Benefits
Improved Immunity
Bacillus subtilis MB40 has documented effects on immunity including improved immune response against bacterial infection in animal models.
GI Symptom Improvement
Optibiome studied for safety and efficacy in improving gastrointestinal symptoms.
Spore-Forming Resilience
Bacillus species form ENDOSPORES — survive stomach acid, heat, time on shelf; deliver viable bacteria to intestine reliably.
Shelf Stability
Spore-forming nature allows formulation in foods, beverages, and shelf-stable products without refrigeration — major advantage over Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Reduced Capsule Overage
Stability allows manufacturers to use less strain in capsules vs other probiotics that lose viability over shelf life.
Gut Microbiome Support
Native to soil and intestinal environments; supports beneficial bacterial ecosystem.
Mechanism of action
Endospore Survival Through GI Tract
Bacillus endospores are highly resistant to stomach acid, bile, heat, dehydration; germinate to active bacteria in intestine.
Antimicrobial Compound Production
Bacillus subtilis produces antimicrobial peptides that compete with pathogens for gut niches.
Immune System Modulation
Activates innate and adaptive immunity; supports immune homeostasis.
Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production
Active bacterial growth produces SCFAs supporting gut barrier and gut-immune axis.
Clinical trials
BIO-CAT clinical evaluation of Bacillus subtilis MB40 for GI and immune applications.
Adults across applications.
GI symptom improvement; immune support; established efficacy.
About this ingredient
OPTIBIOME® BS50 is a CLINICALLY-STUDIED BACILLUS SUBTILIS MB40 (ATCC 122264) PROBIOTIC STRAIN developed by BIO-CAT MICROBIALS (Minnesota; acquired Advanced Microbial Systems 2004).
KEY DISTINCTIONS: (1) BACILLUS SUBTILIS — spore-forming species with superior survivability vs non-spore-forming probiotics (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium); (2) MB40 STRAIN with specific clinical evidence; (3) ORGANIC certified; (4) KERRY PARTNERSHIP for global sales/distribution; (5) FULLY-INTEGRATED US fermentation facility; (6) Reduced capsule overage; (7) Shelf-stable formulation flexibility.
EVIDENCE-BASED USES: (1) Improved immunity (incl. against bacterial infection); (2) GI symptom improvement; (3) Shelf-stable probiotic delivery; (4) Food and beverage applications; (5) Comprehensive gut-immune support.
CRITICAL CAUTIONS: (1) IMMUNOCOMPROMISED — caution with live probiotics; rare cases of probiotic bacteremia; consult; (2) ANTIBIOTICS — kill probiotics; separate timing; (3) DOSE — per BIO-CAT specification; (4) BACILLUS SPORE-FORMING ADVANTAGE — survives stomach acid and heat unlike Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium; major formulation advantage; (5) OPTIBIOME BS50 vs OTHER BACILLUS PROBIOTICS (BC30 from Ganeden, GanedenBC30, LactoSpore from Sabinsa) — multiple Bacillus strains; each with specific clinical evidence; choose by application; (6) BACILLUS vs LACTOBACILLUS/BIFIDOBACTERIUM — different probiotic categories; Bacillus better shelf stability; Lactobacillus/Bifidobacterium more native to human gut; complementary; (7) FOR COMPREHENSIVE GUT HEALTH — diet (fiber, fermented foods, diverse plants), probiotics, prebiotics, stress management, possibly digestive enzymes; multi-faceted approach; (8) BRAND VERIFICATION — Optibiome® is BIO-CAT Microbials trademark; specific strain MB40.