The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of the probiotic B. subtilis DE111® for regulation of bowel movements. A single capsule containing 1 x 10^9 CFU B. subtilis is to be consumed once a day per participant. 50 adults (18-65 years of age at the time of participation) suffering from occasional constipation and/or diarrhea will be enrolled. Participants will be double-blindly and randomly assigned to either the probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) or the placebo (maltodextrin) group. Efficacy will be assessed with participant-reported bowel movement (BM) records. As a secondary outcome, the study will provide further insight into the tolerance of the supplement. Tolerance will be assessed using a digestive health questionnaire and blood samples to analyze pertinent metabolic biomarkers. Participants will be asked to complete a daily dietary intake record as well. Prior to capsule consumption, participants will complete a two-week pre-testing phase in order to provide a more inclusive diagnostic baseline. This phase will consist of daily BM and dietary intake record keeping.
The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of Bacillus subtilis DE111® probiotic for regulation of bowel movements.