overgrowths i.e., SIBO that are challenging to heal.^[1] Establishing a healthy gut microbiota requires the growth of beneficial microbes and the removal of pathogenic and inflammatory responses in the mucosa of the gut.^[2] Greater exposure to antibiotics found in dairy and meat-based foods have altered the microbiome of those in western countries. This is unfortunately one of the reasons for increasing numbers of those suffering from chronic ill-health in America.^[3] Interestingly, a healthy microbiome is also believed to play a role in the development of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.^[4]

To combat these trends, there has been increasing interest in the administration of probiotics. Probiotics are formulated to contain beneficial microbes for the lining of the gut.^[5,6] However, the challenge arises for the applied probiotics to actually make it to the distal intestines where they can have their positive effects.^[7] This concern has led to growing research interest in the utilization of spore-based probiotics due to their distinct processing through the digestive tract.^[8,9]

Spore vs. Non-Spore Probiotics

Spore-based probiotics are one of the five main categories of probiotics. Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus coagulans, and Bacillus clausii are among the most studied bacterial strains. What differentiates spore-based probiotics is their presence of an exterior spore coat.^[10] In contrast to widely available non-spore probiotics, i.e. lactic acid bacteria found in yogurt, spore-based probiotics are acid tolerant. In addition, the spore’s coat also provides resistance to many other reactive chemicals throughout the digestive tract. These key features grant them a greater survival rate through the stomach’s harsh environment. As a result, more viable probiotic is able to reach the distal gut and exert its effects.^[11] What really distinguishes the endospore, however, is its resistance to antibiotics.^[12] This is important for not only those consuming prescribed medications, but also a diet full of antibiotic containing foods. Collectively, these qualities qualify spore-based probiotics as the more persistent supplement. 

Taking spore-based probiotics

The good

Throughout the United States, there is a plethora of spore-based probiotic supplements. Different products are comprised of various bacterial strains (Table 1). Most products contain the B. Coagulans strain and/or the B. Subtilis strain. Bacillus strains are known to have antimicrobial, anti-oxidative, immune-modulatory, and pathogen exclusion properties.^[13,14] B. Coagulans was interestingly involved in relieving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.^[15] As researched, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease known to manifest itself on a variety of skin conditions including nodules, ulcers, hives, and vasculitis.^[16] On the other hand, one study found B. Subtilis to display high levels of antimicrobial activity against four diabetic foot ulcer pathogens.^[17] Together these findings display the potential promise in the usage of spore-based probiotics to improve skin health and skin diseases. Another study looked at the commercial product ‘MegaSporeBiotic’ (Table 1) and its impact on improving an unhealthy intestinal lining i.e. ‘leaky gut.’^[18] ‘Leaky gut’ and its relation to skin conditions including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are of important ongoing research. This study highlighted that 30-day administration of the supplement minimized symptoms of ‘leaky gut syndrome’ by lowering endotoxins present after ingesting a fatty meal by 42% as well as triglycerides by 24%.^[18]

What to be aware of

Despite the long-list of benefits associated with taking spore-based probiotics, there are still too many unknowns to guarantee them as safe.^[19] The dosage of spore probiotics typically ranges from 10⁷-10⁹ spores.^[20] Consumption in large amounts under an immune compromised state raises a potential safety concern. Induced bacteremia in immune-compromised patients treated with spore forming probiotics has been documented multiple times.^[21]

Furthermore, in addition to vitamins and various supplements, probiotics are not regulated as drugs by the FDA and are therefore not subject to the same strict approval requirements for safety and efficacy.^[22] Consumers are therefore responsible for choosing what bacterial spores or strains they add into their diet and health regimens. A 2009 study shockingly found that only 4 of their 13 measured probiotic products accurately depicted their label.^[23]

It should be noted that spore-based probiotics are not intended to diagnose or cure any disease. Instead, they should be taken by healthy individuals as a supplement to improve overall health. Lastly, while there are many documented benefits associated with spore-based probiotics, their efficacy and relation with other supplements and medications remain unclear. Future research is necessary to elucidate the health nature of spore-based probiotics. 

Conclusion

Spore-based probiotics provide a safe and resilient delivery method of healthy bacteria to the gut. Aside from these benefits, it is always wise to monitor one’s dosage, especially in those with autoimmune disorders. It is also important to be aware of what bacterial strain combinations are being ingested. Only reputable strains and trusted products should be used. Overall, spore-based probiotics can be utilized to improve the gut microbiota and overall health. Prior to usage, however, one should always consult with a healthcare professional.