Acidophilus
Acidophilus
This product contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacteria found naturally in the stomach and intestines.
Acidophilus
This product contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacteria found naturally in the stomach and intestines.
Overview
This product contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacteria found naturally in the stomach and intestines. Some conditions (such as antibiotic use) can disrupt the normal bacterial balance in the stomach/intestines, resulting in diarrhoea. This product can aid in the restoration of the normal balance of intestinal bacteria. This medication has been used to treat diarrhoea and other stomach/intestinal issues. It’s also used to treat vaginal and urinary tract infections. Some dietary supplement products have been discovered to contain potentially hazardous impurities/additives. More information about the brand you use can be obtained from your pharmacist. For more information, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Source
Sources of Acidophilus
Many foods, including yoghurt, kefir, and buttermilk, contain lactic acid bacteria. Acidophilus can be found in yoghurt made with live acidophilus cultures, as well as other fermented milk products like kefir.
Other acidophilus sources include:
- Kimchi (a traditional Korean fermented cabbage dish)
- Kombucha (a fermented tea)
- Sour pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Sourdough bread
- Fermented soy products such as miso and tempeh
Because of differences in processing methods, the number of live organisms varies greatly from option to option. Look for products in the refrigerated section of the supermarket or health-food store, as these are more likely to contain live cultures than those kept at room temperature.
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Uses & effectiveness
Probiotic & Natural Acidophilus, also known as Lactobacillus acidophilus, serves a variety of purposes.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a member of the Lactobacillus bacterial family. Lactic acid bacteria (or L) converts sugars into lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, which inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the intestine.
Acidophilus is sometimes used in alternative medicine to prevent or treat a variety of health conditions, including:
- Acne
- Bacterial vaginosis
- C. difficile infection
- Candida infection (yeast infection)
- Diabetes
- Diarrhoea
- E. coli infection
- Eczema
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose intolerance
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Some proponents also claim that acidophilus can help with weight loss and immune system strengthening.
Despite the fact that acidophilus is one of the more extensively studied probiotics, results have varied greatly due to differences in patient populations, acidophilus strains, and other factors.
This product should be taken orally. Consult the label instructions for your specific product to determine whether it should be taken with or without food or liquids (such as milk, fruit juice, or water). Consult the label instructions for your specific product to determine whether the dose should be swallowed whole, chewed, sprinkled onto food, or mixed with liquid. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about the information. If you are using this product to treat antibiotic-induced diarrhoea, do not use it for more than two days or if you have a high fever unless directed by your doctor.
Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, do not use it for children under the age of three.
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Strains. Some acidophilus products contain only one strain of the bacteria, whereas others contain a variety of strains or species. There are numerous probiotic strains that provide similar health benefits to acidophilus. Look for a broad-spectrum supplement that contains L. acidophilus.
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Pectin. Pectin, a soluble fibre found in citrus and other fruits, is found in some acidophilus supplements. According to proponents, pectin is a prebiotic (a substance that promotes the growth of probiotic bacteria).
Concerns to be aware of
If you’re thinking about trying probiotics, there are a few things you should know.
Probiotics are generally classified as food rather than medicine, which means they are not subjected to the same rigorous testing that pharmaceuticals are. They are not regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
We can’t always be certain because of the way probiotics are regulated:
- The product actually contains the bacteria stated on the food label
- The product contains enough bacteria to have an effect
- The bacteria are able to survive long enough to reach your gut
There are many different types of probiotics, each with its own set of effects on the body, and little is known about which ones are the best.
You may discover that a specific type of probiotic aids in the treatment of one issue. However, this does not imply that it will help with other issues or that other types of probiotics will work just as well.
And there is likely to be a significant difference between pharmaceutical-grade probiotics that show promise in clinical trials and store-bought yoghurts and supplements.
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Side Effects
An increase in stomach gas is possible, but it usually subsides with continued treatment. Notify your doctor or pharmacist right away if this effect persists or worsens.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, keep in mind that your doctor has determined that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many people who take this medication do not experience serious side effects.
Inform your doctor right away if you experience any serious side effects, such as signs of infection (such as high fever, chills).
It is uncommon for this product to cause a severe allergic reaction. However, seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms of a severe allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
This is not an exhaustive list of potential side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other side effects that are not listed above.
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If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed on this page. In the UK you can also report side effects directly to the Yellow Card Scheme By reporting side effects you can help provide vital information on the safety of this medical supplement.
Is this medicine suitable for you?
Tell your GP or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, to milk/lactose products, or if you have any other allergies before taking it. Inactive ingredients in this product may cause allergic reactions or other problems. For more information, consult your pharmacist.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have: diarrhoea that lasts more than 2 days (especially if you also have a high fever), a weakened immune system (such as from chemotherapy or HIV infection), other stomach problems, recurring vaginal infections, or recurring urinary tract infections.
Before using this product, inform your GP if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Consult your doctor
If you are taking any of the following medicines please consult your doctor:
Lactobacillus acidophilus should not be taken within 2 hours of taking any antibiotic medication.
If you are taking this medication on the advice of your doctor, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any potential drug interactions and may be keeping an eye out for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using this product, inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you are currently using.
This document does not include every possible interaction. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use before using this one. Maintain a list of all your medications and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
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Dosage
Acidophilus supplements are available in capsules, tablets, drinks, pearls, powders, chewable wafers, liquids, and suppositories.
The typical adult dose is 1 to 10 billion colony-forming units (CFUs), taken in up to four divided doses. Follow the instructions on the package or consult your GP to determine the appropriate dose for you.
If you are giving L. acidophilus to a child, consult with their paediatrician about the appropriate dose, or buy a brand formulated for children and follow the directions on the packaging.
Depending on the manufacturing process, some probiotics may require refrigeration while others are shelf-stable. Probiotics should be stored as directed on the label, with as little contact with air as possible.
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Other names
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