Lactobacillus acidophilus may aid your digestive system, but it's not an enzyme. Sometimes referred to as simply "acidophilus," it is actually a strain of bacteria that is included in a group of microorganisms known as probiotics. Probiotics are microbes that confer positive health benefits when consumed live.
Probiotics Explained
As Nobel laureate Elie Metchnikov theorized when he first noted the impressive longevity of Bulgarian peasants who gobbled down vast quantities of yogurt, not all bacteria are bad for you. Certain types of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, can aid human health. Your digestive tract contains large numbers of live, beneficial bacteria whose presence helps ward off colonization by harmful pathogens.
Why Acidophilus?
According to Drugs.com, Lactobacillus acidophilus is helpful in maintaining a healthy normal flora, meaning that it supports the population of helpful bacteria that inhabit your gastrointestinal system. It is often used in the prevention treatment of diarrhea and in protecting your intestines from the side effects of antibiotics. In addition to killing the pathogens they are meant to address, antibiotics can kill off your normal intestinal flora and make you more vulnerable to infection.
How Does it Work?
The Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria that live in your intestines can aid in digestion by helping to break down food and form lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide -- two substances that inhibit the ability of harmful bacteria to thrive, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Acidophilus can also help restore normal flora after a course of antibiotic therapy. According to MayoClinic.com, acidophilus also produces anti-microbial substances and vitamin K.
Sources of Acidophilus
Probiotics are in yogurt brands that list live or active bacterial cultures among their ingredients. They are also in numerous other food products, such as kefir, miso and some brands of fermented vegetables. You'll have to read the labels on probiotic food products to determine which brands contain Lactobacillus acidophilus specifically.
Additionally, you can purchase probiotic supplements. Acidophilus supplements are available at health food stores, often in the refrigerated section, and are available in the form of freeze dried granules, powders, capsules and liquids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Safety
UMMC states that acidophilus is safe for most people. Some may experience gastric upset when taking dosages higher than 1 to 2 billion acidophilus cells daily. If you have a compromised immune system, or are taking any prescription medication, consult your doctor before taking Lactobacillus acidophilus. People with artificial heart valves should not take acidophilus.
References
- "Communicating Current Research and Educational Topics and Trends in Applied Microbiology"; Probiotics: 100 Years (1907-2007) After Elie Metchnikoff's Observation; KIngsley Anukam, et al.; 2007
- US Probiotics: Probiotic Basics
- Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: Health Benefits of Taking Probiotics; 2007
- Drubs.com: Lactobacillus Acidophilus Monograph
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus Acidophilus; Steven D. Ehrlich; 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Lactobacillus Acidophilus; 2011
