Lactobacillus acidophilus, also known as L. acidophilus, is a beneficial bacteria that lives in the body and helps defend against harmful bacteria. L. acidophilus is one of the bacteria in yogurt cultures and is also available in probiotic supplements for people who want to increase the population of good bacteria in the digestive tract.
Biology
The normal home of L. acidophilus is in the intestinal and vaginal tracts. In the intestines, L. acidophilus secrete lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin and bacteriocin, which are all substances that make the environment inhospitable to invading microorganisms or kill those organisms directly.
Uses
Since antibiotics destroy all bacteria in the body, not just invading bacteria, some people use probiotics including L. acidophilus in order to recolonize the gut after a course of antibiotics, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Oral ingestion of Lactobacillus acidophilus may also be useful for the prevention of diarrhea, treating irritable bowel syndrome and treating chronic constipation. It may also help treat asthma and allergies. As a vaginal suppository, L. acidophilus may be effective against bacterial vaginosis and Candida yeast infections, although further study is needed to verify the small clinical trials that have indicated its effectiveness for these uses.
Sources
The most well known food source of L. acidophilus is yogurt made with live cultures, but some types of milk may also be fortified with the beneficial bacteria. Miso, tempeh, juices and soy drinks are other food sources. Probiotic supplements with L. acidophilus as a component are available in powder, liquid and granule form. The colonies may be freeze-dried or may include live cultures. According to MayoClinic.com, recommended doses are typically in the range of one to 10 billion live bacteria taken orally as a supplement.
Considerations
Some people taking L. acidophilus as a supplement experience mild side effects, including gas, diarrhea and upset stomach. In extremely rare cases, a person may have an allergic reaction to the probiotic, which can potentially cause a dangerous anaphylactic reaction that sends the body into shock, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Lactobaccilus acidophilus may interact with the drug sulfasalazine, so people using this medication should consult a doctor before using probiotic supplementation. Individuals with a weakened immune system, artificial heart valve or intestinal damage should not use L. acidophilus.
Alternatives
Other probiotics are sometimes used in addition to or in place of L. acidophilus. Bifidobacterium bifidum is another helpful bacterial species used in probiotic supplements and enhanced foods. The yeast Saccharomyces boulardii may also be used as a probiotic.
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