In the study, 50 participants were evaluated during the course of 105 days by their stool profile, food diary and questionnaire while taking either a supplement capsule of Bacillus subtilis DE111 (1 billion CFU) or a placebo.
The stools were scored based on the Bristol Stool Chart index and safety was assessed using blood markers.
Statistically significant results showed that participants in the group taking DE111 moved to a healthier bowel index, while no change was observed with those in the placebo group.
The results of the study showed a reduction of alternating constipation and diarrhoea for the participants taking DE111 when compared with participants taking the placebo.
The proportion of normal stools (types 3 and 4) increased from 54% to 64% in the DE111 group, while the proportion of normal stools decreased from 56% to 48% in the placebo group.
In male participants specifically, the proportion of normal stools increased from 56% to 80%.
In addition, a significant difference between the DE111 and placebo groups was observed in regards to normal and non-normal stool proportions in the 30+ age group.
“Bacteria make up more than 50% of the composition of a healthy person’s stool, and play a major role in the quality and frequency of bowel movements,” said Dr John Deaton, Vice President of Science and Technology at Deerland Enzymes and Probiotics.
“Determining specific strains, such as DE111, that support regular and healthy bowel movements is beneficial in developing a probiotic formulation for digestive health.”
DE111 is a genome sequenced and clinically tested strain of Bacillus subtilis, a probiotic spore that supports digestive and immune health.
The genome sequencing confirmed the strain contained no plasmids, antibiotic resistant or deleterious genes; the human clinical studies showed the strain’s ability to control microbial populations, aid in digestion and maintain general health.
DE111 has the ability to form spores that protect the microbes from harsh conditions until they enter an environment ripe for germination, such as the GI tract.
Because of this spore-forming ability, DE111 remains viable under a wide temperature and pH range, making it ideal for use in supplements as well as food and beverages.
