Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus)


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Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Vaginal disorders
Strong evidence supports the use of L. acidophilus to treat vaginal bacterial infections by applying L. acidophilus preparations directly to the affected area. More evidence is needed before a strong conclusion can be made. 		B
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Although not well studied in humans, some research has suggested that lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as L. acidophilus , may reduce allergic responses of the immune system. Further studies are needed before a conclusion can be made. 		C
Asthma
Research on the use of L. acidophilus for asthma is limited. Additional research is required before a conclusion can be made. 		C
Diarrhea prevention
It is not clear whether L. acidophilus can prevent diarrhea in adults or children. Additional research is needed in this area. 		C
Diarrhea treatment (children)
It is unclear whether L. acidophilus (live or heat-killed, alone or in combination with other therapies) is effective in the treatment of diarrhea. Additional studies are needed before a firm conclusion can be made. 		C
Eczema (skin disorder)
It is not clear whether L. acidophilus is effective in the treatment of eczema, although other bacteria related to L. acidophilus may be valuable. Additional research is needed before a conclusion can be made. 		C
Helicobacter pylori infection
It is not clear whether L. acidophilus is effective in the treatment of H. pylori infection, although bacteria related to L. acidophilus may have value. Additional research is needed before a conclusion can be made. 		C
Hepatic encephalopathy (confused thinking due to liver disorders)
Limited research suggests that L. acidophilus may be beneficial in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. Additional research is needed in this area. 		C
Immune function
In some studies, L. acidophilus was shown to have an effect on immune function. However, results are mixed. Additional research is needed. 		C
Intestinal disorders
Some studies suggest that L. acidophilus may be beneficial in the treatment of some intestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), when used in combination with other therapies. Additional studies are needed to investigate the effect of L. acidophilus alone. 		C
Lactose intolerance
Although L. acidophilus and related bacteria are able to digest lactose, it is not clear whether supplementation with L. acidophilus is effective in the treatment of lactose intolerance. Additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made. 		C
Premature birth prevention
Overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina may be associated with premature birth. Some evidence suggests that L. acidophilus treatment may be helpful in preventing premature birth. Additional studies are needed in this area. 		C
High cholesterol
Some studies suggest that L. acidophilus , when used together with other probiotics, may aid in the treatment of high levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made. 		D

Key to grades
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)

Grading rationale

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Acne, AIDS, breast cancer, cancer, canker sores, cavities, chemopreventive (disease-preventing), colon cancer, constipation, Crohn's disease, diaper rash, diverticulitis (formation of inflamed pouch in intestinal wall), E . coli infection in cancer patients, fever blisters, gastric ulcer (prevention), heartburn, heart disease, hives, indigestion, infection, periodontal disease (gum disease), preoperative prevention of infections or gut bacteria loss, prostate cancer, thrush (yeast infection of the mouth), ulcerative colitis, urinary tract infection.

Dosing Related terms
NS_patient-acidophilus Portions of this document last updated: Sept. 1, 2012

THIS EVIDENCE-BASED MONOGRAPH WAS PREPARED BY
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)

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