To Spore or Not to Spore

Image by Gwendolyn Salas/MJH Lifesciences using AI

When it comes to probiotics, most health-minded Americans likely have the basics down. Probiotics are thought to be beneficial for gut health and potentially improving the state of one’s microbiome. They are also considered important for immune health. This was proven during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rates of probiotic use increased.¹

People’s interest in probiotics isn’t fading. In fact, the CAGR for probiotics in general is forecast to rise 7.9% between 2020 and 2027, and from $44.48 billion to $94.48 billion during that time period.1 But when it comes to spore-forming probiotics, there may be more to learn.

The Effectiveness of Spore-forming Probiotics

Spore-forming probiotics, as their name implies, produce spores which are thought to improve their effectiveness in the body. Reshma Rathi, vice president of operations at Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics (Chino, CA), states that two of the greatest benefits of this type of probiotic are survivability and stability. Spore-formers, Rathi states, create a protective endosphere, allowing them to survive in varying environments in greater numbers. That includes every part of the process from storage, processing, and the transport to an individual’s stomach acid.

“Spore-formers are resistant to heat, light, pH variability and other environmental stressors, allowing them to survive industrial processing and remain shelf-stable without the need for refrigeration,” notes Rathi. For manufacturers, she points out, this means fewer resources used and greater options in the viability of the product. “For consumers, it means they are getting more value and benefits from their supplements,” says Rathi.

Spore-forming Probiotics: The Health Benefits

Shaheen Majeed is global CEO and managing director of Sabinsa (East Windsor, NJ) and states that the health benefits of choosing spore-forming probiotics influence the balance of the gut microbiota. One of the company’s products, LactoSpore is a spore-forming probiotic which is in powder form upon production. “In this powder form, the culture is dormant and stable with a three-year shelf-life at room temperature,” says Majeed. “The culture survives the harsh stomach conditions upon consumption as a food ingredient. When it reaches the intestine, where the conditions are suitable, it enters the germination stage, where it produces valuable metabolites.”

In addition, there are other benefits to spore-forming probiotics. Senior vice president of business development and marketing of Bio-Cat (Troy, VA), Mark G. Walin, says that these powerful probiotics may further help the digestive system. “They can produce digestive enzymes to aid in the breakdown of food components such as proteins, fats, and carbs supporting gut health,” says Walin. Additionally, “They can produce antimicrobial compounds that can help mitigate the growth of pathogenic bacteria.”

Walin states that clinical studies support the health benefits of these special probiotics. “Bacillus subtilis has been shown in numerous studies to decrease gastrointestinal symptoms and can assist with protein digestion,” notes Walin. “Additionally, there is growing evidence that spores such as Heyndrickxia coagulans (formerly Bacillus coagulans) helps reduce the severity of IBS [irritable bowel syndrome] symptoms.” ²

Limitations to Spore-forming Probiotics

While spore-forming probiotics may offer a lot of powerful benefits, it’s important to consider their limitations as well. Not all products are created equal and quality is an important place to look first. Rathi explains, “Choosing high-quality, research-backed, proven strains is essential to ensure formulators know what they’re putting in their products and marketing to their consumers. Working with experts in the field can help formulators select the best strains to target their desired results.”

Walin notes that no matter how versatile a probiotic is—and spore-forming probiotics are very versatile—there are other things that must be taken into consideration. “There can be limitations to every probiotic because not every strain will have the same effects in every person,” Walin states. “Current diet, lifestyle, and health factors can all play a role in how a person responds to any given probiotic.”

With more interest in probiotics now than ever before, the world of spore-forming probiotics specifically is one that has a bright and seemingly healthy future.

Joy Choquette writes from Vermont.

References

1. Fortune Business Insights, Probiotics Market Size, Industry Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, August 19, 2024. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/probiotics-market-100083
2. Kallur, R.K.; Madapati, S.; Mathur, A.; Bhattacharya, S. The role of Weizmannia (Bacillus) coagulans LMG S-31876 in treating IBS-diarrhea. Front Nutr.2024, 10, 1310462. DOI:10.3389/fnut.2023.1310462