What are Spore-forming Probiotics?
One of the myths that is common when it comes to being probiotics is that they need to be refrigerated. While that may be the case for some probiotics, the difference lies in the type of probiotic strain.
If You Can’t Stand the Heat…
The fact is that probiotic bacteria need to be alive when they reach your gut. So, they must survive things like boiling and freezing AND survive the transit to your gut; otherwise you will not receive any benefits. Also, keep in mind that the health and wellness benefits and tolerance parameters are strain specific.
But what probiotics are hardy enough to survive all of this? There are two types of probiotic organism: vegetative and spore-forming.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria are Common Vegetative Bacteria
Strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are supplied in their living, vegetative states. That is, they are living organisms that require very specific environments to remain viable (like refrigeration). Often found in fermented dairy products, these typically cannot be used in products that are shelf-stable, frozen, or heated.
Also, their cells are not particularly resistant to high heat and tend to be sensitive to the extremes of acid and alkaline conditions, as found in the stomach and small bowel. For example, studies have shown that most are quickly killed off in the harsh, acidic environment of the stomach and upper digestive tract. And because these bacteria are fragile, they require refrigeration to remain viable.
Get More with the Spore
Bacillus (like GanedenBC30), are are hardy, spore-forming bacteria that act as vegetative bacteria when conditions are optimal for their growth but can also form dormant spores when conditions are detrimental to their viability. This spore can be equated to a plant seed—it is dormant and won’t grow until there is the right temperature, moisture and food source.
Research on specific Bacillus strains has shown they can withstand both heat and acidic conditions (like in your gut), and these spores are much more resistant to the extremes of heat, cold and pressure than vegetative cells. This makes them a much better fit for use in everyday foods and beverages because they can survive things like microwaves and baking. AND they can sleep through the transit to your gut, where it wakes up and gets to work to promote beneficial bacteria.
GanedenBC30®, a Natural, Spore-forming Probiotic Ingredient
GanedenBC30® (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086) is a safe and efficacious spore-forming probiotic ingredient with research-backed health benefits. GanedenBC30 has a protective shell so it can survive extreme preparation temperatures like hot and cold. This makes it easier for food and beverage makers to create food and beverage products ( from coffee and tea to muffins and mac and cheese) with GanedenBC30, so you can have unlimited ways to get your probiotic throughout your day.
GanedenBC30 can also survive through your stomach acid until it arrives in your gut, where it teams up with your own bacteria, providing you with the digestive health, immune health and protein utilization benefits you want most.
– Digest More –
