Probiotics for Beverage Applications

In recent years, probiotics have moved from niche supplements to mainstream wellness products.
Among the probiotic strains available, Bacillus coagulans has emerged as a noteworthy contender,
particularly in the realm of beverages. This robust bacterium, known for its remarkable stability and
health benefits, is increasingly being incorporated into various drink formats. This blog delves into
why Bacillus coagulans is making waves in the beverage industry, its benefits, applications, and the
future it holds.

Understanding Bacillus coagulans

Bacillus coagulans is a type of probiotic bacteria that belongs to the genus Bacillus. Unlike many
probiotics that exist in a vegetative state, Bacillus coagulans forms spores, which are highly resilient
to environmental stresses such as heat, and acidity This spore-forming ability gives Bacillus
coagulans a significant advantage in various applications, including beverages where stability and
viability are critical.

Unique Characteristics

  •  Spore Formation: Bacillus coagulans forms spores that can survive harsh conditions, making
    it particularly well-suited for inclusion in beverages that may be exposed to high
    temperatures or acidic environments.
  • Stability: Due to its spore-forming nature, Bacillus coagulans is less affected by changes in
    pH and temperature compared to non-spore-forming probiotics. This stability allows it to
    maintain its effectiveness throughout the product’s shelf life
  •  Survivability: The spores are designed to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach
    and germinate in the intestines, where they can exert their beneficial effects on gut health.

Probiotic applications in Beverages

The versatility of Bacillus coagulans makes it suitable for a wide range of beverage applications. Let’s
explore how this probiotic can be effectively incorporated into various drink formats.

1. Probiotic Soda

The market for low calorie and sparkling drinks are growing faster, probiotic Soda is gaining
popularity as a convenient and refreshing way to consume probiotics. Bacillus coagulans is an ideal
for probiotic soda due to its:

  •  Stability in Carbonated Environments: Bacillus coagulans forms spores that are resistant to
    heat and acidity, making it well-suited for carbonated beverages.
  • Viability in Acidic Conditions: The strain can survive the acidic environment of both the soda
    and the stomach, ensuring that beneficial bacteria reach the intestines.

2. Smoothies and Juices

Smoothies and juices are a popular choice for health-conscious consumers looking to boost their
nutrition. Adding Bacillus coagulans to smoothies and juices offers:

  • Flexible Dosage: Probiotic powders can be easily blended into smoothies and juices,
    allowing for customizable dosages based on individual needs and preferences.
  • Enhanced Nutritional Profile: Incorporating Bacillus coagulans can enhance the health
    benefits of smoothies and juices, making them a more comprehensive source of nutrients
    and probiotics.

3. Fermented Drinks

Fermented beverages like kombucha, kefir, and other probiotic-rich drinks are already known for
their beneficial bacteria. Adding Bacillus coagulans in kombucha and other fermented beverage:

  • Diversify Probiotic Strains: Including Bacillus coagulans alongside existing probiotic strains
    can offer a broader range of health benefits and support a more diverse gut microbiota.
  •  Improve Product Efficacy: The combination of different probiotics can enhance the overall
    effectiveness of the beverage in promoting digestive health.

4. Functional Beverages
Functional beverages, including energy drinks, wellness shots, and sports drinks, are increasingly
incorporating probiotics to offer added health benefits. Bacillus coagulans can be integrated into
these products to:

  • Support Gut Health: Adding probiotics to functional beverages can provide digestive and
    immune support alongside the primary benefits of the drink, such as increased energy or
    enhanced hydration.
  • Appeal to Health-Conscious Consumers: Probiotic-enriched functional beverages cater to
    consumers who are looking for multi-benefit products that support both their health and
    wellness goals.

Formulation Considerations
When incorporating Bacillus coagulans into beverages, several key considerations must be taken into
account to ensure product efficacy and consumer satisfaction.

1. pH Levels
The pH of a beverage can affect probiotic viability. While Bacillus coagulans is more resilient to pH
changes compared to many other probiotics, it is still important to:

  • Optimize pH Levels: Ensure that the pH of the beverage is within a range that supports the
    stability and activity of Bacillus coagulans.
  • Monitor Stability: Conduct stability testing to confirm that the probiotic remains viable
    throughout the product’s shelf life.

2. Temperature and Processing
Processing conditions, including heat and pressure, can impact the viability of probiotics. Bacillus
coagulans is known for its heat resistance, but:

  • Control Processing Conditions: Manage processing temperatures and other conditions to
    minimize any potential impact on the probiotic content.

3. Dosage

Determining the appropriate dosage of Bacillus coagulans is essential for delivering meaningful
health benefits. Consider:

  • Research-Based Dosage: Use research and guidelines to establish the effective dosage range
    for Bacillus coagulans in beverages.
  •  Labeling and Claims: Ensure that dosage levels are accurately reflected on product labels
    and align with any health claims made.

Consumer Trends and Market Potential

1. Growing Interest in Functional Beverages

The functional beverage market is expanding as consumers seek products that offer added health
benefits. Bacillus coagulans fits perfectly into this trend by providing:

  • Digestive and Immune Support: Probiotic beverages cater to consumers looking for
    functional products that support gut health and overall wellness.
  • Convenient Health Solutions: Beverages with Bacillus coagulans offer a convenient and
    enjoyable way to incorporate probiotics into daily routines.

2. Health-Conscious Consumers
Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of diet on health. Probiotic beverages,
particularly those featuring Bacillus coagulans, appeal to:

  • Consumers Seeking Wellness: Health-conscious individuals are looking for products that
    support their wellness goals, making probiotic beverages a popular choice.
  • Families and Children: Probiotic drinks can be a family-friendly option, providing health
    benefits in a format that is easy for both adults and children to consume.

3. Innovation Opportunities

Bacillus coagulans opens up numerous possibilities for innovation in beverage formulation. Potential
opportunities include:

  • New Product Developments: Explore new beverage concepts and formats that incorporate
    Bacillus coagulans, such as probiotic-infused iced teas or functional energy drinks.
  • Flavor and Functionality: Experiment with different flavors and functional benefits to create
    unique probiotic beverages that stand out in the market.

About Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969®

Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969®, isolated from Green Malt, boasts a distinguished history of over 50
years of successful use across various age groups. Supported by more than 30 human clinical studies,
promoting gut health, oral health, and women's health. Resilient and versatile, it presents an
exciting prospect for integration into various food applications. It holds several certifications,
including USFDA GRAS (Adult & Infant), Health Canada approval, claims notified at FSANZ, QPS in the
EU, and is permitted by FSSAI.

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Benefits of a Soil Based Probiotic

History and Benefits of a Soil Based Probiotic: Bacillus Coagulans SNZ 1969

Soil-based probiotics have been touted for their sturdiness, longer shelf life and ability to improve digestion, stimulate the immune system, and help maintain a healthy gut microbiota. So, should you be taking soil-based probiotics?

What are soil-based organisms?

The term soil-based organism (SBO) encompasses over 100 different species of microbes naturally found in soil. Some of these have been isolated and adapted for use as probiotics. Most SBO used in soil-based probiotics are spore-forming. This means that when they replicate, they form a small spore that is protected by a hard coating, making them resistant to heat and acid.  This also means that they are more likely to survive the upper gastrointestinal tract and reach the large intestine compared to other commonly used probiotic strains.

Common soil-based species used in probiotics:

Some of the most commonly used soil-based microbes:

  1. Bacillus coagulans
  2. Bacillus subtilis
  3. Bacillus clausii
  4. Bacillus licheniformis
  5. Clostridium butyricum

Disadvantages of traditional/vegetative probiotics

Traditional probiotics strains are mainly BifidobacteriumEnterococcus, and Escherichia etc.  Although traditional probiotics are safe and effective treatment options but they have some shortcomings such as limited shelf life and can get damaged by stomach acid which eventually will lead to reduced efficacy.

Are soil based probiotics good for us?

These probiotics in addition to conferring various health benefits such as normalize bowel function, aid in digestion, beneficially stimulate the immune system, are well known for their ability to resist stomach acid and longer shelf life because of its spore forming attribute.

On the other hand, few opponents of SBOs argue that because of their spore-forming nature, they proliferate rapidly, and may compete with our resident gut microbes, rather than helping to bring the gut microbiota back to normalcy.

However, several individual SBO strains have been shown to be beneficial, with no adverse effects, in dozens of randomized, placebo-controlled, human clinical trials.

Rather than labeling all SBOs as good or bad, we need a more nuanced discussion – one that considers the evidence for each particular strain, microbe, and formula.

Bacillus Coagulans SNZ 1969

Bacillus coagulans is a gram-positive bacterium that produces L-lactic acid. There are different strains of Bacillus coagulans that are used as probiotic to improve and maintain ecological balance of the intestinal microflora. Several experimental studies, including subchronic toxicity, chronic toxicity, reproduction toxicity, in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity and human clinical trials, have appeared with Bacillus coagulans. All these studies support the safety in use of B. coagulans at the intended use levels. Sanzyme Limited has conducted a series of phenotypic and genotypic studies of B. coagulans SNZ1969 strain. These studies further support the non-toxigenic and non-pathogenic nature of this strain. On the basis of scientific procedures, the consumption of B. coagulans SNZ 1969 spores’ preparation, as a food ingredient, is safe.

Legacy of Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969

This particular strain originated in Japan. In 1949, a Japanese physician, Dr. Nakamura isolated B. coagulans from green malt. This particular isolate was tested for its potential effects against diarrhea and constipation in adult as well as infants during 1964. In 1972, at the request of Sankyo Corporation, the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare approved the use of this particular B. coagulans (designated as strain SANK 70258). Subsequently, in 1973, Sankyo Corporation (currently known as Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd) offered formulation and fermentation technology to Sanzyme Limited (earlier known as Uni-Sankyo Ltd). Since then, it is marketed in India under the brand name Sporlac and has been designated as strain SNZ 1969.

The Invincible Probiotic

With a naturally-protective outer layer, Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 can survive hostile gastric and bile acids in human gut and remain stable in highly acidic (pH2) environment. It is also resistant to high temperature i.e. up to 85°C for 30 min. From production to consumption, it does not show decrement in viability of cell. It sustains extreme manufacturing processes like fermentation, freezing, thawing, drying, and rehydration, making it the ideal probiotic for food applications.

Current Applications of Bacillus coagulans

Bacillus coagulans are used as dietary supplement probiotics for human consumption. These supplements contain B.coagulans alone or in combination with other probiotics and prebiotics. The recommended dose of B. coagulans ranges from 3.8x 108 or 1.5x 109   CFU/capsule, once to thrice daily for an adult. B.coagulans SNZ 1969 had been approved by various clinical studies for treatment of symptoms caused by abnormalities of intestinal flora called gut dysbiosis. It is also used for treatment of oral and vaginal health.

FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has approved use of B. coagulans for veterinary purposes. It has been shown by various studies to improve the feed conversion ratio, ultimately improving the growth performance for animals such as cattle, swine, poultry, aquaculture etc.

Approval and Certifications

Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 SNZ 1969 is a well-studied and documented strain with 20+ clinical trials and multiple regulatory approvals (FDA GRAS, Infant GRAS, EFSA QPS, Health Canada, FSSAI and others). It is currently sold and used in 35+ countries including USA, Italy, Canada, Australia and Japan.

Conclusion

It is important for the consumer/buyer to understand the probiotics available in the market and make an informed decision based on the evidence available before purchasing.  As we have seen that not all probiotic strains are equal, the choice of probiotic , that is , whether to go for a traditional(vegetative) or soil- based spore forming probiotic, needs to be made based on which one provides the maximum benefits. A soil based probiotic with its spore forming capability offers more benefits than the traditional ones and Sanzyme Biologics’ Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969 is a highly stable, spore forming probiotic which has a shelf life of 36 months and can remain viable through various food based application processing, and can easily sustain the low pH of stomach acid. The increased stability opens up multiple avenues of usage and application for the food/ pharma/animal feed manufacturer requirement.