Lactobacillus acidophilus, commonly referred to
simply as acidophilus, is a friendly inhabitant of the gastrointestinal
(GI) tract. It, as well as some related strains
of bacteria, is known as a probiotic. Probiotic organisms
secrete enzymes that support healthy digestion. They
keep the flora of the intestines and vagina balanced, and
compete with some pathogenic organisms. When the probiotic
population of the body is severely decreased, as
can occur with treatment by many antibiotics, yeasts and
harmful bacteria may take over and cause illness. Normal
and healthy amounts of acidophilus can also be decreased
by chronic diarrhea, stress, infections, and poor diet.
The species of Lactobacilli that inhabit the GI tract
cause an increase of acidity. The bacteria do this by producing
lactic acid from milk sugar (lactose). The increased
acidity may promote the absorption of calcium,
as well as of some other minerals. Lowered pH also discourages the growth of many pathogenic species of bacteria
and yeasts.
The hydrogen peroxide produced by the
acidophilus also helps to suppress pathogens.
Acidophilus may function in the production of some
of the B vitamins, such as niacin, pyridoxine, biotin,
and folic acid.
General use
Yeast infections
Acidophilus may be used to reduce susceptibility to
vaginal yeast infections, which are quite common.
Symptoms including itching, burning, inflammation,
and discharge occur due to an overgrowth of the yeast
Candida albicans, which is part of the normal vaginal
flora. Some women are more prone to yeast infections
than others. Antibiotics destroy the normal probiotic
flora, and may lead to yeast infections. High sugar levels
are another predisposing factor. Diabetics, who tend to
have high blood sugar, and persons who consume a
processed diet that is high in sugar have more frequent
problems with yeast as well. The hormonal states created
by pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives also contribute
to yeast infections. IUD users can also have an increased
rate of infection. In rare cases, Candida is sexually
transmitted, and both partners may require treatment
in order to control repeated overgrowth. Anyone who has
AIDS or any other condition causing immunosuppression
has increased susceptibility to Candida and other
types of infections too. Acidophilus is one of the organisms
that competes with Candida and decreases its population.
Many studies have shown that oral and topical use
(by douching) of acidophilus are effective to prevent and
treat this condition.
Systemic candidiasis, or yeast hypersensitivity syndrome,
is a condition that is not recognized by many allopaths.
It is acknowledged by some practitioners of alternative
and complementary medicine as a problem
with broad-ranging consequences. This theory holds that
some people have an allergic reaction to the yeast and/or
its toxins, and that they can experience serious symptoms
when the organism multiplies in the body to an abnormal
degree. Fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, muscle
pain, thrush, itching, mood changes, endocrine dysfunction,
headaches, and tingling or numbness of the extremities
are some of the symptoms that are reportedly associated
with systemic candidiasis. A weak immune system
may be more prone to allowing yeast to multiply,
and large numbers of yeast can act to further suppress
the immune function. Acidophilus, in combination with
such nutritional supplements as essential fatty acids, is
often recommended for the prevention and treatment of
this syndrome.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disturbance
of the lower intestine that can cause bloating,
cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and
painful bowel movements. This condition is also known
as spastic colon. One small study of the use of acidophilus
to treat IBS showed more improvement in the
treated group than in those who took a placebo. This is
not conclusive evidence, but in view of the safety of the
treatment and the scarcity of effective alternatives, acidophilus
may be worth trying.
Traveler’s diarrhea is sometimes suffered by people
who consume contaminated food or water in other
countries. Some evidence shows that regular use of
acidophilus and other probiotics may prevent this condition.
High cholesterol levels
Recent evidence suggests that consuming Lactobacillus
acidophilus L1 can be effective in lowering
blood cholesterol. The February 1999 issue of the
Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports on
two studies done at the University of Kentucky. Subjects
who consumed the yogurt containing L. acidophilus
L1 had cholesterol levels drop by 2.4% in one
study and 3.2% in the other. Although the percentages
are small, the effect on the risk of heart disease could
be significant.
Immune response
A study published in the December 1998 issue of
the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research
found that acidophilus induced a nonspecific
immune response in experimental mice. Acidophilus is
sometimes recommended as an immune booster for
people, although the effect has not yet been documented
in humans.
Other uses
Acidophilus may possibly be helpful in the treatment
of canker sores, fever blisters, hives, and adolescent
acne. Its use has also been suggested as a preventative
for colon cancer.
Preparations
Acidophilus is taken by mouth. It is available as
powder, liquid, tablets, or capsules, and is also present
in some types of milk, kefir, yogurt, and some cheeses.
Frozen yogurt does not contain live probiotics. Check
product labels to see whether live organisms are present.
The bacteria are killed by pasteurization.
Probiotic products are most potent when kept refrigerated. The
potency of a given preparation is usually expressed as
the number of organisms per capsule. A usual dose of
acidophilus is 1–10 billion organisms, divided into three
doses per day.
Precautions
People who are lactose-intolerant may also not tolerate
acidophilus.
Side effects
The initial use of acidophilus may cause an increase
in intestinal gas, which decreases with continued use of
the product.
Interactions
Taking acidophilus in conjunction with some antibiotics,
including ampicillin (Amcill, Ampicin) and amoxicillin
(Amoxil, Novamoxin), can prevent the diarrhea
that is sometimes caused by their use.
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