Lactobacillus Acidophilus Probiotic Benefits & Sources

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a naturally occurring probiotic bacteria found in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina of humans and animals.

Its name, translated from Latin, means “acid loving milk bacteria.” Some strains of lactobacillus acidophilus have beneficial probiotic characteristics. Lactobacillus acidophilus is rod-shaped, gram positive, occurs in small chains and is non-spore forming.

In conjunction with other healthy bacteria, lactobacillus acidophilus contributes to keeping our gut flora healthy by keeping pathogenic (unhealthy) bacteria from becoming prevalent.

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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Benefits of Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Multiple studies show L. acidophilus as an effective treatment for vaginal infections, and as having beneficial probiotic effects in the treatment of diarrhea, IBS, constipation, lactose intolerance, and in boosting the immune system.

Some physicians regularly prescribe L. acidophilus alongside their prescriptions for antibiotics. While antibiotics can help treat bacterial infections, they also kill off both healthy and unhealthy bacteria.

Without supplementation, it can take up to six months to re-establish a healthy gut flora.

In many countries, fermented foods which contain large colonies of lactobacillus acidophilus are eaten as a normal part of the daily diet and supplementation is not necessary.

Currently, lactobacillus acidophilus is being studied for its ability to lower cholesterol and for its anti-cancer properties, particularly with regards to colon cancer.

How Lactobacillus Acidophilus Works

Lactobacillus acidophilus gains most of its energy through a process known as homolactic fermentation.

During this process, it converts a single glucose molecule into two molecules of lactate. About 85% of all sugars are converted through this process.

In addition to lactate, hydrogen peroxide is also created. This creates an acidic environment which is unsuitable for bad bacteria to take hold and to flourish.

Competitive Exclusion

Another probiotic characteristic of lactobacillus acidophilus is due to its ability to quickly reproduce and multiply when introduced to the proper gut environment.

As reproduction takes place, lactobacillus acidophilus begins to take up additional space along the lumen walls in the intestines, causing the sites to become unavailable to the pathogenic bacteria. This is called competitive exclusion.

By creating lactate and hydrogen peroxide, and via competitive exclusion, an antibacterial environment is formed within the gut making the pathogenic (unhealthy) gut bacteria unable to take hold.

Probiotic Effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Besides creating a sense of overall wellbeing and health, lactobacillus acidophilus is used by many individuals to treat or prevent various symptoms:

• Because of its immune boosting effects, most individuals experience increased health and energy.
• Better intestinal health often results in better bowel function. Many people report constipation or diarrhea being remedied through regular supplementation with L. acidophilus.
• There is strong evidence to support the use of L. acidophilus in the treatment of vaginal infections caused by bacterial vaginosis, particularly if taken in the form of suppository, vaginal tablets or vaginal capsules.
• Certain strains of L. acidophilus have been reported to help treat symptoms of IBS by decreasing bloating and stomach pain.
• In 2011, the Journal of Dairy Science published a study in which they established a six-week regimen for a group of diabetic adults. They gave them yogurt enriched with L. acidophilus each day. At the end of the study, their average LDL cholesterol levels had dropped by more than 7%. Other similar studies are currently under way.
• Other conditions which have been reported to benefit from L. acidophilus supplementation are colic, traveler’s diarrhea, lung infections (in daycare settings) and lactose intolerance. L.A. has also been reported to be beneficial when taken in conjunction with treatment for H Pylori infection, which causes ulcers.

Sources of Lactobacillus Acidophilus

L. acidophilus can be found in many food sources, though the number of active colonies in each serving can prove difficult, if not impossible, to determine.

Barley, onions, most vegetables, honey, garlic, bananas and tomatoes are all good sources of L. acidophilus.

Most fermented foods are good sources of L. acidophilus, as well. Yogurt, tempe, and miso are the most common.

Health professionals recommend eating a balanced diet with L. acidophilus which is rich in vegetables and grains. For those individuals who need or want additional supplementation, lactobacillus acidophilus supplements are available in powders, suppositories, freeze-dried granules, capsules, and tablets.

If trying to treat or prevent specific symptoms, choose a supplement which will work best with those symptoms. Dosage may vary according to the type of supplement you choose. Read the product information carefully to make sure it includes lactobacillus acidophilus.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus Side Effects

L. acidophilus is safe and without any side effects for most individuals.

Some individuals report gastrointestinal discomfort occurring when initially supplementing with L. acidophilus. This could be due to over-supplementation, though there are no reports of serious side effects for healthy individuals at any dose.

Pregnant and nursing mothers should talk to their physician before taking this supplement, though negative side effects have not been reported.

L. acidophilus is not recommended for those individuals with weakened immune systems or those who are taking immunosuppressant drugs to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ.

Those with short bowel syndrome may develop infection and should not take L. acidophilus.

In rare cases, there are reports of heart valve infection, though this may be restricted to heart valve transplant recipients.

Review

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a safe and beneficial supplement which is commonly used for gastrointestinal health.

It is recommended to supplement with L. acidophilus during and after any course of antibiotic treatment.

Many studies show this bacterium contributes to a healthy immune system, is effective at treating various forms of diarrhea and constipation, and some vaginal infections. Studies show L. acidophilus lowers cholesterol, eases stomach discomfort and symptoms occurring with IBS.

Some foods contain lactobacillus acidophilus, but supplementation is a good way to assure a standard dose for a healthy gut.

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