GanedenBC30 Probiotic Minimizes Severity and Duration of C. Diff

Nov. 30, 2011 - PRLog -- GANEDEN BIOTECH PROBIOTIC GANDEDENBC30®
PROVES SUCCESSFUL IN MINIMIZING SEVERITY AND DURATION OF C. DIFF
Mouse model study reinforces positive effects of probiotics for the immune system

Researchers from Ganeden Biotech and Penn State College of Medicine have found that GanedenBC30®, a probiotic (beneficial bacteria), has prolonged the survival of, and improved the stool consistency of, C. diff-induced colitis in mice. The study, “Bacillus Coagulams GBI-30 (BC30) improves indices of Clostridium difficile-induced colitis in mice” was published in the November issue of Gut Pathogens.

Clostridium difficile, often referred to as C. diff, is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon, known as colitis. People that have other illnesses or conditions requiring prolonged use of antibiotics, and the elderly, are at greater risk of acquiring C. diff.   The disease sickens 500,000 people per year and causes 15,000-20,000 deaths annually.  The cost to treat C. diff infections is $3.2 billion per year.

The spectrum of C. diff-associated disease (CDAD) ranges from mild antibiotic associated diarrhea to severe (or even life threatening) colitis. CDAD is often treated successfully with standard antibiotics however, recurrence occurs in many patients.  
“Some previous clinical studies focused on combined treatment with vancomycin and probiotics,” said Leo R. Fitzpatrick, PhD, lead principal investigator of the study and Associate Professor of Pharmacology at Penn State College of Medicine. “But in this study, administering only GanedenBC30 to C. diff-infected mice resulted in an improvement in the consistency of their stool and reduction in the severity of the disease. This information is particularly helpful and potentially applicable for individuals going into the hospital or a nursing home, where the likelihood of obtaining this disease is higher.”

GanedenBC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086) is a patented natural probiotic manufactured by Ganeden Biotech that has been shown to support the immune and digestive systems.

While most strains of good bacteria need to be delivered in capsule form, Ganeden’s probiotic delivery system is different—it can be consumed in a variety of foods and beverages such as muffins, yogurt, bars, and even tea. GanedenBC30 can also be found in more than 50 foods, including popular brands like Red Mango frozen yogurt and ice teas, Naked Pizza pizza dough, Heartland Sweeteners Nevella with Probiotics, and R.C. Bigelow's Herb Plus Tea.

“A second study that was recently completed reinforces the positive effects of GanedenBC30,” said Dr. David Keller, Vice President of Scientific Operations of Ganeden Biotech. “This additional data, when it is made public, will further the understanding of how GanedenBC30 can be an important tool in dealing with C. diff.”

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) currently recommends that people who are hospitalized or on antibiotics follow these safety precautions to reduce the chance of acquiring C. diff or spreading to others: wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating, and clean surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas on a regular basis with household detergent/disinfectants.

Ganeden Biotech helped design, fund, and analyze the data of this study.

About Ganeden Biotech, Inc.
Founded in 1997, Ganeden Biotech is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and is at the forefront of probiotic research and innovative product development with GanedenBC30®, its patented, probiotic ingredient. GanedenBC30 can be found in more than 50 foods, including popular brands like Red Mango frozen yogurt and ice teas, Naked Pizza pizza dough, Heartland Sweeteners Nevella with Probiotics, and R.C. Bigelow's Herb Plus Tea. For more information on the probiotic ingredient, GanedenBC30 and licensing opportunities for food and beverage applications, visit ganedenlabs.com.