Enterogermina: What Is this Probiotic Used For?
Among the different probiotics used to help regenerate the intestinal microbiota we find Enterogermina ®. It’s made up of spores of the bacterium Bacillus clausii.
It’s available without prescription and is recommended to help in the treatment of diarrhea caused by infections. However, its use is also contemplated for other health problems, such as intoxications or reactions to medications.
Next up, we’ll get to know what probiotics are in more detail, including Enterogermina®. We’ll also tell you how to take it and its recommended dosage.
Diarrhea and intestinal microbiota
The term microbiota is used to refer to the various communities of microorganisms that inhabit the human body, either on the skin or in the mucous membranes. For example, those of the digestive tract.
In particular, the intestinal microbiota is estimated to be composed of trillions of microorganisms, belonging to about 1000 different species of bacteria. It plays an important role with respect to nutrition, as a “metabolic organ”. However, other functions are also being investigated, with respect to the immune system and inflammation.
However, according to studies on the subject, the intestinal microbiota can be affected when there is diarrhea, and also by the sustained consumption of antibiotics. This is where probiotics come into play.
Read more: Microbiota-Accessible Carbohydrates (MACs)
What is Enterogermina® and what is it used for?
The difference between prebiotics and probiotics is that prebiotics are the food of the microbiota, while probiotics are a type of medicine that is basically composed of bacteria. That is, we are consuming or ingesting live bacteria.
Among these drugs is Enterogermina ®. Its main component is the spores of the Bacillus clausii. These rod-shaped microorganisms are often found in soil, but aren’t considered pathogenic.
In one capsule of this drug there are billions of spores, which can resist stomach acid and pass into the intestine. Once they get there, they develop, giving rise to new bacteria, which adhere to the walls, protecting the mucosa.
Because of this, Enterogermina® is administered to improve the health of intestinal tissue when it has been affected by different causes. Let’s take a look at its benefits.
Benefits of Enterogermina ®
Despite advances in drug research and improved sanitary conditions, diarrhea still represents a health risk for people today, mainly for children.
However, research has proven the effectiveness of Enterogermina® in reducing frequent and watery bowel movements, when the cause is of infectious origin. It’s also used to treat other types of diarrhea associated with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, poisoning, chemotherapy treatments, or antibiotics.
It can even help when the intestinal microbiota is affected by intense exercise. In addition, this probiotic has a positive immunomodulatory effect, stimulating the production of immunoglobulins.
Enterogermina ® promotes the proper absorption of nutrients in the intestine, contributing to the improvement of the digestion process. Other health benefits of Bacillus clausii are currently being investigated:
- To reduce the adverse effects of the medication for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori.
- Treatment of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, especially in pediatric patients.
- Symptom management of pollen allergy in children.
- Improvement of vaginal microbiota health.
- Help in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Read more here: Top 15 Healthiest Probiotics and Prebiotics
How to take Enterogermina ®
Enterogermina ® is a clear, thick liquid with a slightly salty taste. It usually comes in small plastic containers, similar to ampoules.
It’s consumed orally, directly from the container. If desired, it can be diluted in water or other beverages, whether juice, milk, or tea.
It is not diluted in coffee.
It should be noted that there’s a normal format containing 2000 million Bacillus clausii, while another, called Plus, which has twice as much. The amount to be consumed depends on several factors, such as the age of the person, the severity of the symptoms, or the concentration of the product.
Regarding dosages, the following is recommended:
- Adults: Per day, between 2 to 3 doses of 2000 million.
- Children: 1 to 2 doses per day. In the case of Plus dosage, one dosage per day.
You should wait for at least 4 hours between each intake. It isn’t necessary to take them on an empty stomach. If antibiotics are being taken at the same time, there should be an interval between each medication.
Side effects and contraindications
Enterogermina ® doesn’t usually cause adverse reactions. However, some side effects have been observed, especially in patients sensitive to the product. These include irritation, itching, and reddening of the skin.
There are no contraindications, except in the cases already mentioned of people with hypersensitivity. Therefore, it can be consumed by children, and pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, even though it’s a product that can be purchased without a prescription, you should always consult your doctor.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- García J, Alzate J, Hoyos J, Cristancho E. Bacteremia after Bacillus clausii administration for the treatment of acute diarrhea: A case report. Biomed. 2021; 41(Suppl 2): 13-20.
- Ianiro G, Rizzatti G, Plomer M, et al. Bacillus clausii for the treatment of acute diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients. 2018; 10(8): 1074. doi:10.3390/nu10081074.
- Mariño G, Núñez V, Barreto P. Microbiota, probióticos, prebióticos y simbióticos. Rev Acta Médica. 2016; 17(1). Disponible en: https://www.medigraphic.com/cgi-bin/new/resumen.cgi?IDARTICULO=68527.
- Marseglia G, Tosca M, Cirillo I, et al. Efficacy of Bacillus clausii spores in the prevention of recurrent respiratory infections in children: a pilot study. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2007; 3(1):13-17.
- Plomer M, Iii Perez M, Greifenberg DM. Effect of Bacillus clausii Capsules in Reducing Adverse Effects Associated with Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial. Infect Dis Ther. 2020; 9(4): 867-878.
- Senesi S, Celandroni F, Tavanti A, Ghelardi E. Molecular characterization and identification ofbacillus clausii strains marketed for use in oral bacteriotherapy. ASM Journals Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 2001; 67(2): https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/AEM.67.2.834-839.2001.
