Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes recently announced the publication of a new study which confirms through in-vivo analysis that its probiotic product DE111, a strain of Bacillus subtilis, is able to form spores and germinate in the human small intestine.
 
The study, appearing in Frontiers in Microbiology, recruited 11 individuals in a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The participants had stable ileostomies, a procedure which involves a disconnection of the small intestine from the colon, and reconnection to an external ileal bag. With access to the contents of the ileal bags, investigators were able to directly examine spore germination under real-time in-vivo conditions in the human small intestine for the first time.
 
The study participants, who were between the ages of 24 and 75, consumed either 5 billion CFU of DE111 or a placebo with a standardized meal. The groups then switched from placebo to supplement and vice-versa following a one-week washout period.
 
Spore and vegetative DE111 cell counts were investigated, and the researchers observed both DE111 spores and DE111 vegetative cells present in ileostomy bags during repetitive analysis spanning 8 hours, the average time for food to fully travel from the mouth to the small intestines.
 
The cell counts found in the supplementation group were the same or more than the number of spores consumed at the beginning of the study, indicating to the researchers that DE111 has excellent survivability, as well as growth and reproduction in the digestive tract.
 
“Germination of spore-forming probiotics in the small intestines is of particular importance considering that a significant portion of the immune system is located in that portion of the gut and the majority of digestion and nutrient absorption occurs there,” John Deaton, vice president of science and technology at Deerland Probiotics and Enzymes, said. “Prior to this new study, others have attempted to determine spore germination in the small intestine through simulated lab models or animal studies, but none have investigated actual in-vivo spore germination in the human small intestine.”
 
“This study provides clear evidence that DE111 spores germinate in the human small intestine,” Deaton continued. “This then provides support to show that consuming B. subtilis DE111 effectively promotes and supports immune and digestive health.”