Lactobacillus is the name of a group of "friendly" bacteria that normally live in the small intestines and vaginal canal. This probiotic bacteria can help to promote gut health and may also affect other systems in the body. Lactobacillus is most commonly ingested in probiotic foods or taken in supplement form, but can also be used as a vaginal or anal suppository for vaginal infections or diarrhea.
Strains
A few different strains of lactobacilli exist. Lactobacillus bulgaricus is used in the production of yogurt and is one of the live active cultures most commonly found in this healthy dairy product. Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus caseii, and Lactobacillus reutri are also added to yogurt to confer additional health benefits. One specific strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, called Lactobacillus GG, is available in supplement form and has been the subject of hundreds of clinical trials to assess its activity in both adults and children.
Activity
Lactobacillus colonizes the digestive tract, particularly the intestines. In the gut, these bacteria act to help break down cellulose and lignin, substances that humans cannot digest on their own. Lactobacillus also fends off encroachment of Heliobacter pylori, a microorganism that causes stomach ulcers. Lactobacillus acidophilus produces vitamin K and lactase, an enzyme that destroys lactose, the compound responsible for lactose intolerance. L. acidophilus also produces the compounds acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin, and bacteriocin, which have antimicrobial properties and protect the body from infection.
Benefits
Lactobacillus strains in food or supplement form can help to prevent many types of diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea, diarrhea from rotavirus and diarrhea resulting from antibiotic use. Lactobacillus may also be effective for problems of the digestive system, including irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers. Some evidence exists for the use of L. acidophilus or Lactobacillus GC in treating lung infections, and the use of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus reuteri for eczema, according to Medline Plus. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus GC can be used for the treatment of vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. Other potential uses that remain under study include the treatment of respiratory infections, high cholesterol and lactose intolerance.
Dosing
Probiotic foods such as yogurt should contain a minimum of 100 million colony-forming units per ml. Supplements in tablet, capsule or liquid form should contain between 1 and 10 billion live cultures divided over three or four doses taken throughout a day. Higher doses may cause mild side effects such as abdominal discomfort and nausea.
Safety
People who have intestinal damage may need to avoid taking supplements of lactobacillus or eating foods containing this probiotic. Individuals with a weakened immune system or who have an overgrowth of bacteria in their intestines should also not take lactobacillus. People with short bowel syndrome may be prone to lactobacillus overgrowth when using these probiotics.
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