Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic, meaning simply that it is an organism taken medicinally or as a health supplement. Lactobacilli are bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina in humans. Depletion of the natural concentrations of the healthful bacteria can lead to vaginosis in females or digestive issues in males or females. Probiotoic supplements containing L. acidophilus are widely available, but you can also find the bacterium in live yogurt cultures and in specially fermented milk products.
Diarrhea Prevention and Treatment
Fortifying the body's natural stores of L. acidophilus through a diet consisting of live yogurt cultures or adding L. acidophilus as a daily supplement may prevent the onset of diarrhea, but a related species---Lactobacillus GG---has performed well in trials as a preventative to travelers' diarrhea. For treatment of chronic diarrhea or incidents related to bacterial overgrowth, L. acidophilus may have a positive effect. The National Institutes of Health gives L. acidophilus a grade of "C" for both prevention and treatment. Studies have not shown a measurable benefit in cases of diarrhea related to taking antibiotics.
Vaginosis Treatment
A wide range of studies vouches for the efficacy of L. acidophilus in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis when inserted in a suppository. Study results are mixed in women who supplemented via live yogurt cultures or tablets. There is no conclusive evidence that L. acidophilus works as a preventative when taken as a dietary supplement.
UTI Prevention
L. acidophilus is one of seven strains of lactobacillus that can rightly be called a probiotic for urogenital health. It has demonstrated success at colonizing when applied exogenously to the vaginal area, making it an effective preventative of urinary tract infections.
Anecdotal Benefits
There is a lack of scientific data to support many of the remaining popular uses of L. acidophilus, but there have been promising but inconclusive trials regarding the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and Chron's disease. Anecdotal evidence points to L. acidophilus as effective in treating everything from acne and diaper rash to AIDS and cancer.
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