In 2004, a study was conducted to examine the yellowish-orange pigmentation of a bacterium found in a sand sample in an arsenic-contaminated aquifer in India. At that time, researchers found that the bacteria are resistant to arsenic. This became known as Bacillus indicus Sd/3T.

What Is Bacillus Indicus?

Bacillus indicus is a carotenoid-producing, spore-forming bacteria that is rod-shaped. It produces carotenoids which gives the bacterium the colors of yellow, orange, and red found in many algae, photosynthetic bacteria, and plants.

Essentially, this spore bacteria gets into your intestines by your exposure to dirt whether it be through gardening or eating foods grown in dirt.

What’s more, B. indicus has many health benefits and is included in both supplements and is in wide use in the processed foods industry.

What are Bacillus Probiotics?

Stating it simply, Bacillus bacteria are from the soil of the earth and every human interacts with the soil. So, of course, the food that we eat that comes from the soil contains Bacillus bacteria. Moreover, this type of probiotic is not toxic and are normal inhabitants of the human intestinal system.

What’s special about this probiotic is that it makes it successfully through human stomach acid. Then, in the small intestines, the spores germinate, grow, and proliferate. When they process again into spores, they then pass through the intestinal tract safely and without harm to the host. It is also considered to have high bio-availability qualities.

It’s no accident that farmers have lower rates of allergies and auto-immune disorders because they work closely with the soil every day.

Aside from Bacillus indicus, other species of spore probiotic bacteria include the following:

1. B. anthracis is the infamous ingredient in anthrax disease. Please note that all strains of B. anthracis are pathogens.
2. B. cereus is a harmful species that cause food poisonings and other infections however this strain is useful to control bacteria on crops.
3. B. coagulans, which is in wide use as both a probiotic and in industrial applications.
4. B. licheniformis is another species associated with food poisoning and infections but is helpful in industrial uses and you will find it in safe combination with other probiotics.
5. B. subtilis has probiotic strains and is in use in the food industry and other industrial applications. There are also types of strains that are harmful within the B. subtillis category.

Combinations, Benefits, and Uses

You will find B. indicus in combination with other probiotics in supplemental form. You will also find it in proprietary formulas of supplementation. Some interesting facts about Bacillus probiotics are examined below.

1. Immunity booster with the exclusion of intestinal pathogens.
2. Use in food matrices with refrigeration while providing stability in fruit and dairy beverages.
3. Withstands heating of 235oC for 8 minutes which makes it excellent for incorporation into baked foods.
4. It provides stability as a supplement.
5. In use as a food coloring.
6. Extensive feeding and toxicology studies prove the safeness of use.

Bacillus Indicus Risks & Possible Side Effects

If you are an immunocompromised person, you might experience unpleasant side effects from the use of probiotics in general. That makes it especially important for you to consult with your medical professional in advance of adding this or any other supplement to your daily regimen.

When you consult with your medication professionals, they will do the necessary research to ensure compatibility with any other medications or supplements you may be taking. They will also take into account other health conditions that you may be experiencing.

If you want to use a probiotic supplement, ensure that you carefully read the directions for use on the manufacturer’s label. Also, make certain to store probiotics properly which includes the right level of humidity and room temperature. Please take the necessary precautions as this product contains living organisms, so you must store it accordingly.

Studies that Include B. Indicus

1. B. indicus HU36, lemon fiber, and maltodextrin enriching symbiotic dark chocolate development. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of the probiotic and dietary fibers in dark chocolate. The inclusion of bacteria and dietary fiber showed no negative side effects on the sensory properties and color of the chocolate. Results show that the dietary fiber improves the adherence, firmness, and sweetness of the dark chocolate. Incidentally, it is worth noting that synbiotics are ingredients in food or supplements that synergistically combine probiotics and prebiotics. The effects of the synergism are improvements to the activity of live dietary supplements in the human intestinal system.
2. The patented strain of ColorsporeTM Bacillus indicus HU36 produces a pigmentation in yellow-orange hue. Along with that, it also serves as a gastric stabilizer and proves to be an immune stimulator while excluding pathogens found in the intestines. These are robust spores that do not need refrigeration while remaining stable in dairy and fruit juices. As it is able to withstand high heat (235oC up to 8 minutes), you will find it in the ingredients of many cooking and baking food products. Additionally, it proves to be a stable ingredient in commercial food coloring and nutritional supplements.

In Summary

Bacillus indicus, a spore-forming bacteria produces carotenoids that are bright yellow, orange, and red. It is in use in supplemental probiotic combinations. Additionally, it is in use in the food industry for the qualities of color and stability.

B. indicus is in the soil we walk on and is a healthy component of the human gastrointestinal system. Working in the soil gives you a healthy dose of this bacteria but you can also get it through supplementation in combination with other probiotics. It is also widely in use on a larger scale in the food industry for a variety of cooked and baked food products.

There are no known side effects of the use of probiotics when used in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor before starting a probiotic regimen to determine compatibility with other medications you may be taking and other existing medical conditions.

Article Sources:

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.