Lactobacillus acidophilus is a friendly bacteria and probiotic that lives in the small intestine and vagina. Probiotics are microorganisms used medically, and Lactobacillus acidophilus produces lactase, vitamin K and antimicrobials such as acidolphilin, acidolin, lactocidin and bacteriocin. You should speak with a medical professional prior to consuming any probiotic health supplement, including Lactobacillus acidophilus. Also, currently available clinical research does not support the use of Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements to treat specific medical conditions.
Uses
According to the "Handbook of Probiotics and Prebiotics," probiotics might help to prevent gastrointestinal infections and can replenish friendly bacteria in your body. Specific uses of the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus include the treatment of diarrhea and vaginosis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Additionally, it can improve your immune system, lower cholesterol levels and improve lactose tolerance.
Taking Lactobacillus Acidophilus
According to "Probiotics -- Protection Against Infection: Using Nature's Tiny Warriors To Step Infection and Fight Disease," the specific dosage of Lactobacillus acidophilus depends on the medical condition you want to treat. The Food and Drug Administration has not established guidelines for daily Lactobacillus acidophilus dosage, but to replenish Lactobacillus acidophilus in your body after taking antibiotics, the recommended daily dose is 1 to 15 billion colony-forming units for two weeks.
Dietary Sources
You can find Lactobacillus acidophilus in dairy products enriched with the bacteria, such as yogurt that contains live cultures. Some soy-based products such as miso and tempeh also contain Lactobacillus acidophilus. You can purchase Lactobacillus acidophilus in freeze-dried granules, powders, capsules and liquid preparations. You always should refrigerate Lactobacillus acidophilus to maintain the bacteria's optimum efficacy and pay attention to the expiration date printed on the packaging.
Precautions
Lactobacillus acidophilus can interact with certain medications and cause unintended harm. You should therefore always consult with a medical professional prior to taking Lactobacillus acidophilus. Potential side effects associated with the use of this bacteria include gas, upset stomach and diarrhea. Additionally, pay attention to manufacturing standards when purchasing Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements and purchase the bacteria only from reputable sources to minimize the risk of contamination.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus acidophilus;Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; June 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Lactobacillus acidophilus; April 2011
- "Probiotics - Protection Against Infection: Using Nature's Tiny Warriors To Stem Infection and Fight Disease"; Casey Adams; 2009
- "Oral Probiotics: The Newest Way to Prevent Infection, Boost the Immune System and Fight Disease"; Casey Adams; 2010
- "Handbook of Probiotics and Prebiotics"; Yuan Kun Lee; Sepp Salminen; 2008
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