Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus
L. acidophilus bacteria near vaginal squamous epithelial cells
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Bacteria
Division:	Firmicutes
Class:	Bacilli
Order:	Lactobacillales
Family:	Lactobacillaceae
Genus:	Lactobacillus
Species:	L. acidophilus
Binomial name
Lactobacillus acidophilus (Moro 1900) Hansen & Mocquot 1970

Lactobacillus acidophilus (meaning acid-loving milk-bacterium) is a species in the genus Lactobacillus. L. acidophilus is a homo-fermentative species, fermenting sugars into lactic acid, which grows readily at rather low pH values (below pH 5.0) and has an optimum growth temperature of 30 °C (86 °F)^{[citation needed]}. L. acidophilus occurs naturally in the human and animal gastrointestinal tract, mouth, and vagina.^[1]. Some strains of L. acidophilus may be considered to have probiotic characteristics ^[2]. These strains are commercially used in many dairy products, sometimes together with S. salivarius ssp. thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus in the production of acidophilus-type yogurt.

L. acidophilus is part of the normal vaginal flora.^[3] The acid produced by L. acidophilus in the vagina may help to control the growth of the fungus Candida albicans, thus helping to prevent vaginal yeast infections. The same beneficial effect has been observed in cases of oral or gastrointestinal Candidiasis infections. Certain spermicides and contraceptive creams can kill L. acidophilus in the vagina, clearing the path to possible yeast infections.

Health effects

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Some strains of L. acidophilus have been studied extensively for health effects. Some research^[which?] has indicated L. acidophilus may provide additional health benefits, including improved gastrointestinal function, a boosted immune system, and a decrease in the frequency of vaginal yeast infections. Some people^[who?] report L. acidophilus provides relief from indigestion and diarrhea.There are many types of fermented dairy products that use L. acidophilus . The most familiar to Americans are sweet acidophilus milk and yogurt. Sweet acidophilus milk is consumed by individuals who suffer from lactose maldigestion and intolerance, which occurs when enzymes (lactase) cannot break down lactose(milk sugar) in the intestine. Failure to digest lactose results in discomfort, cramps and diarrhea.^[4] A University of Nebraska study found that feed supplemented with L. acidophilus and fed to cattle resulted in a 61% reduction of Escherichia coli 0157:H7. Research has indicated L. acidophilus may be helpful reducing serum cholesterol levels.^[5]

Antibiotics taken orally will also kill beneficial bacteria, including L. acidophilus. After a therapy that includes antibiotics, patients are occasionally instructed to take an L. acidophilus treatment in order to recolonize the gastrointestinal tract. To that effect, L. acidophilus is often sold in health stores in pill or powder form as a nutritional supplement. A part of the claims in favor of such treatment refer to attaining a better digestion thanks to a recovered normal intestinal flora, the ensuing reduction of constipation, while others indicate a link between L. acidophilus and a possible decrease in the incidence of certain diseases, including yeast infections in the upper digestive tract (especially those caused by Candida albicans), other gastrointestinal disorders, and a weakened immune system. However, despite popular belief, most researchers agree that the present knowledge on the nutritional benefits of taking L. acidophilus supplements is inconsistent and inconclusive, and that further study is needed before substantiating many of these claims.

Strains with described health effects

References

External links

• Article on health benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus at MedlinePlus
• Article on Lactobacillus Acidophilus at University of Maryland Medical Center website
• Lactobacillus acidophilus from the U. of Wisconsin* Global analysis of carbohydrate utilization by Lactobacillus acidophilus using cDNA microarrays
• Safety and protective effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei used as probiotic agent in vivo
• The role of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotics in controlling infantile watery diarrhea