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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.

The easiest way of getting enough NCFM is Theralac Capsules. My top choice and gives 10 billion cfu in each capsule (30 billion cfu overall).

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.

L acidophilus NCFM is sometimes referred to as Howaru Dophilus. (Also know as La-1, NCK56, NCK45, N2, RL8KR, RL8KS and RL8K.) It is deposited with the American Type Culture Collection where it has the number ATCC 700396 (ATCC Safe Deposit SD5221).

It is also one of the two probiotics used in the 2010 "probiotic gouda cheese" study³ which showed enhanced immune support for the elderly.

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.

Theralac 30 Capsules - a multi probiotic containing 10 billion cfu of NCFM strain of L acidophilus and 30 billion cfu overall. A great probiotic and my choice for getting the best dose of this useful strain.

Ethical Nutrients Intestinal Care DF powder half a teaspoon gives 12.5 billion of just the NCFM strain. Guaranteed to have that amount at expiration date provided "proper handling" ie.refrigeration is observed.

Intestinal Care DF - 90 - Capsule 6 billion cfu Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and 6 billion Bifidobacterium lactis.

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.) 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.

Why take acidophilus NCFM

• 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 acidophilus NCFM has shown in animal studies to have an analgesic effect (reducing pain) in the gut similar to that of morphine²

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