Lactobacillus acidophilus, or acidophilus, is a commonly used probiotic. Its benefits are associated with its ability to protect the body from disease-causing bacteria. As a result, acidophilus is often taken medicinally to help with a number of conditions. The recommended dosage depends on why you are taking acidophilus. As with starting any treatment, consult your health-care provider first.
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Acidophilus are bacteria normally present in the small intestine and vagina. According to the Mayo Clinic, they are beneficial because they produce vitamin K, lactase, and substances that kill unfriendly bacteria. Acidophilus breaks down in the intestine into lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, creating an unfriendly environment for bad bacteria. This is why acidophilus is often recommended for treatment for certain conditions.
Dose for Vaginal Infections
A number of clinical studies report that acidophilus can successfully treat bacterial vaginosis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. A few studies suggest eating yogurt with acidophilus cultures can help, too. Its use for vaginal yeast infections is still under investigation, but some people do use it for this purpose. To treat vaginal infections, suppositories or capsules can be used. In capsule form, a daily dose containing 1 to 2 billion live organisms is recommended. In yogurt form, 8 oz. containing 100 million colony forming units in each milliliter eaten daily was a successful dose. As a vaginal suppository, UMMC recommends one or two tablets containing 10 million to 1 billion colony forming units in each tablet.
Dose for Diarrhea Prevention and Treatment
The effectiveness of Lactobacillus acidophilus as a way to prevent or treat traveler's diarrhea is mixed, especially in adults. A related species, Lactorbacillus GG, has been shown to repeatedly be helpful in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea in infants and children. A 2010 study in the September issue of "Annals of Tropical Paediatrics" showed acidophilus to significantly reduce the duration of acute diarrhea in children age 2 months to 7 years. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic reports that acidophilus can be useful to manage persistent diarrhea and increase the amount of good bacteria in the intestines in children after a bout of diarrhea. Experts recommend the dosage for children ages 3 and above to be a quarter teaspoon, or quarter a capsule full of commercially available acidophilus. In adults, the Mayo Clinic suggests taking between 1 to 2 billion colony forming units per day.
Dose for Maintaining Healthy Digestive System
To maintain or increase the amount of friendly bacteria in the digestive system, taking a dose between 1 to 15 billion colony forming units daily is recommended. This can be divided up throughout the day. Higher dosages reportedly have the potential to cause unwanted side effects such as abdominal discomfort and flatulence. If side effects occur, decrease or stop taking it and consult your health care provider.
References
- Unviversity of Maryland Medical Center: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Mayo Clinic: Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- "Annals of Tropical Paediatrics"; Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium Bifidum Stored at Ambient Temperature are Effective in the Treatment of Acute Diarrhoea. S Rerksuppaphol, Rerksuppaphol L; Sephtember 2010
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