Background
- Lactobacillus acidophilus belongs to a group of bacteria that normally live in the human small intestine and vagina. L. acidophilus is one of the most commonly used probiotics, or "good germs." These are microorganisms that help to maintain a healthy intestinal tract and aid digestion. Common food sources of L. acidophilus include yogurt and fermented soy products, such as miso and tempeh.
- Multiple human trials report benefits of L. acidophilus for bacterial vaginosis, a common infection of the vagina. L. acidophilus has long been used as a therapeutic agent for gastrointestinal disorders. However, this and other medicinal uses of L. acidophilus are not supported by strong clinical evidence.
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 . Selected references are listed below.
- Andrade S, Borges N. Effect of fermented milk containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum on plasma lipids of women with normal or moderately elevated cholesterol. J Dairy Res 2009;76(4):469-74.
View Abstract - Azcarate-Peril MA, Tallon R, Klaenhammer TR.Temporal gene expression and probiotic attributes of Lactobacillus acidophilus during growth in milk. J Dairy Sci 2009;92(3):870-86.
View Abstract - Baldwin C, Millette M, Oth D, et al. Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. casei mix sensitize colorectal tumoral cells to 5-fluorouracil-induced apoptosis. Nutr Cancer 2010;62(3):371-8.
View Abstract - Chassot F, Camacho DP, Patussi EV, et al. Can Lactobacillus acidophilus influence the adhesion capacity of Candida albicans on the combined contraceptive vaginal ring? Contraception 2010;81(4):331-5.
View Abstract - Chitapanarux I, Chitapanarux T, Traisathit P, et al. Randomized controlled trial of live lactobacillus acidophilus plus bifidobacterium bifidum in prophylaxis of diarrhea during radiotherapy in cervical cancer patients. Radiat Oncol 2010;5:31.
View Abstract - Gao XW, Mubasher M, Fang CY, et al. Dose-response efficacy of a proprietary probiotic formula of Lactobacillus acidophilus CL1285 and Lactobacillus casei LBC80R for antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea prophylaxis in adult patients. Am J Gastroenterol 2010;105(7):1636-41.
View Abstract - Hayes M, Barrett E, Ross RP, et al. Evaluation of an antimicrobial ingredient prepared from a Lactobacillus acidophilus casein fermentate against Enterobacter sakazakii. J Food Prot 2009;72(2):340-6.
View Abstract - Huang Y, Zheng Y. The probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus reduces cholesterol absorption through the down-regulation of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 in Caco-2 cells. Br J Nutr 2010;103(4):473-8.
View Abstract - Kim JY, Kwon JH, Ahn SH, et al. Effect of probiotic mix (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus) in the primary prevention of eczema: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010;21(2 Pt 2):e386-93.
View Abstract - Lin PP, Hsieh YM, Tsai CC. Antagonistic activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus RY2 isolated from healthy infancy feces on the growth and adhesion characteristics of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli. Anaerobe 2009;15(4):122-6.
View Abstract - Mkrtchyan H, Gibbons S, Heidelberger S, et al. Purification, characterisation and identification of acidocin LCHV, an antimicrobial peptide produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus n.v. Er 317/402 strain Narine. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2010;35(3):255-60.
View Abstract - Patrignani F, Burns P, Serrazanetti D, et al. Suitability of high pressure-homogenized milk for the production of probiotic fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus acidophilus. J Dairy Res 2009;76(1):74-82.
View Abstract - Silva MR, Dias G, Ferreira CL, et al. Growth of preschool children was improved when fed an iron-fortified fermented milk beverage supplemented with Lactobacillus acidophilus. Nutr Res 2008;28(4):226-32.
View Abstract - Sinn DH, Song JH, Kim HJ, et al. Therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus-SDC 2012, 2013 in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Dig Dis Sci 2008;53(10):2714-8.
View Abstract - Vissers YM, Snel J, Zuurendonk PF, et al. Differential effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum strains on cytokine induction in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol 2010;59(1):60-70.
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