Probiotics have garnered a lot of attention in recent years due to their pivotal role in supporting gut health, immune function, and overall well-being. Among the vast array of probiotic strains, Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus rhamnosus stand out as two of the most well-researched and beneficial strains. Join this pharmacist-led discussion where we will dive deep into the characteristics of Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, exploring how they work at a mechanistic level to improve health. Additionally, we will look at important considerations to keep in mind when choosing a probiotic and review four products that I am personally considering that contain both of these strains: Primal Harvest, Onnit, Complete Probiotics Platinum, and Live Conscious Pro 45. Below I have attached affiliate links to Amazon to each option.

Bacillus Coagulans: A Resilient and Butyrate-Producing Probiotic

Bacillus coagulans is a spore-forming bacterium, which sets it apart from many other probiotics. Unlike many non-spore-forming bacteria, Bacillus coagulans has the ability to form durable spores that protect it from harsh environmental conditions, including heat, stomach acid, and bile salts. This ability allows Bacillus coagulans to survive the digestive tract and successfully colonize the gut, ensuring that it reaches its intended target and can exert its health benefits.

Mechanisms of Health Improvement:

1. Production of Butyrate: Bacillus coagulans is one of the few probiotic strains known to produce butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that is essential for gut health. Butyrate serves as the primary energy source for colon cells, promoting gut lining integrity and reducing the risk of inflammatory diseases such as colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). By nourishing the cells of the colon, butyrate helps maintain a healthy gut barrier, which is crucial for preventing “leaky gut,” a condition where harmful substances leak into the bloodstream due to a compromised gut lining.
2. Gut Health and Immune Modulation: Bacillus coagulans helps balance the gut microbiota by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful pathogens. This results in a more balanced microbiome, which is vital for digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. Bacillus coagulans has also been shown to support the immune system by enhancing the production of cytokines and immunoglobulin A (IgA), which are essential for immune defense in the gut.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: In addition to butyrate production, Bacillus coagulans has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce gut-related inflammation, a common cause of digestive issues. Research indicates that this strain may be particularly useful in managing conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and IBS, where inflammation plays a central role.
4. Digestive Health: Bacillus coagulans has been found to alleviate symptoms of diarrhea, especially when caused by antibiotics or infections. It helps restore balance in the gut by its ability to recolonize via spores when other beneficial bacteria have been depleted by oral antibiotics or other harsh conditions. Bacillus coagulans also aids in the fermentation of fiber, producing gases that promote bowel regularity and overall digestive health.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: A Multifaceted Gut Health Ally

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is another highly regarded probiotic strain, known for its versatility and well-documented health benefits. Unlike Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a lactic acid bacterium, which means it produces lactic acid as a metabolic byproduct. This acidification of the gut helps maintain an environment that favors beneficial microbes while inhibiting the growth of harmful pathogens.

Mechanisms of Health Improvement:

1. Digestive Support and Diarrhea Prevention: Lactobacillus rhamnosus is particularly effective in preventing and treating gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea. Numerous studies have shown that it can significantly reduce the duration and severity of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea (such as from rotavirus), by competing with harmful microorganisms for resources and by producing antimicrobial substances.
2. Gut Barrier Integrity: Like Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus rhamnosus supports the integrity of the gut barrier. It does so by enhancing the production of tight junction proteins in the intestinal lining, which strengthens the barrier between the gut lumen and the bloodstream. This helps prevent intestinal permeability and systemic inflammation that could otherwise contribute to autoimmune diseases or chronic conditions like leaky gut syndrome.
3. Immune System Modulation: Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been shown to enhance the body’s immune response by stimulating both innate and adaptive immune functions. It promotes the production of IgA antibodies, which are essential for mucosal immunity in the gut, protecting the body against pathogens. Additionally, Lactobacillus rhamnosus has anti-inflammatory effects that help modulate immune responses, potentially reducing the risk of autoimmune diseases or allergies.
4. Vaginal Health: Lactobacillus rhamnosus is also known for its benefits in maintaining vaginal health. By supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the vaginal microbiome, it helps prevent conditions like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. This strain helps maintain a slightly acidic environment in the vagina, which is essential for preventing the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Probiotic

When selecting a probiotic supplement, there are several factors to consider to ensure you’re getting the most effective product for your health needs:

1. Strain Variety: A single-strain probiotic can be beneficial, but for broader health support, look for products that contain a variety of probiotic strains. Each strain offers unique benefits, and a multi-strain formula can provide more comprehensive support for gut health, immunity, and overall well-being as many of the strains will work together, sometimes by one producing nutrients for the other.
2. CFU Count (Colony-Forming Units): The CFU count indicates the number of live bacteria in a probiotic dose. Higher CFU counts don’t necessarily mean a better product, but they are important for ensuring that enough beneficial bacteria reach your gut. A good rule of thumb is to look for products with at least 10 billion CFUs per serving, though higher counts (up to 50 billion CFUs or more) may be suitable for those with specific health concerns. Probiotics that provide measurements in milligrams are not providing clear information, as there’s no way to know how much of the product is viable.
3. Survivability and Stability: Probiotics must survive the journey through the digestive tract to be effective. Look for probiotics that use delivery mechanisms (such as enteric-coated capsules) to protect the bacteria from stomach acid, or select spore-forming strains like Bacillus coagulans, which are naturally more resilient.
4. Additional Ingredients: Some probiotics contain prebiotics (fibers that nourish probiotics), digestive enzymes, or other complementary ingredients. While these can add value, ensure that they align with your specific health goals and avoid unnecessary additives or allergens.

Reviewing Probiotics Containing Bacillus Coagulans and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus

Now let’s look at four products that contain both Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, along with other beneficial probiotic strains.

1. Primal Harvest Primal Probiotic

CFU Count: 31 billion CFUs per serving.

Pros:

• Multiple strains.
• Clinically studied strains.
• Contains prebiotics.
• Free from dairy, gluten, and soy.
• Made in the USA.

Cons:

• Contains magnesium stearate filler.

Cost: Approximately $35 for a 30-day supply.

2. Onnit Total Gut Health

CFU Count: 10 billion CFUs per serving.

Pros:

• Lower, appropriate CFU count for effectiveness with reduced side effects.
• Multiple strains.
• Clinically studied strains.
• Contains digestive enzymes.
• Contains prebiotics.
• Gluten Free.
• Made in the USA.
• Formulated with performance in mind.

Cons:

• One serving is 4 capsules.

Cost: Around $50 for a 30-day supply.

3. Complete Probiotics Platinum

CFU Count: 100 billion CFUs per serving.

Pros:

• Multiple strains.
• Clinically studied strains.
• Contains prebiotic.
• Doctor formulated.
• Free from GMO, shellfish, dairy, wheat, peanut
• Made in USA.

Cons:

• Not gluten free.

Cost: Approximately $45 for a 30-day supply.

4. Live Conscious Pro 45

CFU Count: 45 billion CFUs per serving.

Pros:

• Multiple strains.
• Clinically studied strains.
• Contains prebiotics
• Made in USA.
• Free from gluten, dairy, GMO, soy, peanut, and shellfish.

Cons:

• Not endorsed by a physician.

Cost: Around $35 for a 30-day supply.

Conclusion

Both Bacillus coagulans and Lactobacillus rhamnosus are powerful probiotic strains with proven benefits for gut health, immune function, and overall well-being. Bacillus coagulans is particularly valuable due to its spore-forming ability and production of butyrate, which plays a critical role in gut health. Lactobacillus rhamnosus, on the other hand, offers support for digestive issues, immune modulation, and even vaginal health.

When choosing a probiotic, be sure to consider the strain variety, CFU count, survivability, and the inclusion of complementary ingredients like prebiotics or digestive enzymes. I brought each of these probiotics to your attentions because I believe they are all absolutely great options that I turned up while searching for a probiotic for myself. The best choice for you depends on your specific health needs and budget.

Probiotics can play a pivotal role in maintaining optimal health, but it’s essential to select the right formulation tailored to your individual needs. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new probiotic regimen, especially if you have specific health concerns.