Acidophilus with Pectin Probiotic Supplement Review, Uses + Side Effects

Acidophilus with Pectin is a nutritional probiotic supplement used to restore and maintain a healthy balance among the bacterial species in the small and large intestines.

Probiotics is the term used to describe the healthy bacteria which colonize the gastrointestinal tract of mammals. These microorganisms – including Lactobacillus Acidophilus – work to keep gut flora in balance.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a natural resident of the human digestive tract. Infants and children tend to have higher concentrations than adults, but all humans need L. acidophilus for proper digestion.

The GI tract is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad, and together they account for about 3.5 pounds of weight in an average adult human.

By combining Acidophilus with the prebiotic fiber pectin, users will achieve better results than if taking a probiotic supplement on its own.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Mechanism of Action

Acidophilus is a lactic acid producing bacteria (also called a LAB) which converts lactose and other carbohydrate molecules into chemical compounds like lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and other essential acids.

The conversion occurs due to a unique fermentation process caused by the L. acidophilus bacteria.

Acidophilus is frequently used as a starter for yogurt and other fermented dairy products because of this fermentation ability.

When acids are produced, the stomach becomes a harsh acidic environment. Food we eat passes from the mouth and esophagus into the stomach where pathogenic bacteria are quickly killed off by the high acidity.

Other harmful bacteria find it impossible to thrive or colonize within the low pH microsphere. From the stomach, food moves to the small intestine where it continues to be broken down and nutrients begin to be absorbed through the lumen walls where they can be taken up in circulation for use by the rest of the body.

The acidity levels are significantly less in the intestine, enabling organisms which have survived the early digestive stages to colonize and reproduce more freely. Acidophilus bacteria primarily colonize the lumen of the small intestine.

Eventually, foods pass from the small intestine to the large intestine in the form of a liquid goo-like substance. If the beneficial bacteria were able to survive thus far, once in the large intestine they continue to break down those food particles which were not able to be digested earlier.

From these, essential nutrients can be extracted and absorbed into the system.

Why Use Acidophilus with Pectin?

Pectin is a natural polysaccharide, or sugar, found in the cell walls of plants, fruits and vegetables. Many people are familiar with pectin as a setting agent used in the production of jams and jellies, though that isn’t its only use.

Pectin is a soluble fiber which, in its fibrous state, resists quick digestion, allowing the fibrous substance to be used as additional colonization space for probiotic bacteria to grow and reproduce. This helps to support the natural effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus.

In many probiotic formulas, the addition of prebiotics such as fructooligosaccharides (complex sugars from plants) and inulin (a plant carbohydrate) are included to provide insoluble fiber assured of reaching the colon.

In the case of Acidophilus with Pectin, the acidophilus is able to make use of the fibrous pectin in the small intestine, much like insoluble fibrous prebiotics are used in the large intestine.

Users report beneficial effects such as reduction in diarrhea, better bowel control and less abdominal discomfort.

Some individuals with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) report good results with regards to reduction in duration of diarrheal episodes though this effect tends to vary from person to person.

Sources and Dosage

Acidophilus and pectin are natural and can be found in some food products. Acidophilus is found in many yogurts and milk, while pectin is found in the peels and skins of fruits and vegetables.

Citrus peels contain a high percentage (about 30%) of pectin, but other foods like apples, carrots and apricots also provide useful quantities if eaten daily.

To garner high enough doses of Acidophilus with Pectin to have an effect on the gut flora, individuals experiencing poor digestive health or digestive tract disorders like IBS will need to add a standardized nutritional supplement to their daily health regimen.

Specific dosages haven’t yet been established but a majority of Acidophilus with Pectin supplements appear to contain 6 billion -10 billion live acidophilus microbes and about 200 milligrams of pectin per dose. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage for best results.

Side Effects

Probiotic supplements are considered generally safe for most people, including children and infants. However, as everyone’s system is different and different people have different health concerns, check with your doctor before adding Acidophilus with Pectin to your daily health regimen.

Pregnant or nursing mothers should talk with their physician before adding this or any nutritional supplement to their diet. Individuals with compromised immune systems or artificial heart valves should not take probiotic supplements.

Acidophilus with Pectin Review

Acidophilus with Pectin is readily available at health foods stores and through online nutritional supplement providers. It is important the bacteria be viable at the time of consumption. Read the labels on Acidophilus with Pectin containers to assure viability before purchase.

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