Lactobacillus acidophilus(L. acidophilus)is a key in of good bacteria located in your gastrointestinal tract.
In complementary alternative medicine,L.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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Benefits of Lactobacillus Acidophilus
AlthoughL.
Consult a healthcare provider before usingL.
acidophilusto determine if it is an appropriate supplement for you.
Here are some health conditions that studies show can be improved withL.
Diarrhea
Your healthcare provider may recommendL.
A 2020 review on the use ofL.
acidophilusfor digestive disorders found it to be both safe and effective in treating diarrhea.
Another recent review showedL.
acidophiluscan reduce the duration ofdiarrheain children.
After looking at 15 trials, researchers from the review found that children who usedL.
acidophilushad shorter bouts of diarrhea compared to those who took aplacebo.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Probiotics such asL.
acidophiluscan also help withirritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
acidophilusfound some evidence that the bacteria strain could reduceabdominal painand discomfort in those with IBS.
However, the review also noted that not all human trials onL.
acidophilusfor IBS could offer proven positive results.
In fact, some studies have foundL.
acidophilushas unwanted side effects in those with IBS.
Additionally, a recent randomized controlled trial foundL.
acidophilushelped reduce IBS-associated abdominal pain and symptom severity more than a placebo.
According to one review, daily intake ofL.
Like other strains of theLactobacillusfamily,L.
acidophilusmay haveantimicrobialproperties that make it a potentially useful treatment for BV.
Yeast Infections
L. acidophilusmay also have antifungal properties, making it a potential treatment foryeast infections.
Laboratory research shows thatL.
A 2015 clinical trial foundL.
acidophilusmay help lower the risk of recurring yeast infections followingstandard medical treatment.
High Cholesterol
Several studies show that the probioticL.
acidophiluscan reduce a person’s total cholesterol levels.
acidophiluswas more effective at lowering cholesterol levels than others.
Immune Health
L. acidophilusmay also have antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
These properties may makeL.
Supplement Facts
Food Sources
A food-first approach to nutrients (includingprobiotics) is always preferable.
There is no solid evidence that probiotic foods are superior to probiotic supplements, but food forms ofL.
acidophilusis not widely found in foods, some products are fortified with the probiotic strain.
Food products that may be fortified withL.
acidophilusinclude:
Not all brands of these foods will containL.
acidophilus, so check the ingredient list on the nutrition label to see what is included.
L. acidophilusmay also be present in additionalfermented foods, like kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread.
There is a variety ofL.
acidophilusoften do so in doses of up to 60 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day.
Typically, it’s takenfor up to six months.
Children should take smaller doses of up to 30 billion CFUs daily for no more than three months.
kindly follow the directions on the supplement packaging or check with a healthcare provider for an appropriateL.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Lactobacillus Acidophilus?
acidophilusis generally considered safe, there has not been sufficient testing for safety.
Though there are no well-documented reports regarding the toxicity ofL.
acidophilus, taking too much of any supplement or probiotic could increase your risk of side effects.
If you take too muchL.
acidophilus,you may experience common side effects like gas and bloating.
What Are the Side Effects of Lactobacillus Acidophilus?
Although generally considered safe, usingL.
acidophilusmay cause mild or severe side effects.
Common Side Effects
Many studies onL.
acidophilushave reported little to no adverse events.
When side effects do occur, they tend to be mild.
acidophilusinclude digestive complaints, likegasandbloating.
If side effects do not improve or worsen, discontinueL.
acidophilusand consult a healthcare provider.
Severe Side Effects
Although rare, severe side effects may occur when usingL.
A minor risk of infection related to the use ofL.
acidophilusis also possible.Probiotics likeL.
acidophilushave caused blood infections in some people with weakened immune systems.
Precautions
Some people may need to take special precautions when usingL.
L. acidophilusis assumed safe for those who arepregnantorbreastfeedingas long as it is used appropriately.
For this reason, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak to a healthcare provider before takingL.
Likewise, you should seek guidance before takingL.
acidophilusif you have a damaged heart valve.
Although rare, there is a minimal risk of infection of the inner lining of the heart from takingL.
For the most part,L.
acidophilusis thought to have few, if any, interactions.
Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness ofL.
acidophilus.To avoid this interaction, antibiotics should be taken at least two hours before or afterL.
Lab and animal studies have reported a potential interaction betweenL.
How to Store Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Depending on the manufacturing processes, someL.
acidophilusproducts need refrigeration, while others are shelf-stable.
Store probiotics as directed on the label and minimize contact with air.
Store supplements in a cool, dry place and keep them out of direct sunlight.
Also, keep them out of the reach of pets and small children.
acidophilussupplements when they reach their expiration date.
Similar Supplements
Research suggests thatL.
acidophilusmay help with gut health, vaginal health, and immune health.
acidophilusis not the only supplement that may do so.
Supplements that are similar toL.
acidophilusinclude:
Consult your healthcare provider about which supplement is right for you.
Although, some research results on these and other uses are mixed.
It is naturally found in some foods but is available in supplement form.
If you’re considering takingL.
acidophilusfor any condition, consult a healthcare provider to confirm if it’s appropriate and safe for you.
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Mei Z, Li D.The role of probiotics in vaginal health.Front Cell Infect Microbiol.
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201020.Int J Infect Dis.
2017;93(11):10.1093/femsec/fix127.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Microorganisms & microbial-derived ingredients used in food (partial list).
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