How is this different from a probiotic?
There are a number of key differences between M. vaccae and probiotics.
For one, M. vaccae is what is known as a transient commensal, meaning it does not colonize or live in your gut like probiotics might. These microbes do not remain in you, and therefore we need repeated exposure to experience the benefits. Naturally, we would be exposed to bacteria like M. vaccae through soil or mud, unlike probiotics which we ingest in foods like yogurt, kimchi, kombucha etc.
When comparing M. vaccae to the common probiotics strains, another key difference stands out: the cell wall. M. vaccae and certain other species of Mycobacteria have exceptionally thick cell walls that trigger unique immunomodulatory effects in the body. Just as probiotics play an important part in your health, M. vaccae fulfills its own special role in your body.