Acidophilus, bifidobacteria and bulgaricus are all kinds of probiotic bacteria. Probiotic bacteria are "good" bacteria that can colonize your body. These bacteria can treat a variety of health problems and can be beneficial for pregnancy women. Probiotics appear to be safe during pregnancy and may provide some benefits for the fetus, but you should talk to your doctor before using probiotics.
Probiotics
Probiotic bacteria are similar to those that are naturally found in the human digestive tract. Acidophilus is one of the most commonly used probiotic bacteria and is a member of the Lactobacillus genus. Another member of the Lactobacillus genus -- bulgaricus -- is also frequently added to probiotic supplements because it can benefit your digestive tract. Bifidobacteria are another type of bacteria that are added to probiotics because they are naturally found in the digestive tract.
Benefits to Mother
Probiotic supplements can benefit pregnant women in many ways. For example, probiotic bacteria can colonize your intestines and prevent other potentially pathogenic bacteria from invading your digestive tract and causing diarrhea. Acidophilus, bulgaricus and bifidobacteria can also secrete chemicals that reduce intestinal inflammation and can relieve irritable bowel syndrome. Finally, these bacteria help break down digestive fiber into fatty acids that nourish the cells that line your intestines.
Benefits for Fetus
There is some evidence that taking supplements with acidophilus, bifidobacteria and bulgaricus can also benefit your fetus. These probiotic bacteria stimulate your immune system. A study published in a 2008 issue of "Clinical and Experimental Allergy" found that probiotics increased the amounts of certain chemicals, including IgA and interferon-gamma, that help protect the baby from infections. Another study published in a 2002 issue of "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology" found that taking probiotics while pregnant reduced the risk of the baby developing atopic diseases such as eczema.
Safety
In general, it appears that bifidobacteria, acidophilus and bulgaricus are all safe to use during pregnancy. According to a 2011 article in "Canadian Family Physician," there are no documented adverse effects caused by taking probiotics during pregnancy. Probiotics can cause some minor side effects, including bloating and gas, and you should talk to your doctor before taking probiotics.
References
- Ask Dr. Sears: Probiotics During Pregnancy?
- Probiotic.org: Bulgaricus
- Probiotic.org: Bifidobacteria
- "The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology"; Probiotics During Prgenancy and Breastfeeding Might Confer Immunomodulatory Protection Against Atopic Disease in the Infant; Rautava et al.; 2002
- "Clinical and Experimental Allergy"; Supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Bifidobacterium lactis probiotics in pregnancy increases cord blood interferon-γ and breast milk transforming growth factor-β and immunoglobin A detection; Prescott et al.; 2008
- "Canadian Family Physician"; Are probiotics safe for use during pregnancy and lactation?; Elias et al.; 2011
