The Science Behind BLIS-K12
One of the active ingredients in Bionaze™
What Is BLIS K12™?
Blis K12 is recognized as safe to consume by the FDA.
BLIS K12™ colonizes in the oral cavity by attaching to cells in your mouth and crowding out bacteria*. This process is known as bacterial interference or competitive exclusion*. Taking an oral probiotic that contains BLIS K12™ will promote levels of beneficial bacteria in the oral cavity which may help support the immune system, fresh breath, upper respiratory system and oral cavity overall.
Developed by scientists at the University of Otago in New Zealand, years of research went into finding a way to deliver BLIS K12™ to the mouth and throat in such a way that it could colonize effectively. Lozenges and powder are ideal formats as the BLIS K12™ bacteria can stay alive in that format for at least two years when stored correctly. They do not have to be kept in the fridge – but if you live in a hot, humid environment, you may want to give them added protection by keeping them cool. Think of bacteria in the mouth as weeds in the garden. It’s easier to keep your garden in good shape by weeding regularly, than battling an overgrown garden on the odd occasion.
Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substance Streptococcus Salivarius (BLIS K12) is specifically formulated to fight Streptococcus Pyogene, a harmful bacteria specie that causes pharyngitis, rheumatic fever, tonsillitis, scarlet fever and numerous other infections. Various clinical studies have also found that BLIS K12 is effective in delivering probiotics and promoting good oral health. It’s also proven to greatly reduce oral infections, halitosis (bad breath) and upper respiratory tract infections.
It works by attaching to cells in your mouth, pushing out the bad bacteria and colonizing the surface. To more effectively colonize the mouth, it has to be exposed to the oral surfaces for an extended period of time. This makes the lozenge a very ideal method of taking in BLIS K12. Since it slowly melts in the mouth, the probiotic is given ample time to stick and breed in the oral cavities.
A study in Milan have also confirmed its positive effects in preventing streptococcal pharyngotonsilitis in children. It is also found to have protective properties against severe candidiasis in a study published by the American Society for Microbiology. It modulates the growth and adhesion of Candida albicans (the bacteria that causes candidiasis) to the mouth and tongue.
Regular intake of this probiotic is ideal to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your mouth and throat. This balance is essential in preventing the spread of bad bacteria that may lead to or worsen oral health issues. Learn more about the best probiotics according to science here.
So What Exactly Is BLIS K12?
Bacteriocin-Like Inhibitory Substance Streptococcus Salivarius (BLIS K12) was discovered by a microbiologist in New Zealand. It is a specific strain of the bacteria called Streptococcus Salivarius.
Salivarius is commonly found in the throat and mouth of healthy people. But the K12 strain is only found in a very small percentage of the population.
It works by attaching to the cells in your oral cavities which pushes out the bad bacteria. This process is known as bacterial interference or competitive exclusion. Inhibiting the propagation of bad bacteria helps keep your mouth healthy and prevents oral illnesses.
Health Benefits of BLIS K12
Most research studies agree that BLIS K12 is effective in preventing and addressing oral health issues. Scientists also discovered that strain is the same bacteria responsible for giving infants their “baby breath”. While it inhibits the harmful bacteria that cause halitosis in adults.
One harmful bacteria that the BLIS K12 specifically targets is Streptococcus pyogenes. This is the pathogen primarily responsible for most oral and pharyngeal infections such as tonsilitis and rheumatic fever. BLIS K12 produces bacteriocins salivaricin A2 and salivaricin B which strongly counters the growth of S. pyogenes.
A study in Milan confirmed that it prevents streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in children. The findings suggest that daily use of BLIS K12 reduces the occurrence of pharyngeal, recurrent and streptococcal diseases. Researchers even concluded that its benefits might go as far as reducing non-streptococcal diseases. This includes tracheitis, viral pharyngitis, rhinitis, flu, laryngitis, acute otitis media, and enteritis.
Another study was also conducted in adults with histories of recurring throat and ear infections. They were subjected to a 90-day treatment of BLIS K12. At the end of the trial, 90% of them reported reduced episodes of streptococcal pharyngeal infection. While roughly 80% saw a reduction in pharyngitis.
The American Society for Microbiology also found that this strain has properties that help prevent severe candidiasis. It modulates the growth and adhesion of Candida albicans (the bacteria that causes candidiasis) to the mouth and tongue.
Where to Buy BLIS K12
Many probiotic supplements with the BLIS K12™ strain are now available in the market. Some of them, like Bionaze, have other probiotic strains mixed in to maximize its benefits.
But no matter what BLIS K12™ probiotic supplement brand you’ll buy, make sure that it’s in a lozenge or powder form.
Years of research went into finding a way to deliver BLIS K12™ to the mouth and throat in such a way that it could colonize effectively. Researchers finally concluded that lozenge and powder are ideal for this job.
The slow suckling motion in lozenges exposes the bacteria longer to your oral surfaces. This allows them to stick and colonize your oral cavities more thoroughly.
Plus, when stored correctly, lozenge and powder probiotics can stay alive for up to two years. There’s no need to keep them in the fridge. Though if you live in a hot and humid environment, you may want to keep them cool as an extra precaution.
How Often Should You Take BLIS K12 Probiotics?
Like other probiotics, you need to take BLIS K12 on a regular basis to achieve maximum benefits.
Think of bacteria in the mouth as weeds in the garden. It’s easier to keep your garden in good shape by weeding regularly, than battling an overgrown garden on the odd occasion.
If you don’t keep your mouth healthy, the harmful bacteria can easily take over it causing various kinds of illnesses. Studies confirm that taking one probiotic lozenge twice a day helps the BLIS K12 bacteria to establish a colony in your mouth. This keeps the bad bacteria at bay which helps prevent infections and diseases.
In a clinical trial in Iran, a daily treatment of BLIS K12 was given to 208 children with halitosis. In one week, most participants reported an improvement in their breathing odor. The trial run for 3 months and 91% of parents were satisfied with how it reduced their children’s halitosis.
Common Side Effects
Almost all clinical trials involving a daily treatment of BLIS K12 reported no side effects. This is further confirmed in a study published by the University of Otago in New Zealand.
To determine the safety of administering BLIS K12 to humans, 14 individuals were subjected to extensive probiotic treatment. The subjects sucked a lozenge at two-hour intervals for 8 hours. The study lasted for 3 days. At the end of which, no subject exhibited any side effects. No metabolic profile changes were detected either.
The results of this study suggested that BLIS K12 has very low pathogenic potential and is unlikely to cause any diseases in humans.
In 2019, the FDA also issued a notice recognizing BLIS K12 as one of the substances generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Being GRAS certified means that it’s been evaluated by experts and proven to have no adverse effects when used as intended. This confirms that this probiotic strain is safe enough to be used as an ingredient in a variety of food categories.
About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer based in the Philippines. Her commitment to communicating factual content in when writing is unmatched. She works hard to cross check reputable sources to ensure her work uses accurate facts.