Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria make up part of the normal bacterial floral found in the intestines and vaginal tract. "Good" bacteria in the gastrointestinal and vaginal tracts, often called probiotics, help keep harmful bacteria at bay by creating an acidic environment. L. acidophilus supplements contain an over-the-counter, powdered form of the bacteria. L. acidophilus supplements, like any supplement, have both benefits and drawbacks. Consult with your doctor before taking acidophilus.
Proven Benefits
Vaginal suppositories or tablets containing anywhere from 10 million to 1 billion colony-forming units of L. acidophilus can help prevent and treat bacterial vaginosis, overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina.
Possible Benefits
In some cases, studies may give mixed results on the benefits of taking L. acidophilus. When you take antibiotics, the drugs kill off both good and bad bacteria. When the good bacteria levels decrease, yeast, which normally competes for space in the intestines with bacteria, takes over the area left empty by the dying off of bacteria. Replacing the "good" bacteria may help keep yeast overgrowth under control. Certain types of lactobacillus may help prevent traveler's diarrhea, although not all studies show positive benefits, according to MayoClinic.com. Other possible but unproven benefits include use in treating hepatic encephalopathy, confused thinking that occurs in people with liver disease, and use in treating lactose intolerance. Irritable bowel syndrome and high cholesterol levels also may improve with L. acidophilus treatment, according to some but not all studies.
Drawbacks
Like any supplement, L. acidophilus can have side effects. If you have lactose intolerance, you may develop abdominal cramping from lactobacillus bacteria. Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and gas may occur, most often occurring with daily use. Vaginal capsules may cause vaginal burning in some women. More serious side effects that can occur include the potential for serious infections in people taking immunosuppressant drugs, such as people taking chemotherapy and those who have undergone an organ transplant. Heart valve infections also have occurred, especially in people with artificial heart valves. MayoClinic.com warns against taking L. acidophilus if you've had recent bowel surgery or have intestinal damage.
Considerations
Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most commonly used type of bacteria used as a probiotic, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. But not all types of lactobacilli have the same benefits; lactobacillus GG, for example, appears to have more benefit in preventing diarrhea caused by antibiotics in children and in preventing traveler's diarrhea. If you take probiotics, choose the type that has the most proven benefits for your condition.
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