Bacillus Coagulans Side Effects, Dangers and Interactions

Bacillus coagulans side effects are generally mild, but can include bloating and intestinal gas. Bacillus coagulans is a probiotic supplement that can stimulate immune function and aid in digestion.

Research shows that this probiotic produces antimicrobial substances and L-lactic acid in the gastrointestinal tract, helping to prevent the growth of harmful pathogenic bacteria. It may have benefits for treating digestive conditions, such as diarrhea, IBS, and IBD.

There is debate about the risk of potential side effects from Bacillus coagulans because this species of probiotic bacteria does not exist naturally in the digestive system. There are a number of different strains of B. coagulans bacteria that have been identified and not all of them may be safe for use as probiotics.

However, B. coagulans SBC37-01 (Lactospore) is considered Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has also listed Bacillus coagulans on their QPS (Qualified Presumption of Safety) database.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Is Bacillus Coagulans Safe?

Bacillus coagulans is different from other types of Lactic-Acid Bacteria (LABs), because it forms endospores, which help to ensure the survivability of the bacterium during periods of environmental stress.

B. coagulans and the related Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus lichemformis species are sometimes referred to as “soil organisms”. All three species are spore-forming organisms that are sometimes used as probiotics.

While these probiotics may have unique benefits compared to bacteria from the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium families, they have not been as well researched. Furthermore, there is a concern that the spores produced by this bacterium could translocate, moving out of the digestive tract and into other parts of the body.

For this reason, this probiotic should not be taken by those with immunocompromised conditions or on immunosuppressive medications. It should also not be used by those with a catheter. A case of bacterial infection contracted by Bacillus coagulans was reported by catheter users.

Another concern about Bacillus coagulans is the lack of large scale human trials and what the effects of long-term use may cause. Dosage amounts are another uncertainty because of the lack of clinical data.

There have also been reports of contamination with other strains of probiotics. For this reason, sourcing supplements from a reputable supplier is essential.

Bacillus coagulans has performed favorably in vitro and in animal studies, but it has not had large scale human clinical trials other probiotics strains have undergone. Small human clinical trials have shown it beneficial for treating IBS symptoms and for preventing virus infections and for treating BV (Bacterial vaginosis).

Bacillus Coagulans Side Effects

When using an appropriate strain, side effects from this probiotic are generally mild. The most commonly experienced side effect is flatulence and bloating. Like other probiotics, this generally subsides after using the probiotic for several days.

Some individuals have reported diarrhea after taking B. coagulans products. This may the result of incorrectly identifying the appropriate strain to use. Some strains have been identified in veterinary products that can produce toxins which may result in diarrhea.

Individuals with catheters are recommended to avoid B. coagulans and all probiotic supplements due to the risk of bacterial translocation.

In a clinical study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in August 1988, one case of Bacillus coagulans infection was identified in patients with lymphoma, leukemia and breast cancer.

Four of the twelve patients had Hickman catheters. The study concluded Bacillus was a gram-positive organism that was now being recognized as a bacterial pathogen for compromised patients.

When infections occurred in patients with long-term indwelling venous access devices the treatment needed was immediate catheter removal as well as antibiotic therapy.

Bacillus Coagulans Drug Interactions

There may be an increased risk of side effects when combining B. coagulans with certain drugs that affect immune function. Check with your doctor before taking this probiotic if you are currently using any medications.

Bacillus coagulans increase the immune system response and may interact with medications that decrease the immune response such as azathioprine (Imuran) and basiliximab (Simulect) that help prevent organ rejection in kidney transplants.

It may also interact with Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) that is used to stimulate tear production in people with dry eyes. Other possible medicine interactions include Daclizumab (Zenapax) and muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3) and mycophenolate (CellCept) which are used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation.

Other medications to be avoided for use with probiotics are Tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf) an immunosuppressive drug used mainly after allogeneic (non-identical) organ transplant to lower the risk of organ rejection.

Sirolimus (Rapamune) may also interact with probiotics. This medication is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces hygroscopicus and has immunosuppresive properties in humans and is used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation.

This probiotic strain should also be avoided if taking prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone) which is synthetic corticosteroid immunosuppressant drug used to treat inflammatory diseases, or corticosteroids (glucocorticoids) which are steroid hormones.

Bacillus Coagulans Contraindications

Bacillus coagulans use is not recommended during pregnancy or while nursing due to a lack of available research. Probiotics do interact with anti-biotics and should be taken at least two hours apart from each other.

This probiotic strain is used to treat SBS (Short Bowel Syndrome) pathogenic overgrowth, but other strains of probiotics should be avoided for this condition. Do not take probiotics for SBS without first consulting with a doctor.

A clinical study published in Beneficial Microbes in December 2015 showed it was considered safe to use probiotics as a prophylaxis (preventative) of infections in patients after liver transplantation and for patients with liver cirrhosis.

But for other organ transplantations and for bone marrow transplantation the benefit of probiotic interventions was not proven and probiotic use may pose a risk for infection. Also for critically ill patients, the benefit efficacy was inconclusive and may also pose a risk of infection.

Bacillus coagulans side effects do exist for certain groups but this probiotic strain is considered beneficial for use in the general public. Following usage advice provided by a doctor is the best way to ensure side effects risks are less likely.

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