Acidophilus

Important acidophilus facts

Acidophilus is a probiotic which helps to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina.

Acidophilus is known as a “friendly” bacteria because it helps to maintain good health in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina by inhibiting the overgrowth of “bad” bacteria.

Acidophilus has anti-microbial effects against “bad” bacteria and fungal microorganisms. This means it destroys “bad” bacteria and fungi.

• High heat and freezing will destroy acidophilus cultures
• Store acidophilus supplements in a cool, dry place away from any light (the refrigerator is the best place for storage)
• Acidophilus is made by fermenting milk using Lactobacillus acidophilus with other "friendly" bacteria
• Acidophilus destroys bad bacteria such as candida albicans and monilla, as well as fungus
• Acidophilus supplements should be taken 1/2hr-1hr before eating a meal
• Acidophilus is one of two strains of the Lactobacillus bacteria and is often written as L. Acidophilus (the other strain of Lactobacillus is bifidus)
• Acidophilus is a member of the lactic acid family of bacteria
• Acidophilus is able to survive in the low pH level of stomach acid and travel to the lower intestinal tract

Acidophilus and health

• Candidiasis (thrush) - several studies have shown that acidophilus supplements taken either orally or instead as a suppository into the vagina may prevent or control vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis) caused by Candida albicans
• People taking antibiotics - while beneficial for combating infections, antibiotics actually disturb the balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. To restore the balance of "good" bacteria, acidophilus supplements are usually recommended either during or after the course of antibiotics
• People with inflammatory bowel disease - this disorder causes a chronic inflammation of the bowels. Acidophilus may assist in overall bowel health
• People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - acidophilus may help to relieve diarrhoea associated with IBS, as well as replenishing the good bacteria that diarrhoea removes

People who wish to take an acidophilus supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.

Acidophilus recommended intake

Dosage of acidophilus depends on the condition that is being treated. A medical doctor and/or alternative health care provider can advise on individual cases - this information is provided as a guide only:

Types of acidophilus supplements

Acidophilus supplementation is available in the following ways:

• Capsules - are usually freeze-dried, but sometimes aren't
• Powder - this is freeze-dried and refrigerated
• Granules - this is usually freeze-dried
• Foods - acidophilus is found in yogurt containing live L. acidophilus cultures, also in miso, tempeh and milk enriched with acidophilus.

Acidophilus supplementation checklist

• Ensure the acidophilus supplementation states that the product contains "live cultures" or "active cultures" to ensure it is going to be effective
• Check expiration date
• Ensure the transportation time from purchase to storage at home is short to prevent loss of bacteria (heat can kill the acidophilus bacteria)
• Check dosage - capsules should contain at least 1 million live organisms and the powder should contain the same amount in a teaspoon measure
• Capsules are a good option for people who want no-fuss, no-mess acidophilus supplement, have been prescribed a specific dosage and can take higher dosages without any side effects
• Powders work best for people who want to control exactly how much acidophilus they ingest, especially if a lower dosage is preferred, especially initially, to test the supplement for any adverse effects

Acidophilus works best with

• Prebiotics
• Inulin

Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for acidophilus

Large amounts of acidophilus (in supplements) may cause the following side effects:

• diarrhoea
• other gastrointestinal problems

Cautions

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding - should consult their doctor before taking acidophilus supplements
• People with pre-existing intestinal problems - should consult their doctor before taking acidophilus supplements
• Prolonged douching - with acidophilus can irritate the vagina
• Any woman with a vaginal infection - should see her doctor to determine the exact cause of the vaginal infection (as it may not be thus and may be something more serious which acidophilus supplements may not help) prior to using the supplements. Acidophilus is only useful with alleviating Candida albicans infection (thrush) and will not have any beneficial effect on any other vaginal infections

References

• Alvarez-Olmos MI, Oberhelman RA. Probiotic agents and infectious diseases: a modern perspective on a traditional therapy. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2001;32(11):1567-1576
• Gill HS, Guarner F. Probiotics and human health: a clinical perspective. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 2004;80(947):516-526
• Groff J L, Gropper SS, Hunt SM, Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism. West Publishing, USA, 1995
• Osiecki, H, The Nutrient Bible, Bio-Concepts Publishing Qld, 2002
• University of Maryland Medical Centre - provides information about acidophilus (accessed 6 January 2007)

Last reviewed 21 April 2024