Blis Technologies’ Blis K12 probiotic provides immune defense against COVID-19, new studies suggest

13 Mar 2024 --- New Zealand-based Blis Technologies has released a whitepaper featuring two recent studies exploring the effects of its probiotic supplement Blis K12 in enhancing the immune system and tackling COVID-19 symptoms.

“Blis K12 is an oral probiotic that supports mouth and throat health,” Glen Wallace, mouth and throat lead at Blis Technologies, tells Nutrition Insight. “It originates from the oral microbiome and targets multiple concerns, including ear-nose (ENT) health, immunity and bad breath. It is the world’s first oral probiotic with over 25 years of 100+ clinical studies and reviews.”

The oral probiotic is a commensal bacterium isolated from the human oral microbiome and is known for its properties to alleviate strep throat, tonsillitis and other upper respiratory infections by colonizing the upper respiratory tract and competing with harmful bacteria, preventing them from causing infections. 

“The studies featured in the whitepaper highlight the ability of Blis K12 to reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 significantly,” Wallace asserts. 

Blis K12 is known for its properties in alleviating strep throat, tonsillitis, and other upper respiratory infections.Boosts antibodies
The 14-day trial study featured in the whitepaper and published in Cell Host & Microbe finds that Blis K12 may contribute to an accelerated recovery from COVID-19.

“In this study, Blis K12 stimulated the production of specific anti-SARS CoV-2 antibodies in vaccinated people, helping the immune system combat the virus,” the expert explains. 

According to the paper, Blis K12 provides defense against it by providing a “significant increase” in salivary IgG antibodies (Immunoglobulin G) against the spike S1 subunit, the receptor binding domain (RBD), and the receptor binding motif (RBM) of SARS-CoV-2.

“The study has generated a lot of interest in the COVID-19 community, with a lot of discussion on social media leading to our Blis-branded product recently selling out on Amazon,” he adds. 

Alleviating symptoms
The second paper, published in Microorganisms, presents the results of a 14-day randomized clinical trial preliminary study exploring the clinical effects of the bacteria Streptococcus salivarius K12 in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

“As part of this study, 64 patients admitted to the hospital showed better improvement in the Blis K12 group across all parameters (CRP, D-dimer, LDH, Ferritin, oxygen saturation, fever, and supplementary oxygen), with significant results for Ferritin (a protein that stores iron) and supplementary oxygen requirement,” Wallace details. 

The researchers suggest that Blis K12 may play an important role in modulating the oral and lung microbiome, impacting immune responses. “This shows that taking Blis K12 helps to lessen the effects of COVID-19.”

Dairy-free Streptococcus salivarius Blis K12 strains have previously been shown to boost immune defenses and prevent oral infections.

“Blis K12 is widely available for consumers across the world. We have our own branded Blis Probiotics product that is available in pharmacies in New Zealand and online globally. Many other brands use it in their oral probiotic formulations as a key ingredient, such as NOW, NatureWise, Great Oral Health, Hyperbiotics and Replenish,” Wallace concludes.

By Milana Nikolova