Kennesaw, GA—A new study published inBeneficial Microbes found that use of probioticBacillus subtilis DE111 can modify the composition of the microbiome in preschool-aged children.

The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled eight-week trial performed on 91 children aged 2 to 6 attending daycare. The study noted that while no significant changes of the overall microbiome equilibrium were seen between the placebo group and the test group, or between baseline and week 8, alpha diversity increased in the probiotic group by week 8, and a decrease in theFirmicutes/Bacteroidetesratio was observed. Several species involved in inflammation reduction were seen to increase, while the amount of pro-inflammatory species decreased.

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“Together with a reduction of the F/B ratio observed in the probiotic group,” the study concludes, “these results suggest probiotic supplementation withBacillus subtilisDE111 introduce subtle but positive changes in the microbiome of children aged 2-6 years old.”

“On the dawn of a new highly modified school year where health takes center stage, this study is highly encouraging to formulate natural, safe products for young children to promote immunity and overall well-being so they can concentrate on learning,” said John Deaton, VP of Science and Technology at Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, makers of DE111. “Focusing on supporting a healthy microbiome will result in more robust and effective immunity as children get older.”