Bacillus Coagulans
Also known as: Weizmannia coagulans, Spore-forming probiotic, Lactobacillus sporogenes (obsolete)
Effects are strain-specific: studied strains (e.g. GBI-30 6086, MTCC 5856) have RCT support for reducing bloating and abdominal discomfort in IBS and functional dyspepsia. Generic 'B. coagulans' without a strain designation carries weaker, extrapolated evidence.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-06 · 0 indexed studies
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Overview
Bacillus coagulans is a spore-forming probiotic whose spores survive heat and stomach acid far better than typical lactobacilli, making it practical for shelf-stable products. Strain-specific human trials support benefits for IBS-type symptoms and digestive comfort.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Spores germinate in the small intestine, where vegetative cells produce lactic acid and bacteriocins, transiently modulating the gut environment before being excreted — it does not permanently colonise.
Physiological Role
A transient probiotic organism; not a permanent gut resident.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
One strain (GBI-30) has small trials on protein absorption and recovery; evidence is early.
Evidence Review
No human clinical studies indexed for this ingredient yet.
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- ~1–2 billion CFU/day (strain-dependent)
- Optimal Range
- 1–5 billion CFU/day
- Upper / Caution Level
- Well tolerated in trials; gas/bloating possible initially
- Timing
- Daily, with or without food (spores are acid-stable)
- Best Format
- Spore-form with stated strain and CFU count at end of shelf life
- Bioavailability
- Spore form confers shelf and gastric stability — a key advantage over vegetative probiotics.
- Absorption Considerations
- Transient by design; requires daily dosing to maintain presence.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Transient gas or bloating when starting
Contraindications
- Severe immunocompromise (general probiotic caution)
- Central venous catheters (general probiotic caution)
Drug Interactions
- •Antibiotics (may reduce viability — separate timing)
Who Should Avoid
- •Severely immunocompromised individuals (clinical guidance)
Monitoring
Choose products with a named strain and CFU guaranteed through expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Bacillus Coagulans typically used or indicated?
Bacillus Coagulans is most commonly used for: Probiotic supplements, Digestive-comfort formulas, Protein-digestion support blends. A transient probiotic organism; not a permanent gut resident.
How does Bacillus Coagulans work?
Spores germinate in the small intestine, where vegetative cells produce lactic acid and bacteriocins, transiently modulating the gut environment before being excreted — it does not permanently colonise.
What is the recommended dose of Bacillus Coagulans?
The optimal range is 1–5 billion CFU/day. with a minimum effective dose of ~1–2 billion CFU/day (strain-dependent). Best taken: Daily, with or without food (spores are acid-stable). Upper / caution level: Well tolerated in trials; gas/bloating possible initially.
What are the side effects of Bacillus Coagulans?
Reported side effects include: Transient gas or bloating when starting. Monitoring: Choose products with a named strain and CFU guaranteed through expiry.
Does Bacillus Coagulans interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Antibiotics (may reduce viability — separate timing). Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Bacillus Coagulans?
Bacillus Coagulans is generally not recommended for: Severely immunocompromised individuals (clinical guidance); Severe immunocompromise (general probiotic caution); and Central venous catheters (general probiotic caution).
How strong is the evidence for Bacillus Coagulans?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 40/100), based on 0 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (0)
No studies match this filter
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Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.
Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/bacillus-coagulans
SuppIndex. (2026). Bacillus Coagulans: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/bacillus-coagulans
Based on 0 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Combined with digestive enzymes or prebiotic fibres in gut-health products.