Description
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of beneficial bacteria that is naturally found in the human body, particularly in the intestines, vagina, and mouth (1). This bacteria plays an important role in keeping the body healthy and functioning properly. Lactobacillus acidophilus helps to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and helps to protect against harmful bacteria and microorganisms. It also helps to breakdown food, absorb nutrients, and support immune system functioning (2). Furthermore, it aids in the production of lactic acid, which helps to keep the intestinal environment acidic and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria (3). Lactobacillus acidophilus may also offer other health benefit such as helping digestion, reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance, and providing relief from vaginal infections and urinary tract infections (4).
Lactobacillus acidophilus is available as a dietary supplement and can be found in a variety of fermented foods such a yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, and tempeh (2). It is most commonly used to help treat diarrhoea caused by antibiotics, symptoms of vaginal inflammation such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
If pregnant, have a weakened immune system, have a damaged heart valve, or have severe allergies, please consult your health care practitioner before using this product (1).
Epigenetics probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus is produced in a vegan friendly and convenient delayed release capsule. Recommended daily dose is 1 serving per day taken after a meal, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. This product is not intended to be used as an alternative to a varied diet.
Ingredients
| Ingredient |
Amount per serving |
ECRDA* |
%DV* |
| Inulin (from Jerusalem artichoke) |
375 mg |
† |
† |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus |
50 mg (5B CFU) |
† |
† |
† Percent Daily Reference Intakes (RI) not established.
INGREDIENTS: Organic Jerusalem artichoke tuber extract (Helianthus tuberosus), Delayed release vegetable capsule (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Gellan gum), Lactobacillus acidophilus.
ALLERGENS: May contain a gluten containing cereal.
Suitable for vegans
Read More
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a gram-positive bacterium that is found naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract, as well as in various dairy products, such as yoghurt and kefir. This bacterium is classified as a lactic acid bacteria, due to its ability to produce lactic acid as a by-product of its metabolism. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic and have beneficial effects on the human body, particularly the digestive and immune system by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria that prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria. Lactobacillus acidophilus also helps promote immune health by supporting the body’s natural defences and protects against the growth of harmful bacteria and viruses. Likewise, it stimulates the body’s own production of antibodies which help to protect against infection and disease. Additionally, it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of certain diseases. The presence of L. acidophilus is therefore important as it helps provide a healthier, better functioning digestive system.
Cholesterol
Lactobacillus acidophilus is known to have beneficial effects on health and studies have shown that its consumption may help lower cholesterol levels. A study found that consuming Lactobacillus acidophilus with another probiotic for six week lowered LDL cholesterol levels (5). Likewise, another study reported that Lactobacillus acidophilus was found to reduce cholesterol levels (6) and other studies have shown that yoghurt enriched with Lactobacillus acidophilus was found to reduce cholesterol levels by up to 7% more than ordinary yoghurt (2). This suggests that Lactobacillus acidophilus may help in lowering cholesterol levels especially when taken with other probiotics and thus improve overall health.
Diarrhoea
Lactobacillus acidophilus has been found to be beneficial in the treatment and prevention of diarrhoea. Studies have shown that taking supplements or consuming foods containing Lactobacillus acidophilus can reduce the risk of diarrhoea while taking antibiotics (1), and a review of 12 studies demonstrated that L. acidophilus combined with other probiotics were effective in preventing travellers’ diarrhoea (7). Additionally, clinical trials have shown that Lactobacillus acidophilus is effective in reducing the severity of diarrheal episodes in children when taken at daily doses of 109 CFU or more (8).
Vaginal Infections
Lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown to be helpful in preventing vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. This is due to its ability to breakdown food which produces lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast in the vagina (9). Lactobacillus acidophilus also produce bacteriocins which are proteins that kill and inhibit the growth of other bacteria. When present in the vagina, these bacteriocins help to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microbes that can lead to infection (10). Furthermore, numerous studies have suggested that taking Lactobacillus acidophilus as a probiotic supplement can help in preventing and treating vaginal infections as it increases the levels of lactobacilli in the vagina, which plays a major role in maintaining a healthy vaginal environment (2).
Immune System
Lactobacillus acidophilus plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the immune system. It is believed that supplementing with this probiotic can help to reduce the risk of viral infections (2). Studies have suggested that the probiotic can interact with and stimulate the immune cells in the gut, which can modulate the specific immune functions and immune homeostasis (11). In a study conducted on 326 children, it was observed that when they were administered daily probiotic supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus for six months, fever occurrence decreased by 53%, coughing reduced by 41%, antibiotic use was reduced by 68% and days of school absence reduced by 32% (12). This suggests that probiotic supplementation daily is an effective and safe way to reduce the incidence and duration of illness symptoms.
Lactobacillus acidophilus can interact with certain medications for example it may speed up the metabolism of Sulfasalazine. Antibiotics can kill acidophilus bacteria and so those on antibiotics need to space Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements at least 2 hours apart (9). Likewise, people who have cirrhosis of the liver, gastrointestinal diseases, weakened immune systems or damaged heart valves should talk to their healthcare practitioner before consuming this product (4).
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