BACILLUS COAGULANS Overview Information
Bacillus coagulans is a type of bacteria. It is used similarly to lactobacillus and other probiotics as "beneficial" bacteria.
People take Bacillus coagulans for diarrhea, including infectious types such as rotaviral diarrhea in children; traveler's diarrhea; and diarrhea caused by antibiotics. Bacillus coagulans is also used for general digestion problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), a bowel disorder called Clostridium difficilecolitis, excessive growth of “bad” bacteria in short bowel syndrome, and infection due to the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
Some people use Bacillus coagulans to prevent respiratory infections and ramp up the immune system. It is also used to prevent cancer or the formation of cancer-causing agents. There is also some interest in using it as an additive to vaccines to improve their effectiveness.
Bacillus coagulans produces lactic acid and, as a result, is often misclassified as lactic acid bacteria such as lactobacillus. In fact, some commercial products containing Bacillus coagulans are marketed as Lactobacillus sporogenes or "spore-forming lactic acid bacterium." Unlike lactic acid bacteria such as lactobacillus or bifidobacteria, Bacillus coagulans forms reproductive structures called spores. Spores are actually an important factor in telling Bacillus coagulans apart from lactic acid bacteria.
How does it work?
There is not enough information to know how Bacillus coagulans might work for medical purposes. Some research in animals (but not yet in humans) shows that Bacillus coagulans might increase immune system function and decrease harmful bacteria.
BACILLUS COAGULANS Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Diarrhea, including viral diarrhea in children, traveler's diarrhea, and diarrhea caused by antibiotics.
- Digestion problems.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).
- Clostridium difficile colitis.
- Fighting growth of unwanted bacteria.
- Helicobacter pylori infection, which causes stomach ulcers.
- Respiratory infections.
- Cancer prevention.
- Immune system strengthening.
- As an agent added to vaccines to improve their effectiveness.
BACILLUS COAGULANS Side Effects & Safety
There is not enough information to know if Bacillus coagulans is safe to use. This product has not been studied in people.
Pregnant or breast-feeding women should stay on the safe side and avoid using Bacillus coagulans.
BACILLUS COAGULANS Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Antibiotic drugs interacts with BACILLUS COAGULANS
Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Antibiotics can also reduce other bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with Bacillus coagulans might reduce the potential benefits of Bacillus coagulans. To avoid this potential interaction take Bacillus coagulans products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics.
- Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with BACILLUS COAGULANS
Bacillus coagulans might increase the immune system. Taking Bacillus coagulans along with medications that decrease the immune system might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.
Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
BACILLUS COAGULANS Dosing
The appropriate dose of Bacillus coagulans depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Bacillus coagulans. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
