Probiotics LoveThatBug


Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM


Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM is a probiotic strain that has been around for quite some time.

It has been widely used over the last 40 years because of its safety record and the fact that it is "easy" to use commercially. And, usually, that "ease of commercial use" would not be a good thing but in the case of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM this is excellent because it has great probiotic qualities.

It survives the trip through the stomach (not all probiotics can) and is good at adhering in the intestines. Like all probiotics it needs to be taken regularly as although it adheres well, it doesn't take up permanent residence.

But hey - if you enjoy your daily yogurt - this is no big deal! I'm always happy to settle down with a plate of my favorite yoghurt.

L acidophilus NCFM is sometimes referred to as Howaru Dophilus.



What food is L acidophilus NCFM found in

This strain of acidophilus is added to many milk products, yogurts, toddler formulas and dietary supplements (capsules, tablets and powders) - the problem being that most of the products it is in don't actually state the strain.

Purity's Sweet Acidophilus Milk (USA)

Loblaws Pro Advantage yogurt (Canada) 1 billion total bacteria in every 100g. This link will help Canadians find the nearest Loblaw SuperStore.

EasiYo Yogurt (US,UK, Aust. NZ.n) There is an Amazon link in the right hand sidebar if you want to try them - they're the brand I use to make yogurt.

Unfortunately, in yogurt it is usually at low numbers. To gain the good results that have been achieved in some trials with this strain, it needs to be taken at a higher dose. However, if you're a yogurt fan like me, and eat a lot of yougrt, this is a great way of getting probiotic acidophilus every day.



Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements containing the NCFM strain

The important thing is how much of this particular strain of acidophilus you get in a supplement rather than the total number of colony forming units. The total MAY be made up of mostly one strain and very little of others. If the manufacturer doesn't state the amount of NCFM in the capsule or tablet then you simply don't know.

Inner Health Acidophilus, a two strain powder, 15 billion cfu total, 7.5 cfu of NCFM

Inner Health Plus Dairy Free, a two strain capsule, 25 billion cfu total, 12.5 cfu of NCFM

Metagenics Ultra Dophilus DF, a single strain powder, 15 billion cfu of NCFM.

Metagenics LactoViden ID, a multi strain capsule, dairy free, 15 billion cfu total

Metagenics Ultra Flora IB, a two strain capsule, 60 billion cfu total, 30 billion cfu of NCFM. If you specifically want the NCFM strain, this one should be your pick.



Why take acidophilus NCFM

The Science

Family: Lactobacillaceae

Genus: Lactobacillus

Species: Lactobacillus acidophilus

Strain: NCFM (also called Howaru Dophilus)

Obligately homofermentative (which means it ferments sugar to lactic acid)

This is a well researched probiotic.

  • It produces antimicrobial compounds
  • It adheres to Caco-2 and mucus-secreting HT-29 cell culture systems1
  • It survives the journey through the gastrointestinal tract in both healthy and diseased populations1
  • It may decrease the risk of colon cancer as it has inhibited aberrant crypt formation in mutagenized rats1
  • NCFM may help with lactose digestion in lactose-intolerant people when taken in adequate amounts1
  • A blend of probiotic strains containing NCFM decreased the incidence of diarrhea in children1
  • NCFM led to a significant decrease in levels of toxic amines in the blood of dialysis patients with small bowel bacterial over-growth1
  • It adheres to cells in the vagina and urinary system which could be important in the fight against vaginal infections1
  • It competitively excluded 3 pathogens that commonly cause urogenital infections - E coli (excluded by 30%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (by 11%), and Pseudomanas aeruginosa (by 30%)1
  • It prevents the adhesion (by over 90%) of Enterococcus faecalis 1131 to polystyrene1
  • L acidophilusNCFM has shown in animal studies to have an analgesic effect (reducing pain) in the gut similar to that of morphine2

REFERENCES

1. M. E. Sanders, T. R. Klaenhammer. Invited Review: The Scientific Basis of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM Functionality as a Probiotic. Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 84 No. 2 319-331 2001

2. Christel Rousseaux, Xavier Thuru, Agathe Gelot, Nicolas Barnich, Christel Neut, Laurent Dubuquoy, Caroline Dubuquoy, Emilie Merour, Karen Geboes, Mathias Chamaillard, Arthur Ouwehand, Greg Leyer, Didier Carcano, Jean-Frédéric Colombel, Denis Ardid and Pierre Desreumaux. Lactobacillus acidophilus modulates intestinal pain and induces opioid and cannabinoid receptors. Nature Medicine. Published on-line ahead of print, doi: 10.1038/nm1521



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Contains the probiotic acidophilus NCFM


Contains the probiotic acidophilus NCFM


GoodBug Says

GoodBug

Remember -

A true probiotic will always have the strain specified.

So the wording on the label will be the bacteria name, eg Lactobacillus acidophilus, followed by the strain, eg NCFM.

It's those few letters or numbers at the end that make all the difference.



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It is for educational purposes only; statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration.
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