Bacillus coagulans

Bacillus coagulans is a lactic acid bacteria species within the genus Bacillus. This bacterium is unique among the lactic acid bacteria as it is able to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach, making it a useful probiotic.

Taxonomy

Bacillus coagulans was first described in 1915 by B.W. Hammer at the Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station as a sporulating, lactic acid-producing bacterium. The organism was originally named Lactobacillus sporogenes, but was later renamed to Bacillus coagulans.

Characteristics

Bacillus coagulans is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that can produce endospores. It is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. The bacterium is also thermophilic, with an optimal growth temperature of 50°C.

Probiotic use

Bacillus coagulans is used as a probiotic in various dietary supplements and foods due to its ability to survive passage through the stomach and proliferate in the intestines. It has been suggested to improve gastrointestinal health, enhance the immune response, and reduce inflammation.

Safety

Bacillus coagulans is generally considered safe for human consumption. It has been granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.

See also

• Lactic acid bacteria
• Probiotic
• Bacillus