To help the digestive system maintain and modulate the microflora, products like Acidophilus Plus with FOS may prove useful.
Healthy gut flora has been shown to have direct influence on digestion, bowel function, immune response and general wellbeing.
Humans and most other mammals are born with sterile gastrointestinal tracts which are quickly colonized by both friendly and unfriendly bacterial organisms.
Using a supplement like Lactobacillus Acidophilus Plus with FOS can tilt the balance in favor of positive bacteria to promote health and well-being.
A variety of issues can throw the balance of healthy to unhealthy microbes out of sync, creating an opening for pathogenic organisms to gain a foothold. A healthy GI tract is self-modulating, keeping the balance of good to bad bacteria on track for good health.
Using a probiotic supplement in conjunction with a prebiotic fiber like FOS may be more effective than taking either on their own. FOS (Fructooligosaccharides) help to stimulate the growth of friendly probiotic bacteria in the intestinal tract.



- Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
- Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
- Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism
Reasons to Use Acidophilus Plus
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
In the average adult, the digestive tract is colonized by trillions of bacteria and yeast.
Most people have anywhere from 3-4 pounds of these microorganisms within their system at any given moment. Unless something goes awry, most of us never have a reason to pay attention to them.
Bacteria which are known to have a beneficial effect on humans, when administered in adequate amounts are referred to as probiotic organisms. They are beneficial to us in a variety of ways:
- keeping the number of harmful bacteria in check
- helping in the absorption of essential nutrients throughout the digestive process
- promoting better immune function
- supporting appropriate bowel function and regularity.
A healthy, regular digestive system depends on a proper balance in the gut flora, of which the Lactobacillus Acidophilus strain of bacteria is chiefly important. Without it, digestive dysfunction and disorder occurs.
Acidophilus Plus products are manufactured by many companies and are available in dosages ranging from very low (about 500 million CFU) to high potency (25 billion-50 billion CFU).
All of the formulas for Acidophilus Plus are structured around a high percentage of lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria in combination with various other bacterial species and strains designed to maintain and/or restore the gut flora.
Acidophilus Plus formulas should be able to withstand the extreme acidic environment of the early digestive process, after which they colonize the lumen (walls) of the small and large intestine.
When present in adequate amounts, they inhibit the entry and proliferation of pathogenic organisms which can contribute to poor digestive function, slow food transit time, and cause other more serious digestive disorders.
Why Acidophilus?
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a well-studied microorganism belonging to a group known as LABs (lactic acid-producing bacteria).
In adults, LAB microbes only make up a small percentage of the overall gut flora. But they are important players because they are able to convert sugars from the foods we eat in lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and other necessary acids and chemicals.
By maintaining an acidic environment, unfriendly bacteria cannot survive or proliferate in the stomach and intestinal tract, thereby keeping pathogenic levels low and manageable.
Acidophilus also assists in the production of B-Vitamins like niacin and B-12. Other nutrients produced include folic acid and pyridoxine.
Many individuals are familiar with acidophilus because many milk and dairy products, like yogurt, use it as a “starter”.
These food products are excellent additions to an already healthy diet, but for individuals needing to create an impact in a disrupted GI tract, it is likely that 3-10 servings would need to be eaten each day.
This dose of acidophilus can easily be taken in a single supplemental capsule of Acidophilus Plus.
Acidophilus Plus consists of L. acidophilus combined with other lactobacillus species such as L. rhamnosus and at least one (or more) species of bacteria from the Bifidobacterium genus.
A prevalent combination is the combination of lactobacillus acidophilus with bifidobacterium bifidum (which is useful in modulation of colon flora).
Sources and Dosage
Most large manufacturers of nutritional supplements have their own formulas of Acidophilus Plus probiotic capsules for sale.
A majority of Acidophilus Plus supplements need to be kept refrigerated in order to maintain viability of the living organisms. If ordering online, bear in mind that refrigerated products must be stored in ideal temperatures at the shop from which they are being purchased, as well as during shipping to your home or office.
Shipping probiotics within cold-packs is common, allowing ideal temperatures can be maintained for 24-48 hours.
Dosage will vary depending on the brand, formula and individual symptoms. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for best results. Individuals whose immune systems are compromised should not take probiotic supplements.
People with artificial heart valves have reported rare but serious side effects and should not take probiotics.
Review
Acidophilus Plus probiotic supplements can be found at most health food shops. Depending on dose and species, these formulas can be used as part of a daily health regimen.
Make sure that the Acidophilus Plus supplement you choose to buy has a high number of CFUs and is packaged in a way to maximize viability of the lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria.
- Savaiano DA. Lactose digestion from yogurt: mechanism and relevance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014
- Chatterjee S, Kar P, Das T, Ray S, Gangulyt S, Rajendiran C, Mitra M. Randomised placebo-controlled double blind multicentric trial on efficacy and safety of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium BB-12 for prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. J Assoc Physicians India. 2013
- Härtel C, Pagel J, Rupp J, Bendiks M, Guthmann F, Rieger-Fackeldey E, Heckmann M, Franz A, Schiffmann JH, Zimmermann B, Hepping N, von der Wense A, Wieg C, Herting E, Göpel W; German Neonatal Network. Prophylactic use of Lactobacillus acidophilus/Bifidobacterium infantis probiotics and outcome in very low birth weight infants. J Pediatr. 2014
- Neafsey PJ, Donat D. Bugs, drugs, and yogurt. Home Healthc Nurse. 2005
- Lye HS, Khoo BY, Karim AA, Rusul G, Liong MT. Growth properties and cholesterol removal ability of electroporated Lactobacillus acidophilus BT 1088. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2012
Article last updated on: May 3rd, 2018 by Nootriment