Acidophilus pearls contain two probiotic organisms of which the most plentiful is acidophilus. Lactobacillus acidophilus, or L. acidophilus, was isolated and named during the 1890s by a scientist in Russia named Ilya Metchnikoff.
This Nobel Prize winning researcher went on to theorize that pathogenic bacteria imbalances in the microflora of the gut are one of the primary causes of ageing and age-related disease.
Metchnikoff’s theory concluded that supplementing the daily diet with probiotic organisms would not only prevent certain illnesses and diseases from occurring, but would increase the lifespan of the individual.



- Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
- Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
- Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism
Acidophilus Pearls
Related Topics
- What are Probiotics?
- Probiotic Benefits
- Best Probiotic Strains
- Probiotic Side Effects
- Probiotic Supplements
- Probiotic Foods
- Best Probiotic Yogurt
- Probiotics for Children
- Probiotics for Women
- Yeast Infections
- What are Prebotics?
- Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Lactobacillus Bulgaricus
- Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
- Bifidobacterium Bifidum
- Bifidobacterium Infantis
- Bifidus Regularis
Today, some longevity supplements like acidophilus pearls combine probiotics in accordance with this theory.
Metchnikoff’s theory wasn’t exactly correct, but it has led us to understand the impact of both the healthy and pathogenic (unhealthy) bacterial microorganisms which make up the flora in the mammalian gastrointestinal tract and the imbalances they cause in individual systems.
Since the time of its discovery, research on lactobacillus acidophilus has been ongoing. Of all the probiotic supplements available today, acidophilus remains the most commonly supplements via food products like yogurt, capsules, tablets and acidophilus pearls.
Acidophilus is used for multiple health purposes, and is particularly well-known for its ability to restore balance to the gut flora after a disruptive event. There are many reports of acidophilus being used successfully to treat vaginal infections like vaginosis which is caused by candidiasis.
Also, it works to promote proper immune function throughout the body and has been reported to reduce symptoms of fatigue.
Effects of Acidophilus Pearls
When we ingest food, it is broken down by the enzymes in the digestive system, beginning with the saliva in the mouth. Some enzymes work to break sugars or proteins down into simpler nutrients, enabling our healthy bacteria to quickly make use of them.
Supplementing with acidophilus pearls helps to assure the survival of live acidophilus cultures as they travel through the harsh landscape of the early digestive tract until they are able to reach the areas where they can colonize effectively and do the most good.
Some bacteria are quite fragile and cannot tolerate the extreme acidic conditions within the GI tract; therefore most acidophilus supplements are manufactured with special coatings to help deliver the bacteria safely to its destination.
Lactobacillus acidophilus pearls are made with three special protective layers which are designed to protect their delicate cargo.
Benefits and Uses
The pearls are made with two species of probiotics, both of which have the strongest evidence for probiotic activity and traits: Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum.
Working together, and in high enough quantity, these two probiotics can jointly re-establish the microflora within the gut after a course of antibiotic treatment. They also work hand-in-hand to reduce, or even prevent, antibiotic related diarrhea.
As part of a daily probiotic regimen, acidophilus pearls may be quite useful for modulation and maintenance of the balance between the beneficial organisms and the pathogenic bacteria in our systems.
Treatment of vaginosis may fare better with acidophilus suppositories or another direct method of application, but using acidophilus pearls in conjunction with these will help to increase the overall colonization of the entire system and to fight the infection.
Studies show our immune system is directly affected by the microflora within our stomachs and intestines. Individuals experiencing a disruption, like antibiotics, or a disease process which affects the gastrointestinal tract, may wish to use acidophilus pearls as part of a their daily maintenance program.
Buy Lactobacillus Acidophilus Pearls
Acidophilus is added to many dairy products, and can be found naturally in other foods like onions, bananas and barley. It is not possible to ascertain the exact daily dose of L. acidophilus contained in any of these products, though, because quantity of viable bacteria will vary from one to the next.
Acidophilus needs to be alive when ingested in order to be effective. It can be quite sensitive to temperature changes, exposure to light and exposure to oxygen. Because it is unknown what the bacteria have been subjected to, or exposed to, before reaching the store shelf, it is better to use standardized doses contained in supplements like acidophilus pearls.
The pearls contain a safe and effective dose of L. acidophilus, combined with B. longum, and can be taken as part of a daily nutritional routine. Acidophilus pearls can be purchased easily online or from your local market or health food store.
Dosing Information
Acidophilus pearls contain 1 billion colony forming units (CFU), which is a relatively low number when compared to many other acidophilus supplements.
The manufacturers of the pearls say their three-layer technology is able to deliver nearly all of the live bacteria to their intended destinations while other products are unable to do this. Thus, they say other manufacturers are forced to add astronomical quantities in hopes that some are able to survive.
Side Effects
Acidophilus pearls can be taken safely with few reported side effects. There are some filler products used in the layering process including pectin, gelatin and palm oil. Individuals with allergies to any of the ingredients in acidophilus pearls should not take them.
Individuals taking immunosuppressive drugs or those with compromised immune systems should only take acidophilus pearls under the direction of their doctor. Pregnant or nursing mothers should not take acidophilus pearls without consulting their physician. Children should take only the dose prescribed by their pediatrician.
Lactobacillus acidophilus pearls are a safe and effective means of probiotic supplementation of both L. acidophilus and B. longum. The protective coating of acidophilus pearls is unique and may help to protect the live bacteria while it traverses the gastrointestinal tract.
- Maroof H, Hassan ZM, Mobarez AM, Mohamadabadi MA. Lactobacillus acidophilus could modulate the immune response against breast cancer in murine model. J Clin Immunol. 2012
- Salminen S, Deighton M. Lactic acid bacteria in the gut in normal and disordered states. Dig Dis. 1992
- Falagas M, Betsi GI, Athanasiou S. Probiotics for the treatment of women with bacterial vaginosis. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2007
- Sivieri K, Morales ML, Adorno MA, Sakamoto IK, Saad SM, Rossi EA. Lactobacillus acidophilus CRL 1014 improved gut health" in the SHIME reactor." BMC Gastroenterol. 2013
- Salminen S, Salminen E. Lactulose, lactic acid bacteria, intestinal microecology and mucosal protection. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl. 1997
Article last updated on: April 27th, 2018 by Nootriment