Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Background

Lactobacilli are bacteria that normally live in the human small intestine and vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally considered to be beneficial because it produces vitamin K, lactase, and anti-microbial substances such as acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin, and bacteriocin. Multiple human trials report benefits of L. acidophilus for bacterial vaginosis. Other medicinal uses of L. acidophilus are not sufficiently studied to form clear conclusions.

 

The term "probiotic" is used to describe organisms that are used medicinally, including bacteria such as L. acidophilus and yeast such as Saccharomyces boulardii .

Some strains of L. acidophilus may be considered a probiotic. These types of healthy bacteria inhabit the intestines and vagina and protect against some unhealthy organisms. The breakdown of nutrients by L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other byproducts that make the environment hostile for undesired organisms. L. acidophilus also tends to consume the nutrients many other microorganisms depend on, thus outcompeting possibly harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. During digestion, L. acidophilus also assists in the production of niacin, folic acid, pyridoxine. L. acidophilus can assist in bile deconjugation, separating amino acids from bile acids, which can then be recycled by the body Some research has indicated L. acidophilus may provide additional health benefits, including improved gastrointestinalfunction, a boosted immune system, and a decrease in the frequency of vaginal yeast infections. Some people report L. acidophilus provides relief from indigestion and diarrhea. A University of Nebraska study found that feed supplemented with L. acidophilus and fed to cattle resulted in a 61% reduction of Escherichia coli 0157:H7. Research has indicated L. acidophilus may be helpful reducing serum cholesterol levels.

 

L. acidophilus is part of the normal vaginal flora. The acid produced by L. acidophilus in the vagina helps to control the growth of the fungus Candida albicans, helping to prevent vaginal yeast infections. The same beneficial effect has been observed in cases of oral or gastrointestinal Candidiasisinfections. Certain spermicides and contraceptive creams can kill L. acidophilus in the vagina, clearing the path to possible yeast infections.

 

Antibiotics taken orally will also kill beneficial bacteria such as L. acidophilus. After a course of antibiotic therapy, patients are occasionally instructed to take an L. acidophilus treatment in order to recolonize the gastrointestinal tract. Our LB17 17 live strain probiotics contains Lactobacillus acidophilus.

 

Other live bacteria in our probiotic formula:

Lactobacillus acidophilus - Lactobacillus bulgaricus - Lactobacillus casei -  Lactobacillus fermentum -  Lactobacillus plantarum - Lactobacillus brevis  - Lactobacillus amylovorus  - Lactobacillus buchneri -  Bifidobacterium bifidum  -  Bifidobacterium longum -  Pediococcus pentosaceus  Pediococcus halophilus  - Pediococcus damnosus  - Streptococcus thermophilus  Lactococcus lactis