We explain the effects of this powerful probiotic.
In this article we talk about Enterogermina, a probiotic-type medicine used mainly to restore the intestinal microbial ecosystem.
What is Enterogermina?
Enterogermina is a probiotic-type medication. This means that the main component of this medication is bacteria , in this case Bacillus clausii , with positive effects on our health.
Inside each ampoule or capsule of Enterogermina, which must be taken orally, there are more than 2 billion spores of B.clausii , vegetative forms of this bacterium , capable of resisting stomach acids before entering the intestine.
Once they reach the intestines, the spores develop and give rise to bacteria in a free form, which adhere to the intestinal walls, protecting our gastrointestinal system from other bacteria or pathogenic microorganisms, while improving the health of the intestinal tissue. .
The usefulness of Enterogermina is, mainly, to prevent dysfunctions of the intestinal flora , which usually result in diarrhea processes. Diarrhea represents a health risk, especially at the level of children and elderly people, a disorder that Enterogermina reduces the duration by more than 60%, in addition to reducing the frequency of bowel movements by 50%.
Enterogermina is not only useful in treating diarrhea of infectious origin, but also helps reduce its effects when diarrhea is caused by other disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, as well as those caused by clinical treatments, such as radiation or antibiotics.
The high resistance of B.clausii to antibiotics makes it ideal for treating diarrhea caused by the use of antibiotics , necessary to eliminate infections such as those caused by H.Pylori , a bacterium that inhabits our stomach tissue.
Annually, more than 500,000 children under 5 years of age die as a result of untreated diarrhea, which can also cause eating disorders, growth or even negatively affect cognitive development. This puts into perspective the need for antidiarrheals, a role that probiotics can play.
Benefits of taking probiotics
The action of probiotics is multiple. The presence of non-pathogenic bacteria in our gut, such as B.clausii or Lactobacillus , limits the pathogenic effects of other bacteria through several mechanisms.
For example, an increase in the proportion of non-pathogenic bacteria compatible with the intestinal environment decreases the available resources, both spatial and food, for pathogenic bacteria.
On other occasions, these bacteria protect our intestinal health by producing substances that inhibit pathogens , either the toxins they secrete or by inhibiting their adhesion to the intestinal epithelium, preventing them from colonizing the intestine.
In addition, probiotics have certain immunomodulatory effects , which, for example, stimulate the formation of immunoglobulins, proteins that our body produces as part of our immune response.
Other effects of Bacillus clausii
In the case of Enterogermina, the bacteria that this probiotic contains are B.clausii , rod-shaped microorganisms, that is, with bacillus morphology . It is not a pathogenic bacterium and is frequently found in soil. Research has proven its effectiveness in reducing the effects and duration of diarrhea, but other applications of this bacterium are also being considered.
The latest research points to possible therapeutic uses of B.clausii in:
1. Respiratory infections
Respiratory infections are one of the afflictions in which Enterogermina and the bacteria it contains can be beneficial, since some studies have proven the effectiveness of oral Enterogermina in pediatric patients with recurrent upper respiratory infections.
In a study conducted in 2007, those patients who received Enterogermina for a period of three months suffered from respiratory infections of shorter duration than those of patients who were treated with established methods, without Enterogermina.
2. Allergic diseases
Some allergic diseases benefit from the presence of B.clausii . Pediatric studies of children with pollen allergies have shown an improvement in allergic symptoms , such as runny nose, swelling, or immune cell counts in nasal tissue.
Those children who were supplemented with antihistamine treatment with B. clausii took an average of 3 days less to recover, compared to children who were only treated with antihistamines.
3. Regulation of the vaginal flora
There is increasing awareness of the need to maintain a stable microbiome in the vagina, to avoid suffering from a greater number of infections or disorders , such as secretions with a strange color or smell.
Oral use of probiotics appears to improve the health of the vaginal flora, especially those commensal species that are able to withstand the acidic environment of the vagina, such as Lactobacillus , but potentially also B.clausii . Even so, more research is required to know exactly the interactions of the vaginal flora with this organ.
4. Urine infections
The urethra is also susceptible to an alteration of its limited flora. Probiotics such as Enterogermina help reduce chronic infections of the intestine, but they also seem to have protective effects on urinary tract infections , which resolve more easily in those who take this medication.
Side effects of this medication
Enterogermina, as long as it is taken in the proper proportion indicated in the package insert, is a fairly safe drug, with few reported side effects , beyond rare allergic reactions. The dose depends mainly on the age of the patient, but if the recommendations are followed, it is safe even in neonates.
In some countries, side effects resulting from the incorrect use of this medication have been described. This is an oral medication only, its topical or injectable use is strictly discouraged, and can cause various health problems, such as abscesses due to localized infections at the injection site.
Bibliographic references
- Marseglia GL, 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):13-17.18360611.
- Ianiro, G., Rizzatti, G., Plomer, M., Lopetuso, L., Scaldaferri, F., Franceschi, F., … Gasbarrini, A. (2018). Bacillus clausii for the Treatment of Acute Diarrhea in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients, 10(8), 1074. doi:10.3390/nu10081074.
- Brüssow H. (2019). Probiotics and prebiotics in clinical tests: an update. F1000Research, 8, F1000 Faculty Rev-1157. doi:10.12688/f1000research.19043.1.
- Marseglia, G. L., Tosca, M., Cirillo, I., Licari, A., Leone, M., Marseglia, A., … Ciprandi, G. (2007). Efficacy of Bacillus clausii spores in the prevention of recurrent respiratory infections in children: a pilot study. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 3(1), 13–17. doi:10.2147/tcrm.2007.3.1.13.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.