Bacillus subtilis and bloating – a factual classification of a frequently searched term

Bacillus subtilis & the microbiome – a factual classification of the search term “bloating”

Anyone searching online for “Bacillus subtilis” will often also encounter terms such as “bloating” or “digestive problems”. Many online articles link these topics to specific claims of effectiveness that are not legally permitted. This article provides a factual, scientific and compliant classification of the topic – without making any unauthorized health claims.

What is Bacillus subtilis?

Bacillus subtilis is a naturally occurring bacterium commonly found in soil and on plants. In biology, it is also known as the hay bacillus. One of its defining characteristics is its ability to form spores.

Thanks to this spore-forming ability, Bacillus subtilis is highly resistant to environmental influences such as heat, cold and gastric acid. For this reason, it is used in the European Union as an ingredient in certain foods and food supplements. The focus lies on describing the bacterium itself – not on promising any specific effect.

Why is Bacillus subtilis associated with “bloating”?

The term “bloating” is not a medically defined diagnosis. Rather, it describes a subjective sensation, such as a feeling of fullness or trapped air in the abdomen.

The fact that Bacillus subtilis is often searched together with this term is mainly due to growing interest in the human microbiome. Many people are increasingly concerned with their diet, eating habits and general digestive well-being. In this context, Bacillus subtilis is frequently mentioned or researched.

Important to note:

Just because a substance is frequently searched for together with a particular symptom does not mean that there is a scientifically proven or legally approved effect.

Legal classification: Health Claims Regulation

Within the European Union, the Health Claims Regulation strictly governs which health-related statements may be made about foods and food supplements.

Permitted are:

• a factual description of Bacillus subtilis as a bacterium
• information about its spore-forming ability and resistance
• general information about the microbiome and intestinal flora

Not permitted are:

• statements such as “helps against bloating” or “reduces gas”
• promises relating to the relief, prevention or treatment of symptoms

Since there are currently no authorized health claims for Bacillus subtilis relating to digestive complaints, we deliberately refrain from making such promises. Our aim is to provide transparent, fact-based information.

The microbiome as a complex system

The human microbiome is an extremely complex ecosystem influenced by many factors. Research into spore-forming bacteria is ongoing, but personal well-being cannot be reduced to a single substance.

A holistic perspective includes, among other things:

• Dietary habits (e.g. fiber, fermented foods, fluid intake)
• Lifestyle (physical activity, stress management, sleep)
• Individual differences, as every microbiome is unique

Conclusion: Information instead of promises

The frequent search term “Bacillus subtilis bloating” primarily reflects a high demand for information. While Bacillus subtilis is well described as a spore-forming bacterium and is the subject of scientific research, there are currently no authorized health-related statements confirming an effect on specific digestive complaints.

This article is intended for neutral information only and does not replace medical advice. In the case of persistent or severe symptoms, consultation with a physician is always recommended.

Note:
For further information on the safety of bacterial strains and the legal evaluation of health claims, we recommend public authorities such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

• EFSA (safety): EFSA maintains a list of microorganisms considered safe (the QPS list – Qualified Presumption of Safety). Bacillus subtilis is included on this list.
  • EFSA QPS list of safe microorganisms
• BfR (bacteria): BfR provides detailed assessments of various bacterial strains in foods. https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/food-safety/assessment-of-microbial-risks-in-foods/