Evidence supporting the use of: Bacillus
For the health condition: Lactose Intolerance

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bacillus species, particularly Bacillus coagulans, are sometimes used as probiotics in dietary supplements aimed at supporting digestive health, including in products marketed for lactose intolerance. The scientific rationale for their use relates to their ability, in some strains, to produce the enzyme β-galactosidase (lactase), which breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose. Some animal studies and a few small human trials have suggested that certain Bacillus-based probiotics might improve symptoms of lactose intolerance by aiding lactose digestion. For example, a small clinical study (Indian J Med Res. 2009) showed modest improvement in symptoms among lactose-intolerant subjects taking B. coagulans compared with placebo. However, the quality and scale of the evidence remain limited. Most research has involved Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, which are more directly involved in lactose metabolism and have more robust clinical data supporting their use.

In summary, while there is a plausible mechanism and early evidence suggesting some Bacillus strains could aid lactose digestion, the overall strength of scientific validation is low (rated 2/5). Bacillus-based probiotics are not as well-established for lactose intolerance as other probiotic genera, and further, larger-scale studies are needed to clarify their efficacy for this indication.

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Products containing Bacillus

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