Study supports safety of BLIS K12 probiotic strain
Findings published in Food and Chemical Toxicology indicated that 28 days of consuming the bacterial strain was the same as placebo in terms of blood clinical chemistry and hematology results.
The study involved 53 subjects receiving 10 billion colony forming units of S. salivarius K12 for 28 days.
“The self-reporting by subjects on the occurrences of adverse events and the documentation in questionnaires relating to their oral and gastrointestinal health combined with the results of blood chemistry, hematology and other clinical assessments clearly show that S. salivarius K12 is well tolerated by humans, even when taken in doses considered to be 10-fold the usual recommended daily intake,” wrote the researchers.
The data “supports the safety of its oral delivery in a food-based carrier”, they added.
The study’s authors were affiliated with BLIS Technologies Ltd. (New Zealand), Cantox Health Sciences International, and the University of Otago (New Zealand).
Frutarom
Frutarom is responsible for the North American marketing and distribution of the ingredient.
According to the manufacturer, the BLIS K12 has been specifically designed to offer protection to the entire oral cavity, from the throat and mouth to the gums. Some testing has also suggested protection against nasal sinus infections under certain conditions.
BLIS claims the K12 is an advanced probiotic that, unlike other similar organisms, can produce two different anti-microbial proteins known as bacteriocin when under threat from a potential pathogen.
Source: Food and Chemical Toxicology
September 2011, Volume 49, Issue 9, Pages 2356-2364
“Evaluation of safety and human tolerance of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study”
Authors: J.P. Burton, S. Cowley, R.R. Simon, J. McKinney, P.A. Wescombe, J.R. Tagg
