Updated 2025

Kiran seems to be at it again with a “rebranding” of MegaSporeBiotic, known as Just Thrive. The presentation is very slick, and it is available for sale in the retail market.

Is there much difference between MegaSporeBiotic and Just Thrive? Do I recommend Just Thrive over Megasporebiotic, even if I consider it the lite version? Are there any more studies that shed light on why I do not recommend most HSO probiotics?

 

Just Thrive = MegaSporeBiotic Lite

 

I was surprised to see Just Thrive being sold in my local grocery store. As someone who frequently checks the digestive product and supplement aisles in pharmacies, I found it hard to believe that an HSO probiotic was available on the shelves. What stood out to me was the striking similarity in labeling and listed strains compared to MegaSporeBiotic. After conducting some research, I confirmed that Just Thrive is essentially a rebranding of MegaSporeBiotic, but it lacks one crucial strain: Bacillus licheniformis. I have previously criticized MegaSporeBiotic for including this opportunistic bacteria, and it is clear that Just Thrive also seems to be avoiding it in their retail product, which raises serious questions about its safety. The fact that Bacillus licheniformis is only present in the version of MegaSporeBiotic sold through licensed healthcare practitioners is telling. This strategy likely serves to maintain some form of ethical oversight, ensuring that they can address any issues users might encounter with the probiotic. I refuse to dismiss my concerns about Bacillus licheniformis being potentially problematic. The decision to exclude it from their retail version speaks volumes about their lack of confidence in its safety. It is time to recognize that questioning these practices is not a conspiracy; it is a rational response to the evidence before us.

Megasporebiotic contains one more billion colony-forming units (four billion) per capsule compared to Just Thrive, which contains three billion colony-forming units per capsule. The only difference between the two is that Just Thrive is missing one billion of Bacillus licheniformis.

Now, in Just Thrive’s defense, I recommend it over MegaSporeBiotic because it lacks Bacillus licheniformis. That being said, it would be the same if you take ethylene glycol (antifreeze) or propylene glycol (Miralax). Miralax may be safer, but both are bad for your health.

Wait, there is more. A study that just came out tests the virulence of the Bacillus genus. Some of the strains in most HSO probiotics, including MegaSporeBiotic and Just Thrive, may contain some of these strains, and if so, my work is even more validated.

 

HSO Probiotics From The Bacillus Genus, Not as Safe as Everyone Claims

 

Everyone in the health blogosphere discusses how safe HSO “probiotics” are. Limited studies have examined the pathogenicity of the most popular Bacillus strains used in HSO “probiotics.” A recent study published more information on the pathogenic potential of the Bacillus genus. B. subtilis (Just Thrive, MegaSporeBiotic), B. licheniformis (MegaSporeBiotic), and B. pumilus (Prescript-Assist common HSO “probiotics” found in supplements.

My first point that we are going to discuss is the pathogenic potential of Bacillus strains and their frequency in colonizing deep and superficial body sites. B. subtilis was found quite frequently on our superficial sites (epidermis), which makes sense since it is a spore, and depending on where you live, you would be exposed to it (increased chance if you live in a more rural area). It was the second most frequently cultured Bacillus (24%) next to the pathogenic B. cereus, a bacteria that is known to cause food poisoning. It was, however, found in deep sites as well (10%), where it could cause issues with infection if the area were compromised. B. licheniformis was found only in deep sites (10%) and not superficially, which makes sense, as it is known to cause sepsis. Now granted, fewer bacteria are found within deep sites, but it is alarming that B. subtilis and B. licheniformis are more prevalent there. B. pumilus was found in both deep body sites (22%) and superficial body sites (12%). The study showed great concern about the pathogenic potential of B. pumilus, “B. pumilus was also frequently isolated, particularly from sterile body sites. Although known for its plant growth promoting activity, reports of infections due to B. pumilus are becoming more frequent in the literature“. Finally, B. licheniformis is resistant to penicillin.1

My second point is Bacillus bacterial virulence genes and potentiality. B. licheniformis, B. pumilus, and B. subtilis produce proteases. Bacterial proteases generated during overgrowth become exotoxins, which increase inflammation and may harm probiotic flora. B. pumilus is also able to produce hemolysin, which are proteins that can destroy red blood cells and obtain heme iron for growth. Some strains of B. subtilis and B. pumilus contain NheA virulence genes. NheA is a non-hemolytic enterotoxin that has been linked to B. cereus ability to cause food poisoning. B. pumilus contains other virulence genes, including the production of more non-hemolytic enterotoxins (NheB and NheC).2 3 4

Other virulence factors include bacteria’s ability to swim and or swarm. Bacteria that have flagella (tiny, whip-like appendages) can “swim” or propel themselves quickly instead of being stationary and require outside factors to move. Having flagella makes it easier for bacteria to concentrate in different areas of our body. In itself, bacteria having flagella and being able to “swim” is not a bad thing, but when they become opportunistic, they can form “swarming” formations, akin to disturbing a beehive. Swarming increases pathogenesis, allowing bacteria to move to areas of overgrowth quickly, reduces our immune system’s ability to fight the swarm of bacteria (reduces engulfment by macrophages), increases toxin secretion, and increases antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance during swarming. Most strains of B. licheniformis, B. pumilus, and B. subtilis can swim and swarm.5

My third point is the potential for Bacillus strains to form biofilms. Both probiotic and opportunistic bacteria produce biofilm. Biofilm itself is not harmful. Probiotic bacteria that create biofilm, for example, can protect them from opportunistic bacteria that we come into contact with. Opportunistic bacteria can also use biofilm to defend themselves from our immune system and antimicrobial agents. Bacteria in biofilmed colonies are motionless for the most part; it is considered the antithesis of swimming and swarming. All strains tested in the study of B. licheniformis, B. pumilus, and B. subtilis were able to produce biofilm.6

My final point is that multiple studies have found that Bacillus licheniformis and subtilis may produce histamine. I have coached many clients who developed or worsened histamine intolerance and mast cell activation disorder from taking probiotics containing these strains. If you develop multiple symptoms, including itching, hives, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, racing thoughts, asthma, postnasal drip, and rarely anaphylaxis, while taking a probiotic.

Now, it is unknown whether the particular strains of Prescript Assist, Just Thrive, or Megasporebiotic would have these virulence factors. To my knowledge, none of the companies have released data on their specific strains. Also, with many probiotic supplements, contamination of different strains occurs. More studies need to be performed to determine if HSO strains are as non-toxic and safe as everyone claims them to be, but so far, the data that we have is not great. Any probiotic can cause dysbiosis or infection; Lactobacillus has been implicated in both, but for most, it is less virulent and easier to reduce back to normal flora levels.

 

If you believe you are suffering from HSO dysbiosis, contact me for coaching. I have coached numerous people with HSO dysbiosis to better health! You do not have to go it alone!