Spore-forming probiotic may support heart health, says recent study

Photo © AdobeStock.com/Маргарита Медведева

A recent study published in Beneficial Microbes¹ found that supplementation with the probiotic Bacillus subtilis DE111 from Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes (Kennesaw, GA) supporting endothelial function and cholesterol. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 43 participants between the ages of 18 and 65 were given Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain BL04, either with and without a cocktail of Escherichia coli-targeting bacteriophages (marketed as PreforPro), Bacillus subtilis strain DE111 or a maltodextrin-based placebo for four weeks.

While the combination of B. animalis and bacteriophage saw no significant reductions in CVD parameters, supplementation with B. subtilis DE111 resulted in significant reductions in total cholesterol compared to baseline, as well as non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. 

“Notably, these effects were observed in a population of healthy individuals, and the results strongly suggest that B. subtilis supplementation may help support cardiovascular health,” commented John Deaton, PhD, vice president of science and technology at Deerland, in a press release.

Reference

1. Trotter RE et al. “Bacillus subtilis DE111 intake may improve blood lipids and endothelial function in healthy adults.” Beneficial Microbes, Published online ahead of print on November 9, 2020