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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
B. coagulans vs B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019): B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019) has the stronger overall evidence (6 vs 5/10); they're alternatives for improve digestion — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019) wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (1)
Outcomes where both B. coagulans and B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019) have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
1-2 billion CFU (spores) daily. The IBS-D and gas/bloating trials used 2 x 10^9 CFU/day of MTCC 5856 (LactoSpore); the GBI-30 6086 (BC30) studies used 1 x 10^9 CFU/day.
any
Tablet or capsule delivering a named strain — MTCC 5856 (LactoSpore) for IBS, GBI-30 6086 (BC30) for the exercise and amino-acid claims
1-10 billion CFU daily for BB-12 (1 billion is enough); 10-20 billion CFU daily for HN019 if transit is the goal
any
Capsule or sachet standardized to a named strain (BB-12 or HN019)
4-12 weeks
4 weeks
n/a
n/a
2 weeks
4 weeks
n/a
n/a
Outcome-Specific Efficacy of Different Probiotic Strains and Mixtures in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.
Nutrients (2023) · Meta analysis
B. coagulans MTCC 5856 (SUCRA 96.9%) and B. coagulans Unique IS2 (SUCRA 92.6%) were among the most effective probiotics for improving abdominal pain
Probiotics and synbiotics in chronic constipation in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Clin Nutr (2022) · Meta analysis
Probiotics increased stool frequency overall (SMD 0.71, 95% CI 0.37-1.04, P<0.00001), with Bifidobacterium lactis driving the effect
The effects of Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 on functional gas and bloating in adults: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Medicine (Baltimore) (2023) · Rct · n=70
GSRS indigestion score fell from 8.91 to 3.06 in the probiotic group versus 9.42 to 8.43 on placebo; between-group P<0.001
Dose-response effect of Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 on whole gut transit time and functional gastrointestinal symptoms in adults.
Scand J Gastroenterol (2011) · Rct · n=100
Whole-gut transit fell 49 to 21 hours on high dose (p<0.001) and 60 to 41 hours on low dose (p=0.01); placebo unchanged
Eight-Week Supplementation With Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 and Functional Constipation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA Netw Open (2024) · Rct · n=229
Primary outcome (change in complete spontaneous bowel movements per week): +0.80 with HN019 vs +0.66 placebo — no difference
Effects of 28-day Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 supplementation on colonic transit time and gastrointestinal symptoms in adults with functional constipation: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and dose-ranging trial.
Gut Microbes (2018) · Rct · n=228
No significant differences vs placebo in the primary outcome (colonic transit time) or any secondary outcome
B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019) has a higher evidence score (6/10 vs 5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For improve digestion, B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019) has a higher relevance score (68 vs 58).
No known interactions between B. coagulans and B. lactis (BB-12 / HN019) have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.