Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes has announced the publication of a clinical study showing the administration of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis DE111 can modify the composition of the microbiome in preschool-aged children.
The study: “Daily intake of probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis DE111 supports a healthy microbiome in children attending day-care” published in Beneficial Microbes, is an IRB-approved, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled four-week trial involving 91 children aged two to six. Results of the study showed that daily consumption of the probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis DE111 modulated the gut microbiome profile without changing the overall microbiome equilibrium.
After eight weeks of daily probiotic consumption, the researchers observed an increase in alpha-diversity at the phylum level, suggesting an expanded functional diversity of the microbiome compared to that of the children in the placebo group.
Specifically, there were nine differentially abundant taxa at the genus level found in the probiotic group, six (of the phylum bacteroidetes) grew in abundance while three (of the phylum firmicutes) were reduced. The six taxa of bacteroidetes that flourished are involved in immune regulation and reduction of inflammation. This modulation of the firmicutes/bacteroidetes ratio of the microbiome in children taking B. subtilis DE111 is a positive indication for healthy gut function.
Overall, according to the researchers, these results suggest B. subtilis DE111 supports the maintenance of a healthy gut through modulations of the microbiome.
“On the dawn of a new highly modified school year where health takes center stage, this study is highly encouraging to formulate natural, safe products for young children to promote immunity and overall well-being so they can concentrate on learning,” said John Deaton, VP of Science and Technology at Deerland. “Focusing on supporting a healthy microbiome will result in more robust and effective immunity as children get older.”
