Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Acidophilus, Acidophilus Extra Strength®, acidophilus milk, Acilact, Actimel®, DDS-Acidophilus, Enpac®, Florajen®, fresh poi, Gynoflor®, Kyo-Dophilus®, L-92, Lacteol Fort®, lactic acid bacteria mixture (Oxadrop® or AKSB), lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB), Lacto Bacillus, Lactobacillaceae (family), lactobacilli, lactobacillus, Lactobacillus acidophilus 145, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA 02, Lactobacillus acidophilus La5, Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92, Lactobacillus acidophilus milk, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, Lactobacillus acidophilus NCK56, Lactobacillus acidophilus OLL2769, Lactobacillus acidophilus strain 27L, Lactobacillus acidophilus strain LB (LaLB), Lactobacillus acidophilus yogurt, Lactobacillus LB, Narine®, poi, Probiata®, probiotic, sour poi, yogurt.
• Combination products containing L. acidophilus: Bacid®, Cultura®, Dentavax (D) (composed of killed cells from Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and L. acidophilus and their lysates) (1), Endolac ®, Femilac® (containing L. rhamnosus, L. delbrueckii, L. acidophilus, and Streptococcus thermophilus) (2), Fermalac® (Canadian), Infloran® (L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium infantis) (3), Kala®, Lactinex™, More-Dophilus®, Oxadrop®, Pro-Bionate®, Superdophilus®.
• Note: This monograph does not provide an in-depth analysis of L. acidophilus used in combination therapies. When available, studies using L. acidophilus as the sole probiotic are discussed in detail, although research of related species has been cited where deemed relevant. Separate monographs on probiotics or other species of Lactobacillus, such as Lactobacillus GG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus), are available.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus is a member of Lactobacillus, a genus of Gram-positive, nonsporing, rod-shaped bacteria. These facultative anaerobes are indigenous residents of the mouth, intestine, and vagina. L. acidophilus is considered to be beneficial, as it produces vitamin K, lactase, and antimicrobial substances such as acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin, and bacteriocin. However, genomic analysis of L. acidophilus and two closely related species in the acidophilus complex, L. johnsonii and L. gasseri, reveal a lack of genes for synthesizing many other vitamins and amino acids; thus, L. acidophilus resides primarily in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract where such nutrients are abundant (4).
• L. acidophilus is commonly used in food, particularly fermented food products. Common dietary sources of L. acidophilus include yogurt and other dairy products containing live L. acidophilus cultures, and fermented soy products such as miso and tempeh.
• L. acidophilus is one of the most commonly used probiotics, which are microorganisms that are used for health-promoting effects. Common probiotics include other members of the genus Lactobacillus, the genus Bifidobacterium, and yeasts such as Saccharomyces boulardii.
• Probiotics should not be confused with prebiotics, which are complex sugars (such as lactulose, lactitol, fructooligosaccharides, and inulin) that may support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. The term "synbiotic" refers to a product that contains both a probiotic and a prebiotic.
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Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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