Spore-forming probiotics | Probiotics that go the distance

Key highlights

• Spore-forming probiotics use a protective endospore structure to survive environmental and gastrointestinal stressors.
• Their enhanced stability allows many formulations to remain shelf-stable without refrigeration.
• Once germinated in the small intestine, Bacillus species can interact with the gut microbiota and support digestive function.
• Specific Bacillus coagulans strains, rather than the species as a whole, have demonstrated benefits for digestive discomfort, bloating, abdominal pain, and other IBS-related symptoms in randomised controlled trials.
• Spore-forming probiotics are transient residents of the gut rather than permanent colonisers, so any benefit depends on continued daily intake.