Acidophilus Information & FAQs
Acidophilus information, FAQ and product listing page. This page contains information and frequently asked questions about acidophilus as well as a complete list of products containing acidophilus.
Quick jump to the sub-sections on this page:
What is acidophilus and what does it do?
Acidophilus is a probiotic, part of the group of beneficial bacteria located in the intestines called lactobacilli. At birth, L. acidophilus is present and eventually is joined by another bacteria called L. bifidus. Both of these are critical the proper functioning of your intestine, as well as your overall health. Of over 400 different kinds of species in the digestive track, it may be the most important bacteria because it maintains a normal balance of healthy flora (bacteria). This form of "healthy" bacteria is beneficial to the human digestive tract so that it may continue optimal functioning and may also play an important role in supporting immune system function.
What are the benefits of taking acidophilus?
A lot of research exists showing the benefit and necessity of acidophilus and probiotic bacteria. Good bacteria like acidophilus are used in the production of a variety of nutrients and in the absorption of these nutrients. Acidophilus also plays a role in the prevention of creation of destructive yeasts and bad bacteria. This maintains a healthy balance in the body.
Another benefit of supplementing benefits like L. acidophilus is to detoxify your body, which reduces the stress put onto your liver.
Who can benefit from taking acidophilus?
Everyone needs acidophilus, as it’s very important to your digestive tract. However, it becomes really important when you are deficient. Supplementing with L. acidophilus during and after the use of antibiotics is of extreme importance since antibiotics will kill off the majority of good bacteria and cause symptoms of deficiency and possible overgrowth of various yeasts.
How much acidophilus should I take?
The amount of acidophilus you should take depends on the purpose of taking it. If you are deficient, the directions as prescribed by the supplement label will suffice. Generally, there shouldn’t be less than 1 billion active organisms per gram. It should also be taken with food and stored in a cool place, as extreme temperatures can kill the health bacteria.
The best acidophilus supplements will have an enteric coding around each tablet to help protect the organisms’ delivery to your intestine.
Does acidophilus have any side effects?
The only known side effects can occur while your body adjusts the bacterial shift. This can cause a little bit of gas which should subside after the first week or so.
Products That Contain Acidophilus:
The acidophilus product list is coming soon!
Sources used:
Cunningham-Rundles S, Ahrne S, Bengmark S, et al. Probiotics and immune response. Am J Gastroenterol . 2000;95(1 Suppl):S22-25.
Kalliomaki M, Salminen S, Arvilommi H, Kero P, Koskinen P, Isolauri E. Probiotics in primary prevention of atopic disease: a randomized placebo controlled trial. Lancet . 2001;357(9262):1076-1079.
Shanahan F. Probiotics and inflammatory bowel disease: is there a scientific rationale? Inflamm Bowel Dis . 2000;6(2):107-115.
Murray MT, Pizzorno JE. Probiotics. In: Pizzorno JE, Murray MT, eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine. Vol 1. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 1999: 893-898.
Gill HS, Rutherford KJ, Cross ML. Dietary probiotic supplementation enhances natural killer cell activity in the elderly: an investigation of age-related immunological changes. J Clin Immunol. 2001;21(4):264-271.
