Lactobacillus Acidophilus Classification

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacterium that forms colonies in the digestive tracts of humans and other mammals. Lactobacillus is the genus name for the species acidophilus and is a member of the eubacteria kingdom, according to the University of Michigan. Acidophilus is one of many bacteria that live naturally in the body and function as a probiotic.

Sources

Lactobacillus acidophilus is found in cultured foods such as yogurt, kefir, miso, tempeh and sauerkraut. Additionally, it is one of the species of bacteria that grow in sourdough starter for sourdough bread. L. acidophilus is cultured on a dairy base in laboratories, isolated and packaged for supplementation. These supplements are often sold in a refrigerated section of health food stores. However, freeze-dried acidophilus products are stable at room temperature.

Probiotic

Lactobacillus acidophilus is considered a probiotic, meaning that it is a beneficial bacterium. Acidophilus colonizes the walls of the intestines and vagina and produces lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide as byproducts. These byproducts create a healthy, acidic environment that enhances digestion but inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Digestive Disorders

Digestive diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may be improved by supplementing with L. acidophilus, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although more studies are needed, L. acidophilus appears to improve chronic constipation and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Supplementing with L. acidophilus and other probiotics may help to prevent and treat diarrhea. However, probiotics should not be relied upon solely to treat diarrhea, especially in children.

Additional Health Benefits

The symptoms of lactose intolerance may be reduced with L. acidophilus supplementation. The risk of developing pollen allergies and childhood eczema may also be reduced. Additionally, it may play a role in reducing high cholesterol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

L. Acidophilus Supplementation

Non-dairy-based probiotics are available and often use soy as a culturing base. L. acidophilus is sold in capsule, tablet, liquid and powder forms, and most products require refrigeration. An average adult dose ranges from 1 billion to 15 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) per day. A pediatrician should be consulted for child doses.

Antibiotics

L. acidophilus is often recommended when a patient is prescribed antibiotics, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because antibiotics destroy all bacteria, supplementing with L. acidophilus during a round of antibiotics replaces lost colonies of good bacteria in the digestive tract and vagina.

Cautions

A doctor should be consulted before taking acidophilus with other medications, because of the possibility of harmful interactions. L. acidophilus should not be taken while using sulfasalazine, a medication for ulcerative colitis, because it increases the rate the drug is metabolized. Individuals with artificial heart valves should avoid L. acidophilus because of the possibility of bacterial infection.