Candida-G is a natural product marketed to treat candidiasis. Candidiasis is a local or systemic infection caused by overgrowth of yeast, usually the species Candida albicans. Candidiasis typically develops in people who overuse certain antibiotics, are immune system compromised and/or are severely acidic. Candidiasis usually affects the vagina, mouth and lower intestinal tract. Health experts from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases claim that almost 75 percent of all adult American women have had at least one vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime. Candida-G contains ingredients that fight candida infections.
Lactobacillus Sporogenes
The main active ingredient in Candida-G is lactobacillus sporogenes, which is present at a strength of 500 million per capsule, according to a vendor's website. Lactobacillus sporogenes, or more accurately called lactobacillus acidophilus, is a lactic acid producing bacteria that is considered a "probiotic" in human beings because it normalizes the vaginal and intestinal flora by reducing the number of harmful bacteria and yeast species. According to MayoClinic.com, lactobacillus acidophilus is effective at treating vaginal infections, and may be effective at treating diarrhea, abdominal pain and symptoms related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Aloe Vera - Barbadensis Miller
Another active ingredient in Candida-G is a specific species of aloe vera, called Barbadensis Miller, which is present at 100mg per capsule. According to HerbWisdom.com, aloe vera contains amino acids, enzymes, calcium, magnesium, zinc, germanium, vitamins A, B-12, C and E and essential fatty acids. Aloe vera has been used for hundreds of years as a body cleanser, and in 1994, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved it for the treatment of HIV infection.
Fructose Oligosaccharides
The other active ingredient in Candida-G is fructose oligosaccharides, which is considered a inulin-type prebiotic, present at 150mg per capsule. According to a 2008 article in the "Alternative Medicine Review," fructose oligosaccharides serve as substrates for microflora in the large intestine, normalizing the gastrointestinal tract. They also can stimulate the growth of bifido-bacteria species within the gut, which are considered the good bacteria necessary for health. It has also been used by itself as a supplement, especially in Japan, for preventing or treating yeast infections such as candidiasis.
Inactive Ingredients
Candida-G capsules also contain inactive ingredients, such as: vegetable cellulose, which constitutes the capsule; magnesium stearate, which functions as a lubricating and stabilizing agent; rice flour, which acts as a binder and filler; and silica, which functions to absorb water and help burst the capsule in the gut.
References
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Vaginal Infection Statistics
- Vendor's Site: Candida-G Ingredients
- MayoClinic: Lactobacillus acidophilus
- HerbWisdom.com: Aloe Vera
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Inulin-type Prebiotics - A Review: Part 1; G. Kelly; December, 2008
