A new kind of spore forming probiotic formulation

I'll be honest: the caption may have been a little clickbait. While the spore formulation listed here (which we’ll get into) might not be better than the Just Thrive product, it is possible it may be better for YOU. Let's start with the basics first.

If you’ve done the fungal protocol or been following me for any length of time, you’re probably very familiar with spore-forming probiotics by now, particularly the bacillus spores found in the Just Thrive and Microbiome Labs products I often recommend.

If you’re not familiar, here’s a brief summary: spore-forming probiotics are designed to withstand harsh conditions, including stomach acid and bile. The resilience of these spores allows them to survive digestion (unlike many probiotics) and reach the small intestine, where they germinate and exert their beneficial effects. In contrast, many traditional probiotics struggle to survive this journey into the gut.

Good research in humans indicates that spore-forming probiotics can help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as IBS and improve overall gut health by promoting a balanced microbiome. They seal up the gut lining, enhance immune status, produce vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and directly compete against pathogens in the gut and other areas of the body.

Spores tend to produce more reliable outcomes than other probiotic formulations, with less die-off. They are generally gentler, especially for those with sensitive digestion, and consistently lead to improvements in overall gut health. Additionally, spores have the unique ability to ‘read’ the individual microbial signatures of each person, allowing them to adapt and modify the host microbiome according to each person's unique needs. This is truly one of the most impressive benefits of spores, in my opinion, and a significant contributor to their advantages.

Strain specificity

In a previous article, I wrote about a unique spore forming probiotic called LactoSpore, specifically for individuals who struggle with flatulence and bloating.

In that article, I wrote the folllowing about different strains and the unique benefits they confer to the host:

“To understand the classification of bacteria, we can use a familiar analogy involving dogs. Just as all dogs belong to the group mammals, all bacteria fall under the category monera. This broad classification sets the stage for a more detailed exploration of the various types of organisms within each category.

Within the category of mammals, we have a specific class or order: dogs. This group encompasses domesticated dogs, similar to how the family bacillaceae also includes various types of bacteri

Next, we can think of dog breeds as analogous to bacterial genera. For example, within the broad category of dogs, we have specific breeds like the labrador and the German Shepherd. In the realm of bacteria, we have the genus of ‘spore forming’ bacillus, which includes several species, such as bacillus coagulans, bacillus subtilis and many of the others found in spore probiotics like JT and MegaSpore.

When we consider the species level, we can look at the specific breeds of dogs. A lab represents one breed, just as coagulans represents a specific species of bacteria. Each breed of dog has its unique traits and characteristics that distinguish it from others within the same category ‘dog’.

Finally, we reach the level of individual characteristics, which can be compared to bacterial strains as well. Just as a lab may have different individual traits—such as being friendly or protective—bacterial species can also have distinct strains and functional characteristics. These strains can exhibit variations in behavior much like how individual dogs can vary in personality and temperament”.

Different kinds of spore forming bacteria

If you read that article, then you’re familiar with the idea that no strain of say, bacillus subtilus, is the same. Even if all forms of bacillus subtilus tend to perform specific functions (like fighting off pathogens).

For example, a few strains of bacillus substilus have been shown in various human trials to be particularly effective for specific kinds of pathogens

HU58 and DE111— particularly effective against a broad range of pathogens and SIBO causing bacteria

MB40 — particularly effective against antibiotic resistant staph infections in the gut and nose

R0179 — very effective against various strains of Candida and yeast

ID-A05 — effective for oral health. Mainly treating cavities and gum disease

It's a little unclear all the different ways these strains differ and produce their characteristic benefits, but we do know that many of them produce substances like bacteriocins and other specific antimicrobial peptides, which may have varying effects on different pathogens.

Aside from the research we have on the general safety and efficacy of spores, we don’t have a lot of research comparing and contrasting the hundreds of different strains and their unique effects in human, randomized controlled trials.

For this reason, I think experimenting with different formulations of spore-formers might not be a bad idea, particularly if you’re suffering from more severe GI issues. You may find specific strains or formulations that work uniquely well for you. That being said, I would personally recommend using the Just Thrive (or MegaSpore) probiotic as a backbone in combination with other strains you choose to experiment with, simply because these formulations of spores have been well studied together (meaning the actual combination of each strain, not just the individual strains themselves) for various functional outcomes like IBS, leaky gut, and SIBO attenuation. In contrast, many other spore formulations have not been as thoroughly researched. This doesn’t mean that those that haven’t been studied are bad, but if you’re on a limited budget, you should always opt for the most well-studied and efficacious products.

One formulation that I’ve had some recent success recommending to clients with SIBO (particularly hydrogen sulfide dominant SIBO and those that are particularly intolerant to eggs, garlic, onions and other sulphur rich foods) is ProBioSpore.

ProBioSpore contains

There are three different strains of B coagulans, including LactoSpore, which I wrote an entire article about (quoted above) and referred to as "the fart probiotic." It has been shown to reduce putrefactive microorganisms in the small intestine, which contribute to the characteristic smelly protein and sulfur farts that result from the fermentation of proteins and vegetables in the small intestine.

It also contains a relative high dose of the DE111 form of bacillus subtilus, which has some good clinical trials showing that it can:

1. reduces cholesterol and may protects the endothelium (lining of the blood vessels)

2. Promotes weight loss (particularly of pro-inflammatory visceral fat), regulates appetite, boosts metabolism, lowers blood sugar levels and possibly attentuates metabolic syndrome

3. May reduce muscle soreness and improve athletic performance and energy levels

4. Particularly effective at improving the health of the skin barrier and attentuating conditions like acne

5. Improves cognition

6. Lower anti-inflammatory

Want to give this spore forming probiotic a shot? Let me know in the comments how it goes! Probiospore is a little more expensive, but it’s a 2 month supply. You only need one capsule, and the spores included are dosed relatively high

Product:

Designs for Health ProbioSpore - Powerful Spore Based Probiotic, Soil-Based Probiotics Supplement - Shelf Stable Gut + Immune Support, Non-GMO + Dairy Free (60 Capsules)