Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar SupplementsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Sources & What to Look For
B. coagulansmay help relieveconstipationandirritable bowel syndrome(IBS) symptoms.However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Supplement FactsActive ingredients(s):Bacillus coagulansAlternative name(s):Bacillus coagulans,B. coagulans,probiotic,Bacillusbacteria,BacillusprobioticsLegal status: Over-the-counter (OTC) supplement. (United States)Suggested dose: May vary based on the specificB. coagulansstrain, dosage form, medical condition, and your ageSafety considerations: Pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with compromised immune systems. Side effects and medication interactions are possible.
Supplement Facts
Active ingredients(s):Bacillus coagulansAlternative name(s):Bacillus coagulans,B. coagulans,probiotic,Bacillusbacteria,BacillusprobioticsLegal status: Over-the-counter (OTC) supplement. (United States)Suggested dose: May vary based on the specificB. coagulansstrain, dosage form, medical condition, and your ageSafety considerations: Pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with compromised immune systems. Side effects and medication interactions are possible.
Uses of Bacillus Coagulans
Like many natural products, people may takeB. coagulansfor various reasons—mainly relating to thedigestive system.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
According to a review, eight weeks ofB. coagulansmay effectively relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, which may include pain,bloating(gas), and straining.
In IBS, some people might experience morediarrhea. This is called diarrhea-predominant IBS.
In a small clinical trial, people with this type of IBS benefited from taking a specific MTCC 5856 strain ofB. coagulansin addition to the standard of care.
TheB. coagulansdosage was 2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for 90 days.
Participants takingB. coagulansexperienced fewer of the following symptoms:
In addition to less severe IBS, these participants reported better quality of life.
While these results look promising, larger, higher-quality studies are still necessary.
Constipation
In a small clinical trial, study participants were divided based on their main symptoms or digestive problem.
Participants were either in constipation or diarrhea groups.
Based on a study, people with constipation or diarrhea problems may benefit fromB. coagulans.
B. coagulansmay be more effective at relieving constipation symptoms.
But longer-term clinical trials with a larger group of people are necessary to assess this effect better.
What Are the Side Effects of Bacillus Coagulans?
Like many medications and natural products, side effects are possible withB. coagulans.
Common Side Effects
A limited number of clinical trials studied probiotic side effects in detail.
However, one study reported no side effects with a specific LBSC strain ofB. coagulans.
Moreover, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placedB. coagulanson its GRAS list. GRAS stands for substances that are generally recognized as safe.
Severe Side Effects
The same study showed no serious side effects withB. coagulans.However, a severe allergic reaction is a serious side effect possible with any medication.
If you’re having asevere allergic reactiontoB. coagulans, symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
Other potentially serious side effects of probiotics may also include:
While typically rare, serious side effects are possibly more likely in people with severe medical conditions or a weakened immune system (the body’s defense system).
Call 911 and get medical help immediately if you have a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms are life-threatening.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
A healthcare provider may advise against takingB. coagulansif any of the following applies to you:
Severe allergic reaction: You shouldn’t take this medication if you have a severe allergic reaction toB. coagulansor any of its components (ingredients or parts).
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: There are a few product labels that target either pregnant or breastfeeding people.But there isn’t enough information about the effects and safety ofB. coagulanswhilepregnantorbreastfeeding.For this reason, contact a healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks before takingB. coagulans.
Children: There are a few product labels that target children.Dosages of up to 100 million colony-forming units (CFU) ofB. coagulansper day for up to one year are likely safe in even infants.
But premature infants might have a higher risk of severe side effects.If you considerB. coagulansfor your child, talk with their healthcare provider.
Older adults over 65 years: Older adults participated in someB. coagulans-related clinical trials, but these studies were small.Many available studies included a larger group of younger adults.Moreover, some older adults may be more likely to have medication side effects. For this reason, takeB. coagulanswith caution.
People with severe medical conditions: People with severe medical conditions have a higher risk of serious side effects from probiotics. For example, someone in the hospital for a severe medical condition should likely avoid probiotics.
People with a weakened immune system: People with a weakened immune system are more likely to experience severe side effects from probiotics.For example, people withhuman immunodeficiency virus(HIV) might have a higher risk of infections from probiotics.
Dosage: How Much Bacillus Coagulans Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
While there are some studies onB. coagulansin humans, additional larger, longer-term, and well-designed clinical trials are still necessary.
For this reason, there are no guidelines on the appropriate dosage to takeB. coagulansfor any condition.
But for adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the dosage is likely one billion colony-forming units (CFU) twice daily or two billion CFU once daily for four to 12 weeks.
If you takeB. coagulans, follow a healthcare provider’s recommendations or label instructions.
What Happens If I Take Too Much Bacillus Coagulans?
There is little information aboutB. coagulans’toxicity and overdoses in humans.
However, 100 million colony-forming units (CFU) daily for up to a year is typically safe in infants.
It’s usually safe for adults to take up to six billion CFU daily for up to three months.
And at lower doses, adults may safely takeB. coagulansfor up to one year.
Above these doses, symptoms of overdoses withB. coagulansare likely similar to its potentially severe side effects.
And since some probiotic products might contain contaminants with “unlisted” microorganisms, health risks from these microorganisms are also possible
If you suspect you’re experiencing life-threatening side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
SinceB. coagulansis a type of bacteria,B. coagulansand antibiotics might change each other’s effectiveness.But there is limited data about this potential interaction.
They may also suggest waiting until you finish your course of antibiotics and then starting probiotics after.
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to learn which ingredients are present and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with a healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Bacillus Coagulans
Since storage instructions may vary for different natural products, carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container.
Keep your medications tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet.
The optimal storage condition for medicines is in a cool and dry place. Some probiotics may also need to be stored in the refrigerator.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid putting unused and expired medicines down the drain or in the toilet. Visit the FDA’s website to know where and how to discard all unused and expired medicines. You can also find disposal boxes in your area.Please ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider any questions about how to take care of your medications or supplements.
B. coagulansmight effectively relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms.So, another potentially similar supplement ispeppermint oil.
Peppermint oil might temporarily relieve IBS symptoms, such as bloating (gas) and stomach pain.
Please don’t combine multiple supplements until you first talk with a registered dietitian nutritionist, healthcare provider, or pharmacist.
Checking in can help you avoid possible interactions and side effects and ensure you’re giving these supplements a fair trial at appropriate doses.
Frequently Asked Questions
B. coagulansis available in several different dosage forms—with capsules potentially being the most common.
Probiotics are “good” bacteria that help your body keep a healthy community of microorganisms (small living things).
Prebiotics encourage the growth and activity of “good” bacteria in your body.
A combination probiotic might have more additive health benefits, but more research is necessary.
In general, to safely take natural products—likeB. coagulans—inform your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist, and/or pharmacist about any medication change.This includes OTC, herbal, natural medications, and supplements.They can help prevent possible interactions and side effects. They can also ensure you’re givingB. coagulansa fair trial at appropriate doses.
Sources of Bacillus Coagulans & What to Look For
There are several different sources ofB. coagulans.
Food Sources of Bacillus Coagulans
B. coagulansis a type of bacteria.In the United States, the FDA approved a specificB. coagulansas a substance added to food.
Presently,LactobacillusandBifidobacteriumbacteria are commonly used in probiotic foods.
But since they’re not heat-resistant, there is also a growing interest in usingB. coagulansin the food industry.
Bacillus Coagulans Supplements
B. coagulansis available in several forms, including capsules and tablets.
If you have difficulties swallowing pills,B. coagulansmight also be available in the following dosage forms:
Vegetarian and vegan options might also be available.
You may also seeB. coagulansas a stand-alone supplement or combined with other probiotics or active ingredients.
Your specific product will depend on your preference and health goals.
Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form.
So, following a healthcare provider’s recommendations or label directions is important.
Summary
B. coagulansis a type of bacteria. It’s a probiotic, a “good” bacteria that help your body keep a healthy community of microorganisms (small living things).
B. coagulansmight effectively relieve constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. But similar to many medications and supplements, side effects and interactions are still possible.
Additional higher-quality, longer-term, and larger clinical trials are still necessary to better evaluate the effectiveness and safety ofB. coagulans.
Before takingB. coagulans, involve a registered dietitian nutritionist, pharmacist, or healthcare provider to help you safely achieve your health goals.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Probiotics: what you need to know.MedlinePlus.Bacillus coagulans.Zhang T, Zhang C, Zhang J, et al.Efficacy of probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2022;12:859967. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.859967Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Natarajan S, et al.Bacillus coagulansMTCC 5856 supplementation in the management of diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a double blind randomized placebo controlled pilot clinical study.Nutrition Journal. 2015;15(21). doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0140-6Chang CW, Chen MJ, Shih SC, et al.Bacillus coagulans(PROBACI) in treating constipation-dominant functional bowel disorders.Medicine. 2020;99(19):e20098. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000020098Gupta AK, Maity C.Efficacy and safety of Bacillus coagulans LBSC in irritable bowel syndrome.Medicine (Baltimore). 2021;100(3):e23641. doi:10.1097%2FMD.0000000000023641Food and Drug Administration.GRAS notices.National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.Bruno N, Kim KY, Park YE, et al.Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric-associated diarrhea.Drug Topics. 2022;166(8).National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health.6 tips: irritable bowel syndrome and complementary health approaches.Patel RM, Denning PW.Therapeutic use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis: what is the current evidence?.Clinics of Perinatology. 2013;40(1):11-25. doi: 10.1016%2Fj.clp.2012.12.002Kwoji ID, Aiyeoro OA, Okpeku M, et al.Multi-strain probiotics: synergy among isolates enhances biological activities.Biology (Basel). 2021;10(4):322. doi: 10.3390%2Fbiology10040322MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.Food and Drug Administration.Substances added to food.Konuray G, Erginkaya Z.Potential use ofBacillus coagulansin the food industry.Foods. 2018;7(6):92. doi:10.3390%2Ffoods7060092
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Probiotics: what you need to know.MedlinePlus.Bacillus coagulans.Zhang T, Zhang C, Zhang J, et al.Efficacy of probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2022;12:859967. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.859967Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Natarajan S, et al.Bacillus coagulansMTCC 5856 supplementation in the management of diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a double blind randomized placebo controlled pilot clinical study.Nutrition Journal. 2015;15(21). doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0140-6Chang CW, Chen MJ, Shih SC, et al.Bacillus coagulans(PROBACI) in treating constipation-dominant functional bowel disorders.Medicine. 2020;99(19):e20098. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000020098Gupta AK, Maity C.Efficacy and safety of Bacillus coagulans LBSC in irritable bowel syndrome.Medicine (Baltimore). 2021;100(3):e23641. doi:10.1097%2FMD.0000000000023641Food and Drug Administration.GRAS notices.National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.Bruno N, Kim KY, Park YE, et al.Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric-associated diarrhea.Drug Topics. 2022;166(8).National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health.6 tips: irritable bowel syndrome and complementary health approaches.Patel RM, Denning PW.Therapeutic use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis: what is the current evidence?.Clinics of Perinatology. 2013;40(1):11-25. doi: 10.1016%2Fj.clp.2012.12.002Kwoji ID, Aiyeoro OA, Okpeku M, et al.Multi-strain probiotics: synergy among isolates enhances biological activities.Biology (Basel). 2021;10(4):322. doi: 10.3390%2Fbiology10040322MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.Food and Drug Administration.Substances added to food.Konuray G, Erginkaya Z.Potential use ofBacillus coagulansin the food industry.Foods. 2018;7(6):92. doi:10.3390%2Ffoods7060092
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Probiotics: what you need to know.MedlinePlus.Bacillus coagulans.Zhang T, Zhang C, Zhang J, et al.Efficacy of probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2022;12:859967. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.859967Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Natarajan S, et al.Bacillus coagulansMTCC 5856 supplementation in the management of diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a double blind randomized placebo controlled pilot clinical study.Nutrition Journal. 2015;15(21). doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0140-6Chang CW, Chen MJ, Shih SC, et al.Bacillus coagulans(PROBACI) in treating constipation-dominant functional bowel disorders.Medicine. 2020;99(19):e20098. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000020098Gupta AK, Maity C.Efficacy and safety of Bacillus coagulans LBSC in irritable bowel syndrome.Medicine (Baltimore). 2021;100(3):e23641. doi:10.1097%2FMD.0000000000023641Food and Drug Administration.GRAS notices.National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.Bruno N, Kim KY, Park YE, et al.Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric-associated diarrhea.Drug Topics. 2022;166(8).National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health.6 tips: irritable bowel syndrome and complementary health approaches.Patel RM, Denning PW.Therapeutic use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis: what is the current evidence?.Clinics of Perinatology. 2013;40(1):11-25. doi: 10.1016%2Fj.clp.2012.12.002Kwoji ID, Aiyeoro OA, Okpeku M, et al.Multi-strain probiotics: synergy among isolates enhances biological activities.Biology (Basel). 2021;10(4):322. doi: 10.3390%2Fbiology10040322MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.Food and Drug Administration.Substances added to food.Konuray G, Erginkaya Z.Potential use ofBacillus coagulansin the food industry.Foods. 2018;7(6):92. doi:10.3390%2Ffoods7060092
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Probiotics: what you need to know.
MedlinePlus.Bacillus coagulans.
Zhang T, Zhang C, Zhang J, et al.Efficacy of probiotics for irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 2022;12:859967. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.859967
Majeed M, Nagabhushanam K, Natarajan S, et al.Bacillus coagulansMTCC 5856 supplementation in the management of diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome: a double blind randomized placebo controlled pilot clinical study.Nutrition Journal. 2015;15(21). doi:10.1186/s12937-016-0140-6
Chang CW, Chen MJ, Shih SC, et al.Bacillus coagulans(PROBACI) in treating constipation-dominant functional bowel disorders.Medicine. 2020;99(19):e20098. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000020098
Gupta AK, Maity C.Efficacy and safety of Bacillus coagulans LBSC in irritable bowel syndrome.Medicine (Baltimore). 2021;100(3):e23641. doi:10.1097%2FMD.0000000000023641
Food and Drug Administration.GRAS notices.
National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplement label database.
Bruno N, Kim KY, Park YE, et al.Probiotics for the prevention of pediatric-associated diarrhea.Drug Topics. 2022;166(8).
National Center of Complementary and Integrative Health.6 tips: irritable bowel syndrome and complementary health approaches.
Patel RM, Denning PW.Therapeutic use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis: what is the current evidence?.Clinics of Perinatology. 2013;40(1):11-25. doi: 10.1016%2Fj.clp.2012.12.002
Kwoji ID, Aiyeoro OA, Okpeku M, et al.Multi-strain probiotics: synergy among isolates enhances biological activities.Biology (Basel). 2021;10(4):322. doi: 10.3390%2Fbiology10040322
MedlinePlus.A guide to herbal remedies.
Food and Drug Administration.Substances added to food.
Konuray G, Erginkaya Z.Potential use ofBacillus coagulansin the food industry.Foods. 2018;7(6):92. doi:10.3390%2Ffoods7060092
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