MegaSporeBiotic™ is “a 100% spore-based broad-spectrum probiotic shown to maintain healthy gut barrier function” i.e. leaky gut. Research and clinical results show it is promising for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), recovery from liver injury caused by acetaminophen, and is protective in ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease). Given the gut-brain connection and the fact that the majority of serotonin is produced in the gut, it’s not surprising that spore-based probiotics may also help ease anxiety and depression.
Here are some of the studies supporting this spore-based probiotic for gut issues:
The key findings of the present study is that oral spore-based probiotic supplementation reduced symptoms indicative of “leaky gut syndrome”.
The results demonstrated that patients treated with MegaSporeBiotic, compared with those treated with rifaximin followed by nutraceutical or low-FODMAP diet, had similar severity scores and rectal volume sensation test results for all parameters tested and statistically significant improvement in measurements of quality of life.
This is important because “Acetaminophen is one of the most used analgesics [pain-reducing] and antipyretic [fever-lowering] agents in the world. Intoxication with acetaminophen is the main cause of acute liver toxicity in both the US and Europe.”
Pretreatment with probiotic spore-forming Bacillus strains and a supplement of amino acids in combination with immunoglobulins exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in an AA-induced rat model of ulcerative colitis.
In one study, Bacillus coagulans (one of the spore-forming strains in MegaSporeBiotic™), when used alone was shown to help ease depression and gut problems in IBS patients. It was a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, multi-centre, pilot clinical study and:
The improvement in depression and IBS symptoms was statistically significant and clinically meaningful. These findings support B. coagulans MTCC 5856 as an important new treatment option for major depressive disorder in IBS patients.
During The Anxiety Summit 5: Gut-Brain Axis, I interviewed Kiran Krishnan who is a microbiologist, one of the founders of Microbiome Labs and a co-creator of MegaSporeBiotic™. He reminds us about the gut-brain connection and how anxiety and mental health issues come from the gut “because the vast majority of serotonin in your body – more than ninety percent of it – is actually produced in the gut” and not in the brain.
He talks about the type of cell in the gut that produces serotonin – the enterochromaffin cell – and the fact that “spore forming bacteria are some of the best stimulators of the enterochromaffin cell to produce serotonin.”
With low levels of serotonin you’ll experience the worry-type of anxiety with ruminations, obsessing, panic attacks, insomnia (often lying awake worrying). Other low serotonin symptoms include low mood/depression, late afternoon and evening carbohydrate cravings, pain, PMS, irritability, rage and anger, TMJ, low confidence, imposter syndrome and perfectionism. This type of low-serotonin anxiety is different from the low GABA physical/tension type anxiety.
These cells also play a crucial role in gastrointestinal regulation, particularly intestinal motility. We know low serotonin also contributes to digestive/IBS-type symptoms.
You can see a list of all the low serotonin symptoms here.
Brandy’s positive feedback on digestive issues and mental health
Brandy Oto, a marriage, couple and family counselor, incorporates an integrative nutrition approach with her clients and she shares this:
MegaSporeBiotic™ makes a HUGE difference in my body! I have used every probiotic I can think of. Megaspore has not only resolved my digestive issues and allows me regular bowel movements, I find my mental health is much better! I have decided to use it in my practice as well now. Clients consistently report better mental health!
I asked her how quickly she notices an improvement when using MegaSporeBiotic™ and what aspects of mental health improve for her and her clients. She shares this:
I personally notice physical and mental anxiety decrease usually about 4-5 days, bowel movements easy within a couple days, ability to tolerate foods I was sensitive to after 6 or so months on them.
Clients report all types of improvements from anxiety, depression, to digestive issues improving. I have even heard from one client that when she gets off the probiotic symptoms of schizophrenia return.
In Brandy’s mental health practice, she does use amino acids to address neurotransmitter deficiencies too (for example tryptophan or 5-HTP to address low serotonin symptoms like worry, fear, panic attacks). She uses this spore-based probiotic to address underlying issues that cause those deficiencies.
It’s not one or the other – the probiotics and amino acids are part of a comprehensive plan.
Not everyone raves about this probiotic and some folks report it either does nothing for them or is too strong for them. So, as with everything, it’s very individualized.
How do spore-based probiotics differ from other probiotics?
During the Anxiety Summit interview with Kiran, he explains how they differ from other probiotics and why this is important for them to get into the gut:
These are organisms that have a unique capability of covering themselves in a thick calcified protein-like coating. So it’s armor, essentially, around the bacterial cell.
This allows these bacteria to come in through the gastric system, through the oral route, and survive the gauntlet that bacteria have to go through just getting through the process of digestion.
So the first step is the stomach acid. The stomach acid is called the gastric barrier and that’s because it acts as an actual physical barrier through the function of hydrochloric acid to try to kill off as many microbes that are trying to enter the system through food and other exposure.
If something gets past the stomach acid then the second piece of the gauntlet are the bile salts. Bile salts are released into the duodenum itself. Those are very strong antimicrobials and part of their function is to act as an antimicrobial to protect the system against a lot of bacteria coming in on a regular basis.
And then the last part is the pancreatic enzymes that help you digest your food – they also act as antimicrobials.
So there’s this really difficult gauntlet that the microbes that are entering the system through the oral route have to go through in order to make it past these initial systems to get to the site of action in the deeper part of the intestines where they’re supposed to function as a probiotic.
These spores have developed this unique, natural capability of covering themselves in this armor which allows them to survive through all of that.
This study, Survival and persistence of Bacillus clausii in the human gastrointestinal tract following oral administration as spore-based probiotic formulation confirms the above for one particular strain and concludes that “Bacillus clausii spores survive transit through the human gastrointestinal tract.”
Where can I buy MegaSporeBiotic™?
These are the spore-based bacteria contained in the MegaSporeBiotic™ product: Bacillus Licheniformis, Bacillus Indicus HU36™, Bacillus Subtilis HU58™, Bacillus Clausii and Bacillus Coagulans.
You can purchase MegaSporeBiotic™ directly from Microbiome Labs once you have set up an account with them under my name. Use this link (and make sure the Direct2Patient™ Code says tscott).
You can also read more about the product on the Microbiome Labs site here.
If you already have an account with Fullscript, my online supplement store, you can purchase from there too.
If you don’t yet have an account with Fullscript you can read more about how to set up an account here.
Let us know if you’ve used MegaSporeBiotic™ with success and how it helped you with anxiety, depression and/or gut and liver health.
Let us know if you’ve used another spore-based probiotic and which one? Or do you have a favorite probiotic that is not spore-based?
I’m going to a product review like this once a month so please let me know if you like this format with research, feedback and mechanisms. And let me know what other products you’d like me to review.
Feel free to post your questions here too.
Yes! Love this format. And I’ve been looking for a new probiotic for a few weeks now. This seems to fit the bill in a lot of ways. So happy to find this here! Thx Trudy!
Michelle
Thanks for the feedback. Keep us posted if you decide to give MegaSporeBiotic a trial.
My health coach is Modern Holistic Health .Who prescribed it starting las fall for a leaky gut / mold protocol. I am currently taking 4 a day with no negative effect. Protocol seems to be working. Very informative blog. Please keep me on distribution
Eric
Glad to hear no negative effects. Have you noticed any positive effects on gut health or mood?
Thanks for the positive feedback on the blog
Can you tell us if you have had experience with the product? And results?
Michelle
Because of the growing evidence and learning so much from Kiran, I have started to recommend it more and more to clients. Initially I was hesitant because the research and clinical feedback was lacking and there were some naysayers about spore-based probiotics. Also, seeing Designs for Health come out with a spore-based probiotic (ProbioSpore) has given me more confidence too.
I have found it difficult to tease out the gut benefits and mental health benefits because it’s never the only intervention used.
As far as me using the product personally, I used for a short time a few years ago when it first became popular. I plan to give it a try again and I’ll share feedback when I do.
I have mixed feelings about you offering info and SALES of same products! For years, I have trusted your analysis and vetting. I know you do your homework, and I’m definitely interested in the scientific orientation. I have purchased your programs. Perhaps you have been selling supplements for a while, but have not been promoting as directly. Just got a pitch from someone else for same product within 2 days and unsubscribed from that mailing list. So I was turned off and my antennae went up when your email came thru. Maybe this is a stylistic shift. But honestly, it errodes my confidence in you. I’m 65; could be a non-issue for younger people.
Leslie
Thanks for your honest feedback. I have always been very careful about what I share and will continue to vet, research/analyze, do my homework and be honest.
I see the “where can I buy” information as a service. And when I don’t mention this I get 100s or emails and/or blog comments asking.
As much as I love what I do this is also a business and my livelihood.
Hopefully all this and the fact that you already trust me will help you to overcome your mixed feelings.
Bravo Trudy! Well said. You are a woman of supreme integrity.
Thank you so much! That’s very sweet of you to comment
I agree, Well said, Trudy. My ears perk up a bit with sales pitches, but you are very forthcoming, offer options without pressure, and ask other’s opinions when they use other brands. Additionally, you don’t have a bunch of ads on your site, which is greatly appreciated.
Carie
Thanks I do appreciate your feedback. I hear you on the ads too!
I like this product review format if they are reviews you have participated in and are recommending the product.
Gary
Thanks for the feedback
I use a probiotic formula called Smidge (was GutPro) – it is low histamine and histamine lowering. I have Histamine Intolerance, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and probably MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). It has been useful for me.
Salome
Thanks for sharing and glad you’ve found what works for you. I don’t see much on the site about the specifics of this being low histamine and histamine lowering? Can you share what you know? I’m also curious if you have tried MegaSporeBiotic and found it to be problematic as someone dealing with Histamine Intolerance, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and probably MCAS?
How much does this probiotic cost?
Jane
It varies based on where it’s purchased but is around $70-$80 for a 2 month supply when 2 per day are used
Hi there, is this kiran’s product?
Regards Frances
Frances
Yes I mention how during The Anxiety Summit 5: Gut-Brain Axis, I interviewed Kiran Krishnan who is a microbiologist, one of the founders of Microbiome Labs and a co-creator of MegaSporeBiotic™.
Thank you for all your work and information. My son has anxiety and OCD and is prone to anxiety headaches. He is 19.
I’m excited to look into MegaSporeBiotic and 5-HTP. Are there any other supplements you suggest I research for him?
Alex
With OCD it’s more often that serotonin support is the first place to start (5-HTP or tryptophan), plus gluten removal and ruling out strep/PANDAS/PANS (more on that here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/kid-not-crazy-panspandas-awareness-day-2017/).
Serotonin support also helps with anxiety as does looking into and addressing low GABA. Both can help headaches.
Feel free to search the blog as I’ve written much about these topics.
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/store/aafsbook.html
Of course, MegaSporeBiotic fits into the gut health aspect.
I’ve used this product for several years, after it was recommended to me by my holistic MD. When combined with faithfully sticking to a vegan/GF diet, I do believe it’s helped with leaky gut-related issues. I trust my doc implicitly, but I’m happy to read your analysis in this blog post. Many thanks for sharing.
Lynn
Good to get your feedback on leaky gut benefits. Are you observing less gut symptoms, fewer food sensitivities and reduced overall inflammation?
As you know I’m a big fan of a GF diet but more wary of vegan diets when it comes to mental health/anxiety.
I enjoyed this and am looking forward to others you will be doing. It’s nice to be introduced to products that I am unaware of. Love your format of it also. I thank you for taking the time to show, explain and educate. Along with where or how to purchase if one chooses.
Kay
Thanks for the feedback – glad you enjoyed this
Hi Trudi
Will that code also work with the Aus/NZ supplier called Therastore (they just started being the preferred supplier of Microbiome products over here!)?
Do you know if this will work for histamine-sensitive people?
Nina
I don’t see Microbiome Labs products on their website but will check with them about this and your question about histamine-sensitive people.
Nina
They do not have a distributor in Australia or New Zealand. But they do ship to both countries from USA.
Regarding histamine-sensitive people, the company says it’s fine but I’ve heard mixed results. As with anything there is no one size fits all and starting really low and slow is my approach for any product/nutrient when someone is sensitive in any way. Also, any concerns should be discussed with your practitioner.
I was happy to see this review, as I’ve been using this probiotic for 2-3 years now with great success! Last month, however, I switched to 2 a day (I have always taken one.) as advised by my practitioner as part of a new gut protocol, then added in another Microbiome product called MegaPre (and a third — MegaMucosa — to be added in another week), and I am noticing major negative mood shifts. I’m not sure if 2 is too many, or perhaps the MegaPre added in is the issue. 1 Megasporebiotic a day seemed to be just perfect for me, though. I will stick with it! Well worth the price.
I don’t often read reviews, but was sure to read yours. I’d love to see more like this.
Laura
Glad to hear 1 is perfect for you. Have you Have you noticed positive effects on gut health and mood/anxiety? Making one change at a time is often the best way to know how something is affecting you adversely.
Thanks for the feedback and glad you like this review format
Hello, I am interested in your opinion on using spore based probiotics for leaky gut because they are opportunistic pathogens and can in some people be problematic. There seems to be mixed evidence on using them as a treatment for leaky gut or after the gut has been healed. In your opinion is it safe to use as a treatment in those with leaky gut who gave no serious immune compromise? Thank you for your informative posts.
Angel
I’m curious where these statements come from: “using spore based probiotics for leaky gut because they are opportunistic pathogens and can in some people be problematic. There seems to be mixed evidence on using them as a treatment for leaky gut or after the gut has been healed”?
Per the blog, the first study listed concludes that “The key findings of the present study is that oral spore-based probiotic supplementation reduced symptoms indicative of “leaky gut syndrome”” and the feedback I have been hearing is very encouraging. Any concerns should be discussed with your practitioner.
Hi Trudy
Thanks for this interesting info on MegasporeBiotic. I would love this for my daughter . Although she has had her entire colon removed (pan colitis), the J Pouch in situ produces periods of bleeding and mucous along with the related issues such as high anxiety and inability to deal with any stress.
I tried to get this on your Fullscript account but I am in Australia so it appears I can’t get this product . Should I try iherb for something similar?
Catherine
There is no research on spore-based probiotics with pouchitis/J Pouch issues so best is to discuss with her physician. There is some research on other probiotics – https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2019.00337/full. For Australia orders, ordering directly from Microbiome Labs is the best option.
Regarding your daughter’s “high anxiety and inability to deal with any stress”, I always start with addressing low serotonin with tryptophan or 5-HTP and low GABA with GABA.
The best way to determine if someone may have low GABA/serotonin is to look at the low GABA/serotonin symptoms, rate them on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being worst, do a trial of the respective amino acid and rate the symptoms again right afterwards (in the next 2 to 30 minutes). Here are the symptoms https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
I’m sure you’re aware that nutritional deficiencies are common with this procedure and this needs to be considered with anxiety too.
Trudy
I am very happy to see a light in the túnel
My son has OCD , do you think that there is a different way than medications to reset his brain chemical imbalance
Lily
With OCD it’s more often that serotonin support is the first place to start (with tryptophan and/or inositol), plus gluten removal and ruling out strep/PANDAS/PANS (more on that here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/kid-not-crazy-panspandas-awareness-day-2017/).
If you are new to the amino acids (and other anxiety nutrition solutions like gluten/sugar/caffeine removal, blood sugar control, gut health, pyroluria etc) my book “The Antianxiety Food Solution” is a great place to start https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
Hi Trudy, I am long time reader of your blog. I eat a strict gluten free, very low sugar, organic diet, mostly paleo but have a bit of grains sometimes. I eat organic animal proteins incl organ meats (liver, heart), but now cow dairy and rarely a bit of goat dairy. Have been this way for about 10 years. But still struggle with food sensitivities, anxiety and lately depression, which is unusual for me (have had anxiety to varying extents my whole life, but depression is new). I take various supplements, a good B complex, zinc, omega 3s, C, D etc. When I take tryptophan or 5-htp my depression lifts immediately, but after a few weeks I get headaches (even on low doses). I am beyond frustrated that even with such a good diet, my body can’t seem to produce the serotonin it needs for me to feel well on it’s own. I am thinking of taking Sporebiotic in hopes it will help, but am really wary of ingesting spores bc of reading negative stuff about it years ago and am afraid of doing something irreversible (populating my gut w spores that according to some, don’t belong there). Do you have any idea why I get headaches even at low doses, while at the same time seemingly needing tryptophan? Or why I would need it given my diet that provides all the right raw materials? Also do you have any concerns about introducing spores into the digestive tract? Thank you!
Sorry that should read “no cow dairy”
Hi I started megasporebiotic I the beginning of may. At first, I felt great and less anxious. I have histamine intolerance and all of a sudden a two weeks ago my histamine intolerance seems to have escalated with no other changes. Has anyone with histamine intolerance experienced any side effects from the megasporebiotic? I stopped it but still not feeling well. I read another site it can take along time to clear the spore probiotics from system.
Diane
It’s typically a good product for histamine intolerance because the spores don’t produce histamine but anything is possible. I’d suggest looking for other possible sources that could be triggers and also discussing this with your practitioner.
Hi, my holistic dr started me on megasporebiotic bc of ibs and a lot of of gut issue with pms. After a few weeks I stopped having my ibs attacks but then started having panic attacks and had never had them before. I am currently starting perimenopause as well. I’ve tried some anxiety medications and they didn’t do well for me. Idk what else to do for my panic attacks. Do you think the sporebiotic could cause the panic attacks? I’m honestly scared to stop taking them bc they have been a miracle for my ibs attacks but these panic attacks are rough. They mostly do it before my period and right after.
Hi
I am taking mega sporebiotics. I am now up to 2 tablets a day and have been taking 2 a day for 2 weeks. I am getting severe itching in my arms, hands and legs. is this normal?
Kim
I have clients cut back or stop when there are any adverse effects.