Lactobacilli are bacteria that normally live in the human small intestine and vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally considered to be beneficial because it produces vitamin K, lactase, and anti-microbial substances such as acidolin, acidolphilin, lactocidin, and bacteriocin. Multiple human trials report benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus for bacterial vaginosis. Other medicinal uses of Lactobacillus acidophilus are not sufficiently studied to form clear conclusions.
The term “probiotic” is used to describe organisms that are used medicinally, including bacteria such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and yeast such as Saccharomyces boulardii .
Uses based on scientific evidence
Bacterial vaginosis
Allergic disorders (Japanese cedar pollen)
Asthma
Atopic dermatitis
Breast cancer
Colitis (collagenous colitis)
Diarrhea prevention
Diarrhea treatment (children)
H. pylori infection
Hepatic encephalopathy (confused thinking due to liver disorders)
High cholesterol
Immunomodulation
Intestinal blockage (partial adhesive small-bowel obstruction)
Intestinal inflammation (pouchitis)
Irritable bowel syndrome
Lactose intolerance
Leaky gut syndrome (gut barrier function)
Necrotizing enterocolitis prevention in infants
Premature birth prevention
Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
Tags: Probiotic