Queen Acidophilus

She's a right royal lady when it comes to general "gut health"

Unfortunately, many people use the word acidophilus when they’re really referring to one of the other Lactobacillus species which means that this wonderful little probiotic microorganism gets a bad press sometimes for not "curing" things that people had no business expecting it to! Retailers often start extolling its virtues but end up talking about probiotics in general or others in the Lactobacillus stable which adds to the confusion.

Benefits of acidophilus

Immune enhancement – at least if you’re a mouse! I eat acidophilus yogurt with my cereal each day, confident that centuries of folklore wisdom will eventually be confirmed. Until then, officially, it enhances the immune system of mice!¹

Vaginal bacterial infections.² L acidophilus has proven of use here although some other probiotics do have a better brag sheet. The vagina is a natural home to this microorganism, but the strains used in yogurt are not the same strain naturally found there and research has shown that yogurt acidophilus does not adhere to vaginal epithelial cells as well as vaginal acidophilus does.³
Yeast infections. This probiotic bacteria has given many women relief. "Yogurt" tablets can be used as a vaginal suppository - good success with some woman, not so great with others. There are a number of innovative methods for getting yogurt into the vagina. Try packing it into a tampon dispenser and freezing it. The freezing won't kill the bacteria and once it thaws out it will "up at at 'em". The number of live microorganisms alive in the yogurt is critical to success so give yourself the best chance and get the most potent or active type you can find. Don't choose a sweetened variety - some experts believe it is possible to feed the fungi. L acidophilus strain 61701 and strain 61880 have demonstrated excellent inhibitory activity against the BV-associated bacterial species⁴ although I doubt you'll find those particular strains in a yogurt. What you can't fit in one end, put in the other; eat the rest of the yogurt. It will do you good coming in from the top as well!
Produces Vitamin K as well as many anti-microbial substances such as acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin and bacteriocin.
Although other probiotics handle diarrhea better in general, this one has proved effective with diarrhea in patients receiving pelvic irradiation.⁵

What it can't do for you although many people think it can

Diarrhea - Whilst it is a wonderful bacteria for enhancing the general overall health of your gastrointestinal microflora, if you actually HAVE diarrhea, or you're travelling to some place where you just KNOW that you're going to get it, there are other Lactobacillus species that are probably more useful, for example Lactobacillus reuteiri and Lactobacillus rhamnosum strain GG (commonly called simply LGG). Bifidobacterium has also been shown to be of help and many yogurts and supplements have the two together.

Got acne - Acidophilus probably won't help much. There really isn't much research to support the claims that it does. The talk around the forums seems to suggest it gives people acne more times than it helped. Having said that, there are acne sufferers who swear it has helped. Both the Harvard Medical School and the Mayo Clinic cite "limited scientific evidence" although they're both incredibly conservative.

What this probiotic shouldn't do - but does

Dental carries. Sorry I have to tell you that, but hey, no bug is perfect, right. It combines with proteins found in saliva and food particles forming plaque, which digest sugars and produces acid, which dissolves the calcium and even tooth enamel.

If you're lactose intolerant then this probiotic might give you abdominal discomfort and gas (flatulence), although some research claims that if the level of live bacteria in the yogurt is HIGH ENOUGH, then "lactose maldigestors" (their words, not mine - I would never call you that!) are able to digest it.⁶

Where will it be in my body?

Mouth

Gastrointestinal tract

vagina (but only if you have one!)

Where can I find it if I want more in my body

Yogurt (but check what it says on the container because some fermented milk products are made with other lactic acid bacteria)

Acidophilus Pearls are a popular and useful way of getting good bacteria.

Miso (fermented soy paste)

Tempeh

Kefir

Supplements - on its own or mixed with other probiotics - capsules, pearls freeze-dried powders, granules, drinks - you can get your acidophilus fix damn near any old way you please.

What is acidophilus and what does it need to survive

This is one of the lactic acid bacteria because it ferments lactose into lactic acid. It can be killed by excess heat, moisture or direct sunlight. It likes an acidic environment (pH 4-5 or lower) and grows best at 45 degrees Celsius.

REFERENCES

1. Paturi G, Phillips M, Jones M, Kailasapathy K. Immune enhancing effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus LAFTI L10 and Lactobacillus paracasei LAFTI L26 in mice. International Journal of Food Microbiology, vol 115 issue 1 pages 115-118, April 2007

2. Beigi RH,Wiesenfeld HC, Hillier SL et al. Factors associated with absence of H202-producing Lactobacillus among women with bacterial vaginosis. Journal of Infectious diseases 191(6): 924-929 2005

3. Wood JR, Sweet RL, Catena A, Hadley WK, Robbie M. In vitro adherance of Lactobacillus species to vaginal epithelial cells. American Journal of Obstet Gynecol Dec 1;153(7): 740-3 1985

4. McLean NW, Rosenstein IJ. Characterisation and selection of a Lactobacillus species to re-colonise the vagina of women with recurrent bacterial vaginosis. Journal of Medical Microbiology 2000 Jun 49 (6)

5. Marteau PR, de Vrese M, Cellier CJ, Schrezenmeir J. Protection from gastrointestinal diseases with the use of probiotics. American Journal Clinical Nutrition 2001:73:430S-436S

6. Pelletier X, Laure-Boussuge S, Donazzolo Y. Hydrogen excretion upon ingestion of dairy products in lactose-intolerant male subjects: importance of the live flora. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 55: 509-512 2001

TOP of Acidophilus
RETURN to Probiotics LoveThatBug

footer for acidophilus page