Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus, sometimes referred to
simply as "acidophilus," is one of several
bacteria in the genus Lactobacillus.
Lactobacillus acidophilus gets its name from lacto-,
meaning milk, -bacillus, meaning rod-like in shape,
and acidophilus, meaning acid-loving. This bacterium
thrives in more acidic environments than most related microorganisms
(pH 4-5 or lower) and grows best at 45° Celsius/113°
Fahrenheit.
Lactobacillus acidophilus, which generally resides
in our digestive tracts, is one of the most important bacteria
found in our bodies. When taken in supplementary form as a
probiotic, it may be used to prevent and treat antibiotic-related
diarrhea, yeast infection, and urinary tract infection. It
may also help the body by protecting against colon cancer,
and may also be protective against the adverse effects of
chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The breakdown of nutrients within the digestive tract by Lactobacillus acidophilus produces lactic acid, hydrogen
peroxide, and other by-products that render the environment
hostile for undesired organisms. Lactobacillus acidophilus also tends to consume nutrients many other microorganisms
depend on, thus outcompeting possibly harmful bacteria in
the digestive tract. During digestion, Lactobacillus acidophilus assists in the production of niacin, folic acid, and pyridoxine.
How Lactobacillus acidophilus works in
your body:
- Improves efficiency of digestive system
- Manufactures vitamins, such as biotin and vitamin K
- Produces antibacterial substances that kill or deactivate
harmful bacteria
- Helps maintain normal bacterial colony balance in lower
intestines
- Kills Monilia, yeast and fungus on contact
- May clear up skin problems
- May enhance immunity
- May reduce symptoms from spastic colon
- May reduce diarrhea related to antibiotic use (short-
or long-term)
How We Help
At DermaHarmony, our goals are to educate chronic skin care suffers about dermatology, share what contributes to health and wellness, and support our readers in any way we can. Our programs promote healthy skin with nutritional supplements, topical treatments and dietary guidance. Learn more about our programs or call us toll-free at 1-800-827-3730. Our Support Desk is open 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET, Monday-Friday.
Our skin assessment is designed to help us get a better understanding of your symptoms and to make diet and lifestyle recommendations for you. It is simple, free, takes just five minutes to complete. Take our skin assessment.
Principal Author: M. Ofiyeva
Date of Initial Publication: 07/05/2007
Article Last Updated: 08/26/2009
This website is protected by the copyright
laws of the United States of America.
Pursuant to Title 17, United States Code, the owner of this
content has filed a valid certificate of registration with
the United States Copyright Office.
The statements within this website have not
been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose,
treat, prevent or cure any disease. If pregnant or nursing,
please consult a physician before taking any dietary supplement.
You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase products.
Individual results do vary.