Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a naturally occurring bacterium in the human digestive system, mouth, and vagina. Some strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus have been found to have probiotic (health-boosting) effects, and their properties have been well-studied. Lactobacillus acidophilus is ‘acid-loving’ and can survive in the hostile environment of the human gut, being resistant to low pH, bile, and digestive enzymes.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is used commercially in many probiotic drinks and yogurts.  It is in fact the most commonly used species in probiotics, with the majority of probiotic yogurt manufacturers using an acidophilus strain in their products. It is also available in capsule and tablet form in many health food stores.

Benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus

Here are some of the well-known health benefits of taking Lactobacillus acidophilus:

Improves Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a chronic disorder that affects the large intestine. This is characterized by stronger or weaker intestinal contractions leading to abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. In one study, researchers found that four weeks of treatment with Lactobacillus acidophilus-SDC 2012, 2013 in patients with IBS was associated with a significant reduction in abdominal pain or discomfort compared to baseline.^[1]  

Fights Asthma and Allergies

An allergic response occurs when your immune system mistakenly identify a harmless substance, such as dust or pollen, as an invader. In an attempt to protect your body, chemicals such as interferon gamma, histamine and eosinophils are released to neutralize the allergen. However, the release of these chemicals leads to unpleasant signs and symptoms. If you have asthma, allergies can worsen it. Interestingly, one study found that adult patients with moderate asthma who took live active yogurt with Lactobacillus acidophilus 225 grams twice daily had lower levels of eosinophils in their blood, indicating that the treatment can help reduce asthma attacks and allergic reactions.^[2]

Normalizes Cholesterol Levels and Lowers Risk for Heart Disease

Combined analysis of two studies assessing the effects of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus L1 on cholesterol levels demonstrated a 2.9% reduction in blood cholesterol concentration.^[3] This finding is highly significant since every 1% reduction in blood cholesterol concentration is associated with an estimated 2% to 3% reduction in risk for coronary heart disease ^[3]

Boosts Immune Function

Evidence suggests that Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation can help enhance several indices of natural and acquired immunity by increasing the production of natural killer cells, white blood cells, antibodies, and other immune cells.^[4] 

Prevents Cancer

Numerous high quality studies suggest that the tumor suppression trait of Lactobacillus acidophilus can help reduce the incidence of colon cancer.^[5-6] Researchers found that different strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus inhibit cancer cell growth and induce cell cycle arrest to kill malignant cells.^[7-8]   

Prevents Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea

The use of probiotics is a potential measure to prevent and treat antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In one study, Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation in patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea significantly reduced the symptoms of diarrhea and hospitalization time.^[9]    

References:

1. 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.\
2. Wheeler JG, Shema SJ, Bogle ML, et al. Immune and clinical impact of Lactobacillus acidophilus on asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 1997;79(3):229-33.
3. Anderson JW, Gilliland SE. Effect of fermented milk (yogurt) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus L1 on serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic humans. J Am Coll Nutr. 1999;18(1):43-50.
4. Gill HS, Rutherfurd KJ, Prasad J, Gopal PK. Enhancement of natural and acquired immunity by Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HN001), Lactobacillus acidophilus (HN017) and Bifidobacterium lactis (HN019). Br J Nutr. 2000;83(2):167-76.
5. Friend B.A. Shahani K.M. (1984) Antitumor properties of lactobacilli and dairy products fermented by lactobacilli J. Food Prot. , 47, 717–723.
6. Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223702879_Therapeutic_role_of_dietary_lactobacilli_and_lactobacilli_fermented_dairy_products. Accessed March 7, 2017.
7. Kim JY, Woo HJ, Kim YS, Kim KH, Lee HJ. Cell cycle dysregulation induced by cytoplasm of Lactococcus lactis ssp lactis in SNUC2A, a colon cancer cell line. Nutr Cancer. 2003;46(2):197-201.
8. Hirayama K, Rafter J. The role of lactic acid bacteria in colon cancer prevention: mechanistic considerations. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek. 1999;76(1-4):391-4.
9. Mélanie Beausoleil, Nadia Fortier, Stéphanie Guénette, et al., “Effect of a Fermented Milk Combining Lactobacillus Acidophilus CL1285 and Lactobacillus Casei in the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial,” Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology, vol. 21, no. 11, pp. 732-736, 2007.