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Dosing
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Adults (18 years and older)
Tablets/capsules/liquid/yogurt : Expert opinion suggests that a dose between 1 and 10 billion viable (live) L. acidophilus bacteria taken daily in divided doses is sufficient for most people. Higher doses may cause mild abdominal discomfort, and smaller doses may not be able to establish a stable population in the gut. For vaginal bacterial infections, a dose that has been used is 8 ounces of yogurt containing L. acidophilus in a concentration of 100 million colony-forming units (10 8 CFU) in each milliliter. Capsules containing 1.5 grams of Lactobacillus acidophilus were used in one study.
Vaginal suppository : Doses that have been used for vaginal infections include 1 to 2 tablets (containing 10 million to 1 billion CFU in each tablet), inserted into the vagina once or twice daily.
Anal suppository : Capsules containing 1.5 grams of Lactobacillus acidophilus have been used to treat diarrhea.
Children (younger than 18 years)
Tablets/capsules/liquid : Some natural medicine textbooks and experts suggest that one-quarter teaspoon or one-quarter capsule of commercially available L. acidophilus may be safe for use in children for the replacement of gut bacteria destroyed by antibiotics. Up to 12 billion lyophilized heat-killed L. acidophilus has been given every 12 hours for up to five days. It is often recommended that L. acidophilus supplements be taken two hours after antibiotic doses, because antibiotics may kill L. acidophilus if taken at the same time. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using L. acidophilus in children, and use cautiously in those under three years of age.
Applied to the skin : Liquid preparations have been used on the diaper area to treat yeast infections, although safety and effectiveness are not well studied. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using L. acidophilus in children, and use cautiously in those under three years of age.
NS_patient-acidophilus
Portions of this document last updated:Sept. 1, 2009
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)
