Lactobacillus acidophilus
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| Lactobacillus
acidophilus |
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Lactobacilli are bacteria that normally live in the human small intestine and
vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally considered
to be beneficial because it produces vitamin K, lactase, and anti-microbial
substances such as acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin, and bacteriocin.
Multiple human trials report benefits of L. acidophilus for
bacterial vaginosis. Other medicinal uses of L. acidophilus are
not sufficiently studied to form clear conclusions.
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The term "probiotic" is used to describe organisms that are used
medicinally, including bacteria such as L. acidophilus and
yeast such as Saccharomyces boulardii .
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Although generally believed to be safe with few side effects, oral L.
acidophilus should be avoided in people with intestinal damage, a
weakened immune system, or with overgrowth of intestinal bacteria.
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Acidophilus, Acidophilus Extra Strength®, acidophilus milk, Actimel®, Bacid®,
Cultura®, DDS-Acidophilus, Endolac®, Enpac®, Fermalac® (Canadian),
Florajen®, fresh poi, Gynoflor®, Infloran®, Kala®, Kyo-Dophilus®, L-92, L.
acidophilus, L. acidophilus OLL2769, L. acidophilus milk,
L. acidophilus yogurt, Lacteol Fort®, lactic
acid-producing bacteria (LAB), Lactinex®, Lactobacillaceae (family),
lactobacilli, lactobacillus, Lactobacillus acidophilus 145 ,
Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Lactobacillus acidophilus
LA 02, Lactobacillus acidophilus La5, Lactobacillus
acidophilus L-92, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM,
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCK56, Lactobacillus
acidophilus strain 27L, Lactobacillus acidophilus
strain LB (LaLB), Lacto Bacillus, MoreDophilus®, Narine®, poi, Probiata®,
Pro-Bionate®, probiotic, sour poi, Superdophilus®, yogurt.
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety
and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are
potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
| Uses based on scientific evidence |
Grade* |
| Bacterial vaginosis
Multiple human studies report that Lactobacillus acidophilus vaginal
suppositories are effective in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. A
small number of studies suggest that eating yogurt enriched with Lactobacillus
acidophilus may be similarly beneficial. Additional research is
necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached. Patients with
persistent vaginal discomfort are advised to seek medical attention.
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| Allergy treatment (Japanese cedar pollen)
A small study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus
acidophilus strain L-92 (L-92) on the symptoms of Japanese
cedar-pollen allergy with positive results. Further research is needed
before a decision can be made.
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| Asthma
There is limited research in this area, with unclear results.
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| Diarrhea prevention
A small amount of human research suggests that Lactobacillus
acidophilus may not be effective when used to prevent diarrhea
in travelers or in people taking antibiotics. Several studies report
that the related species Lactobacillus GG may be
helpful for the prevention of diarrhea in children and travelers.
Additional study is needed in these areas before a firm conclusion can
be drawn.
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| Diarrhea treatment (children)
A small amount of research in children, using different forms of
acidophilus, reports no improvement in diarrhea. Future studies should
use a viable Lactobacillus acidophilus culture to
assess effects on diarrhea. Lactobacillus GG, a
different species, is suggested by multiple human studies to be a safe
and effective treatment for diarrhea in otherwise healthy infants and
children. Lactobacillus acidophilus may aid in the
management of chronic or persistent diarrhea and bacterial-overgrowth
related diarrhea. Further research is needed to determine what dose may
be safe and effective.
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| Hepatic encephalopathy (confused thinking due to
liver disorders)
There is limited study in this area, with mixed results.
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| High cholesterol
There is conflicting information from several human studies regarding
the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus- enriched
dairy products on lowering blood levels of total cholesterol or
low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol").
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| Irritable bowel syndrome
Human studies report mixed results in the improvement of bowel symptoms
after taking Lactobacillus acidophilus by mouth.
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| Lactose intolerance
There is conflicting information from several human studies as to
whether using Lactobacillus acidophilus by mouth
improves digestion of lactose. More research is needed in this area a
before a conclusion can be drawn.
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| Necrotizing enterocolitis prevention in infants
One human study using L. acidophilus in combination
with another bacterium ( B. infantis ) in infants
reported fewer cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (severe inflammation
of the gut), and no complications related to treatment. Additional
research is necessary in this area before a conclusion can be drawn.
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| Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
Lactobacillus acidophilus taken by mouth or as a
vaginal suppository has not been adequately assessed for the prevention
or treatment of vaginal yeast infections. More research is needed in
this area a before a conclusion can be drawn.
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*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.
Grading rationale
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often
have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have
not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and
should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Acne, AIDS, cancer, canker sores, colitis, colon cancer prevention,
constipation, diaper rash, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis,E. coliinfection
in cancer patients, fever blisters, heart disease, heartburn, hives, immune
enhancer, indigestion, infection, overgrowth of bacteria in the small bowel,
preoperative prevention of infections or gut bacteria loss, stomach ulcer,
thrush, ulcerative colitis, urinary tract infection.
The below doses are based on scientific research,
publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements
have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven.
Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same
brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product
labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting
therapy.
Adults (18 years and older)
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Tablets/capsules/liquid/yogurt: Expert opinion suggests that a dose between 1
and 10 billion viable (live) L. acidophilus bacteria taken
daily in divided doses is sufficient for most people. Higher doses may cause
mild abdominal discomfort, and smaller doses may not be able to establish a
stable population in the gut. For vaginal bacterial infections, a dose that
has been used is 8 ounces of yogurt containing L. acidophilus
in a concentration of 100 million colony-forming units (108 CFU) in each
milliliter. Capsules containing 1.5 grams of Lactobacillus acidophilus were
used in one study.
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Vaginal suppository: Doses that have been used for vaginal infections include
1 to 2 tablets (containing 10 million to 1 billion CFU in each tablet),
inserted into the vagina once or twice daily.
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Anal suppository: Capsules containing 1.5 grams of Lactobacillus
acidophilus have been used to treat diarrhea.
Children (younger than 18 years)
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Tablets/capsules/liquid: Some natural medicine textbooks and experts suggest
that one-quarter teaspoon or one-quarter capsule of commercially available L.
acidophilus may be safe for use in children for the replacement of
gut bacteria destroyed by antibiotics. Up to 12 billion lyophilized
heat-killed L. acidophilus has been given every 12 hours
for up to five days. It is often recommended that L. acidophilus
supplements be taken two hours after antibiotic doses, because
antibiotics may kill L. acidophilus if taken at the same
time. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using L.
acidophilus in children, and use cautiously in those under three
years of age.
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Applied to the skin: Liquid preparations have been used on the diaper area to
treat yeast infections, although safety and effectiveness are not well
studied. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using L.
acidophilus in children, and use cautiously in those under three
years of age.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly
regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or
safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels.
If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or
supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before
starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you
experience side effects.
Allergies
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Lactose sensitive people may develop abdominal discomfort from dairy products
containing L. acidophilus.
Side Effects and Warnings
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Studies report few side effects from L. acidophilus when
used at recommended doses. The most common complaint is abdominal discomfort
or gas, which usually resolves with continued use. Some experts recommend
limiting the daily dose of living L. acidophilus organisms
to reduce the risk of abdominal discomfort. Some women have reported burning
of the vagina after using L. acidophilus vaginal tablets.
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There are rare reports of infections of heart valves with L.
acidophilus , and the risk may be greater in people with artificial
heart valves. People with severely weakened immune systems (due to disease or
drugs like cancer chemotherapy and organ transplant immunosuppressants) may
develop serious infections or bacteria in the blood from taking L.
acidophilus . Therefore, L. acidophilus should be
avoided in such individuals. People with intestinal damage or recent bowel
surgery should avoid taking lactobacilli.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
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There is not enough scientific study available to establish safety during
pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should use L. acidophilus
cautiously and under medical supervision, if at all. A small number of
pregnant women have taken part in studies investigating L.
acidophilus vaginal tablets and a culture of L. acidophilus
with no negative effects reported. Further research is necessary.
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly
tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The
interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications,
laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product
labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or
supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before
starting a new therapy.
Interactions with Drugs
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Some experts believe that L. acidophilus taken by mouth
should be used two to three hours after antibiotic doses, to prevent killing
the L. acidophilus . It has also been suggested that
lactobacilli are damaged by alcohol, and should not be taken at the same time.
Scientific research is limited in these areas.
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In theory, L. acidophilus taken by mouth might not survive
the acidic environment of the stomach. Some experts have suggested that
antacids should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before taking lactobacilli. However,
this has not been well studied in humans.
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In theory, L. acidophilus may prolong the effects on some
drugs, including birth control pills or benzodiazepines such as diazepam
(Valium®). Based on laboratory experiments, L. acidophilus
may reduce the effectiveness of sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), a drug used for
inflammatory bowel disease.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
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Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS, also called "prebiotics") are
non-digestible sugar chains that are nutrients for lactobacilli. Some experts
believe that FOS, taken by mouth, may help the growth of lactobacilli. Natural
food sources of FOS include banana, Jerusalem artichoke, onion, asparagus, and
garlic.
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L. casei , S. boulardi or other
probiotics may add to the effects of L. acidophilus .