The gut flora as the key to health? Many have probably heard of the microbiome . The billions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in our gut, among other places, without whose help we could not absorb certain nutrients at all. These tiny organisms keep harmful intruders away from us and support our immune system with a range of molecules, such as butyrate.
Ideally, we live in symbiosis with gut bacteria – a state in which both sides benefit from each other. Research increasingly shows that the gut flora is involved in the development of certain diseases outside the gut. Our metabolism is largely determined by the colonization in our gut. Even though much about it is still not fully understood, the number of studies is growing almost daily. In this article, we will show you what QBIOTIC is all about and what effects you can expect from it.
The microbiome – cause of diseases?
The world of the microbiome is extremely diverse and complex – just like the research on the topic. For this reason, we have already provided you with a detailed overview in our article about the microbiome .
How can the microbiome contribute to the development of diseases? To better answer this question, let’s take a closer look at a research area. The role of the microbiome in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus – diabetes. This condition is characterized by a disturbed glucose metabolism, usually starting with a insulin resistance, which later manifests as diabetes.
The role of the gut flora has already been relatively well studied, and in this overview , 42 studies on humans are summarized.
Since the microbiome varies greatly from person to person, it is difficult to make universally valid statements. However, researchers were able to determine that there were differences in the composition of the gut flora. Specifically, the genera Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, and Roseburia are often negatively associated with diabetes, which means that they occur in lower amounts in patients with diabetes. In contrast, Ruminococcus, Fusobacterium, and Blautia were found more frequently in diabetes patients.
The bacterium Bacillus subtilis interacts with gut health in various ways
Differences in gut flora – is that enough?
Just the difference in the composition of gut bacteria is likely not the whole picture. The microbiome is too diverse for that. Both our diet and our place of residence have a significant impact on the composition of the microbiome. Many of the gut bacteria produce molecules that not only affect our intestinal wall but also have effects throughout the body.
Some microbes can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory messengers. Others can strengthen the integrity of the intestinal mucosa by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins (thereby tightening the cellular junction) and thus reducing permeability.
According to the study authors, the microbiome has a direct influence on glucose metabolism. For example, Bifidobacterium lactis can promote glycogen synthesis in the liver and improve glucose uptake into the cells by activating the transporter GLUT-4.
How can one influence the gut flora?
This is possible through pre-, pro-, and postbiotics. Below, we briefly explain the individual terms:
- Prebiotics: Are indigestible plant residues, or in other words fiber. We naturally consume these with our food (z.B. through fruits and vegetables). They serve as food for our gut flora. The bacteria in our gut rely on a certain amount per day.
- Probiotics: Are live microorganisms, z.B.Bacteria that are often sold as dietary supplements . By taking probiotics, the balance of the gut flora is intended to shift more towards health-promoting bacteria.
- Synbiotics: Combines a prebiotic (the food for the bacteria) with a probiotic (the type of bacteria itself).
- Postbiotics: are bioactive compounds produced by probiotics during the fermentation process in the gut. These include metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (butyrate), peptides, or vitamins.
What is QBIOTIC?
QBIOTIC is a newly formulated supplement with several different ingredients. The identical formulation has also been successfully used in studies on metabolism. The mineral Zinc contributes to a normal metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids, while Chromium supports the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels .
In addition, QBIOTIC Bacillus subtilis, a bacterium that has won the award for “Microbe of the Year 2023”, and L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine an amino acid derivative that has effects on the muscles, among other things. But more on that shortly.
Bacillus subtilis – a microbe with many benefits
Bacillus subtilis is a soil-dwelling, gram-positive bacterium that is capable of forming endospores. Endospores are a survival form of bacteria that help the organisms withstand difficult environmental conditions.In research, various aspects have emerged that Bacillus subtilis could influence:
Modulation of gut flora
Bacillus subtilis seems to positively influence the microbial balance in the gut. As a probiotic bacterium, it contributes to the diversity of the gut flora, which is essential for maintaining health. B. subtilis can enter the gut and create favorable conditions by promoting beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria. These bacteria play a key role in digestion and nutrient absorption as well as in strengthening the immune system. Both bacteria are also inversely associated with the risk of insulin resistance and can increase butyrate production.
Antimicrobial Activity
In addition to supporting health-promoting bacterial strains, Bacillus subtilis can produce antimicrobial peptides, known as subtilisins. These peptides have the property of directly combating pathogenic microorganisms by inhibiting their growth or killing them. This mechanism helps to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and likely supports the maintenance of a healthy gut flora. In this study Bacillus subtilis was able to reduce the growth of the harmful bacterium Clostridium perfrigens in chickens.
Stimulation of the Immune System
Bacillus subtilis also seems to interact with the immune system.The studies indicate a connection with the M-cells in the Peyer’s patches of the small intestine, which likely leads to a stimulation of the local and systemic immune response .
Influence on the intestinal barrier
Furthermore, Bacillus subtilis is associated with an enhanced intestinal barrier. It promotes the production of tight junction proteins that connect the intestinal epithelial cells, thereby improving the barrier function of the intestine.
Effects on digestion
Additionally, Bacillus subtilis supports digestion through the production of enzymes that assist in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates and proteins. These enzymes facilitate nutrient absorption and could z.B.In this study, reduce bloating, constipation, and other digestive complaints. Butyrate – an important building block for gut health. Before we go into more detail about the composition of QBIOTIC, we need to briefly clarify what butyrate is and what role it plays in the body: Butyrate is one of the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by microorganisms in the gut through the fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates (prebiotics).This short-chain fatty acid has attracted considerable attention in science, as the butyrate metabolism can also influence our metabolism . One of the molecular pathways associated with butyrate is the stimulation of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
In simple terms, GLP-1 works in two different ways in the body. It signals to our brain that we are full, and it promotes the release of insulin so that we can better transport the sugar we consume from food into the cells.
Medications that "mimic" GLP-1 have also become famous in recent years outside of medicine.The active ingredient Semaglutide, marketed under the trade name Ozempic®, is a very effective diabetes medication. You can learn more about these connections in our article on Berberine.
Bioavailable Berberine with Chromium and Zinc in the mineral complex Berbersome
But back to butyrate. One of the reasons why a fiber-rich diet is so healthy is probably the increased production of butyrate by gut bacteria. However, each person has a different composition of gut flora, and thus also a different capacity to produce butyrate.
Did you know? The exact formation of butyrate in the gut is quite complex and involves several steps and metabolic pathways. Three of the four metabolic pathways utilize amino acids and pyruvate as an intermediate product, which you also find in energy metabolism and the mitochondria .
The butyrate produced in the gut can then increase the production of GLP-1 through several pathways. One of these pathways is activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs).
Fiber to increase butyrate production?
As we have seen, it seems beneficial for our gut flora to produce more butyrate.We can achieve this, for example, by eating more fiber, especially FODMAPs. FODMAPs stands for "Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols". It is a group of short-chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols that occur naturally in many foods or are used as additives. FODMAPs are known to cause digestive issues such as bloating, abdominal pain, distension, and diarrhea or constipation in some people, especially in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other functional gastrointestinal disorders.
These side effects can be limiting, and this is where QBIOTIC comes into play:
Bacillus subtilis and L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine for the Biometabolic Shift
The composition of the QBIOTIC ingredients is designed to cover as many metabolic pathways of butyrate production as possible, without having to consume large amounts of FODMAPs.
The combination of Bacillus subtilis and L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine, a synthetic dipeptide, leads to a change in the gut flora. Bacillus subtilis supports gut bacteria that produce butyrate, and L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine provides glutamate as a starting substrate, which can be further metabolized to butyrate. Additionally, biotin, turmeric, green tea extract, vitamin D and vitamins B5, B6 create improved conditions to achieve a biometabolic shift of the gut flora.
This exact combination was tested in a study involving 192 people. The result:
- Improved blood sugar levels (fasting blood sugar, HbA1c)
- Significant weight reduction in the study group
- Especially effective in participants with insulin resistance
More than just improved blood sugar levels
The combination of Bacillus subtilis and L-Alanyl-L-Glutamine was also tested in a smaller study regarding the blood lipid levels . After 2 or 4 weeks of taking the preparation, the researchers were able to observe a reduction in cholesterol and LDL levels in the blood.
Did you know? Bacillus subtilis is not a complete anaerobe, which means it can survive even with slight contact with oxygen.This is an advantage over strict anaerobic bacterial strains, such as Akkermansia, which die at the slightest contact with oxygen
Possible side effects
Although Bacillus subtilis is generally considered very safe, some individuals may experience side effects. These typically include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, or diarrhea. These symptoms are usually temporary as the body adjusts to changes in the gut flora.
Bacillus subtilis and Nattokinase
Caution: Risk of confusion: Nattokinase is an enzyme produced by a different bacterial species, Bacillus subtilis natto, which is specifically involved in the fermentation of Natto, a Japanese soybean product. This enzyme is discussed for its ability to dissolve blood clots and is therefore often researched in the context of cardiovascular diseases. Although Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus subtilis natto are closely related, the focus of B. subtilis is on microbiome applications, while Nattokinase is primarily known for its effects on the cardiovascular system.
