BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Other Names:

B. subtilis, B. subtilis natto, Bacillus inaqosorum, Bacillus spizizenii, Bacillus stercoris, Bacillus subtilis subsp. inaqosorum, Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii, Bacillus subtilis subsp. stercoris, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis, Bacill...
See All Names

Review this Treatment See Brand Products

BACILLUS SUBTILIS Overview Information

Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) found naturally in the human gut. It's also found in fermented foods.

"Good" bacteria such as B. subtilis might help the body break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. These bacteria are sometimes added to fermented foods like yogurt and also found in dietary supplements.

People use B. subtilis for diarrhea from antibiotics. It is also used for athletic performance, eczema, constipation, indigestion, gas, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don't confuse B. subtilis with Bacillus coagulans, other probiotics, nattokinase, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same. Also note that three previously recognized Bacillus subtilis subspecies have recently been reclassified. Some products marketed as B. subtilis might actually contain these newly classified Bacillus species, including Bacillus inaqosorum, Bacillus spizizenii, and Bacillus stercoris.

BACILLUS SUBTILIS Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for:

Diarrhea in people taking antibiotics (antibiotic-associated diarrhea). Taking B. subtilis by mouth seems to help prevent diarrhea from antibiotics.

There is interest in using B. subtilis for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

BACILLUS SUBTILIS Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Some B. subtilis strains are commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, B. subtilis is possibly safe for most people. B. subtilis strains BS50, B2335, CU1, MB40, MY02, and R0179 have been used safely in doses of 2-10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for 2-8 weeks. It seems to be well-tolerated.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if B. subtilis is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Children: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Bacillus subtilis is safe for children, including very small premature infants.

Weakened immune system: Probiotics have caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking probiotics, including B. subtilis.

BACILLUS SUBTILIS Interactions

Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination

Antibiotic drugs interacts with BACILLUS SUBTILIS
B. subtilis is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with B. subtilis can reduce the effects of B. subtilis. To avoid this interaction, take B. subtilis products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics.

BACILLUS SUBTILIS Dosing

In adults, B. subtilis has most often been taken by mouth alone or together with other probiotics in doses of 2-5 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily for up to 8 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement Sources

References:

Amuguni JH, Lee S, Kerstein KO, et al. Sublingually administered Bacillus subtilis cells expressing tetanus toxin C fragment induce protective systemic and mucosal antibodies against tetanus toxin in mice. Vaccine 2011;29(29-30):4778-84. View abstract.

Bertelli C, Pillonel T, Torregrossa A, et al. Bifidobacterium longum bacteremia in preterm infants receiving probiotics. Clin Infect Dis 2015;60(6):924-7. View abstract.

Colenutt C, Cutting SM. Use of Bacillus subtilis PXN21 spores for suppression of Clostridium difficile infection symptoms in a murine model. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2014;358(2):154-61. View abstract.

Colom J, Freitas D, Simon A, et al. Acute physiological effects following Bacillus subtilis DE111 oral ingestion - a randomised, double blinded, placebo-controlled study. Benef Microbes. 2023;14(1):31-43. View abstract.

Culpepper T, Rowe CC, Rusch CT, et al. Three probiotic strains exert different effects on plasma bile acid profiles in healthy obese adults: randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Benef Microbes. 2019;10(5):497-509. View abstract.

Dani C, Coviello C C, Corsini I I, Arena F, Antonelli A, Rossolini GM. Lactobacillus Sepsis and Probiotic Therapy in Newborns: Two New Cases and Literature Review. AJP Rep. 2016;6(1):e25-9. View abstract.

Dunlap CA, Bowman MJ, Zeigler DR. Promotion of Bacillus subtilis subsp. inaquosorum, Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii and Bacillus subtilis subsp. stercoris to species status. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 2020;113(1):1-12. View abstract.

Esaiassen E, Cavanagh P, Hjerde E, Simonsen GS, Støen R, Klingenberg C. Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis bacteremia in 3 extremely preterm infants receiving probiotics. Emerg Infect Dis 2016;22(9):1664-6. View abstract.

Esen O, Eser MC, Abdioglu M, Benesova D, Gabrys T, Karayigit R. Eight Days of L-Citrulline or L-Arginine Supplementation Did Not Improve 200-m and 100-m Swimming Time Trials. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022;19(8):4462. View abstract.

Freedman KE, Hill JL, Wei Y, et al. Examining the gastrointestinal and immunomodulatory effects of the novel probiotic Bacillus subtilis DE111. Int J Mol Sci 2021;22(5):2453. View abstract.

Fujita M, Nomura K, Hong K, et al. Purification and characterization of a strong fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese natto, a popular soybean fermented food in Japan. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1993;197:1340-7. View abstract.

Garvey SM, Mah E, Blonquist TM, Kaden VN, Spears JL. The probiotic Bacillus subtilis BS50 decreases gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Gut Microbes 2022;14(1):2122668. View abstract.

Hanifi A, Culpepper T, Mai V, et al. Evaluation of Bacillus subtilis R0179 on gastrointestinal viability and general wellness: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults. Benef Microbes 2015;6(1):19-27. View abstract.

Hatanaka M, Yamamoto K, Suzuki N, et al. Effect of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 on loose stools in healthy volunteers. Benef Microbes 2018;9(3):357-365. View abstract.

Horosheva TV, Vodyanoy V, Sorokulova I. Efficacy of Bacillus probiotics in prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. JMM Case Reports. 2014 Sep;1(3):e004036.

Justia Patents. Probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) supplementation for improvement of body composition in female athletes. June 2021. Available at: https://patents.justia.com/patent/20210315945. Accessed June 16, 2023.

Kato A, Yoshifuji A, Komori K, et al. A case of Bacillus subtilis var. natto bacteremia caused by ingestion of natto during COVID-19 treatment in a maintenance hemodialysis patient with multiple myeloma. J Infect Chemother 2022;28(8):1212-1215. View abstract.

La Jeon Y, Yang JJ, Kim MJ, et al. Combined Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis infection in a patient with oesophageal perforation. J Med Microbiol 2012;61(Pt 12):1766-1769. View abstract.

Lampropoulos PK, Gkentzi D, Tzifas S, Dimitriou G. Neonatal sepsis due to Bacillus subtilis. Cureus 2021;13(9):e17692. View abstract.

Lefevre M, Racedo SM, Denayrolles M, et al. Safety assessment of Bacillus subtilis CU1 for use as a probiotic in humans. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2017;83:54-65. View abstract.

Oren, A. Garrity, GM. List of new names and new combinations previously effectively, but not validly, published. Int. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 70(5):2021;2960-2966. View abstract.

Paytuví-Gallart A, Sanseverino W, Winger AM. Daily intake of probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis DE111 supports a healthy microbiome in children attending day-care. Benef Microbes. 2020;11(7):611-620. View abstract.

Penet C, Kramer R, Little R, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study evaluating the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis MB40 to reduce abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating. Altern Ther Health Med 2021;27(S1):146-157. View abstract.

Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.

Pillai A, Tan J, Paquette V, Panczuk J. Does probiotic bacteremia in premature infants impact clinically relevant outcomes? A case report and updated review of literature. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020;39:255-259. View abstract.

Poindexter B; Committee on fetus and newborn. Use of Probiotics in Preterm Infants. Pediatrics. 2021;147(6):e2021051485. View abstract.

Pruccoli G, Silvestro E, Pace Napoleone C, Aidala E, Garazzino S, Scolfaro C. Are probiotics safe? Bifidobacterium bacteremia in a child with severe heart failure. Infez Med. 2019;27(2):175-178. View abstract.

Sohail G, Xu X, Christman MC, Tompkins TA. Probiotic Medilac-S(®) for the induction of clinical remission in a Chinese population with ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Clin Cases 2018;6(15):961-984. View abstract.

Sohn W, Lee OY, Kwon JG, et al. Tianeptine vs amitriptyline for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea: a multicenter, open-label, non-inferiority, randomized controlled study. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2012;24(9):860-e398. View abstract.

Soman RJ, Swamy MV. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SNZ TriBac, a three-strain Bacillus probiotic blend for undiagnosed gastrointestinal discomfort. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2019;34(11):1971-1978. View abstract.

Sumi H, Hamada H, Nakanishi K, Hiratani H. Enchancement of fibrinolytic activity in plasma by oral administration of nattokinase. Acta Haematol 1990;84:139-43. View abstract.

Sunagawa Y, Okamura N, Miyazaki Y, et al. Effects of products containing Bacillus subtilis var. natto on healthy subjects with neck and shoulder stiffness, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover study. Biol Pharm Bull 2018;41(4):504-509. View abstract.

Tokano M, Tarumoto N, Imai K, et al. A case of bacterial meningitis caused by Bacillus subtilis var. natto. Intern Med. 2022. Epub ahead of print. View abstract.

Tompkins TA, Xu X, Ahmarani J. A comprehensive review of post-market clinical studies performed in adults with an Asian probiotic formulation. Benef Microbes. 2010;1(1):93-106. View abstract.

Toohey JC, Townsend JR, Johnson SB, et al. Effects of probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) supplementation during offseason resistance training in female division I athletes. J Strength Cond Res 2020;34(11):3173-3181. View abstract.

Townsend JR, Bender D, Vantrease WC, et al. Effects of probiotic (Bacillus subtilis DE111) supplementation on immune function, hormonal status, and physical performance in Division I baseball players. Sports (Basel). 2018;6(3):70. View abstract.

Trotter RE, Vazquez AR, Grubb DS, et al. Bacillus subtilis DE111 intake may improve blood lipids and endothelial function in healthy adults. Benef Microbes 2020;11(7):621-630. View abstract.

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Dear Healthcare Provider Letter: Warning Regarding Use of Probiotics in Preterm Infants. September 2023. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/media/172606/download?attachment. Accessed November 1, 2023.

Velasco E, Martins CA, Tabak D, Bouzas LF. "Bacillus subtilis" infection in a patient submitted to a bone marrow transplantation. Rev Paul Med 1992;110(3):116-7. View abstract.

Wallet F, Crunelle V, Roussel-Delvallez M, Fruchart A, Saunier P, Courcol RJ. Bacillus subtilis as a cause of cholangitis in polycystic kidney and liver disease. Am J Gastroenterol 1996;91(7):1477-8. View abstract.

Wan YD, Zhu RX, Bian ZZ, Sun TW. Effect of probiotics on length of hospitalization in mild acute pancreatitis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. World J Gastroenterol 2021;27(2):224-232. View abstract.

Wauters L, Slaets H, De Paepe K, et al. Efficacy and safety of spore-forming probiotics in the treatment of functional dyspepsia: a pilot randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021;6(10):784-792. View abstract.

Zbinden A, Zbinden R, Berger C, Arlettaz R. Case series of Bifidobacterium longum bacteremia in three preterm infants on probiotic therapy. Neonatology 2015;107(1):56-9. View abstract.

Zeng J, Wang CT, Zhang FS, et al. Effect of probiotics on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled multicenter trial. Intensive Care Med 2016;42(6):1018-28. View abstract.

Zhang AM, Sun ZQ, Zhang LM. Mosapride combined with probiotics on gastrointestinal function and growth in premature infants. Exp Ther Med 2017;13(6):2675-2680. View abstract.

Be the first to share your experience with this treatment.

Conditions & Treatments Related to BACILLUS SUBTILIS

Learn about User Reviews and read IMPORTANT information about user generated content

Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2009.

Vitamins & Supplements

Top Supplements

Drugs and Medications Center

Living Healthy Resources

Today on WebMD

Vitamins Quiz

Do you know your vitamin ABCs?

11 Supplements for Menopause

Ease hot flashes and other symptoms.

Vitamin B12

Are you getting enough?

Vitamin D

Wonder pill or overkill?

Video

Powerhouse Fruits and Veggies

Article

Vitamin Overload: Can It Hurt You?

Article

About Sleep Herbs and Supplements

Article

St. John's Wort for Depression

IMPORTANT: About This Section and Other User-Generated Content on WebMD

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatment or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.