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.

Bacterial vaginosis
Multiple human studies report that Lactobacillus acidophilus vaginal suppositories are effective in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. A small number of studies suggest that eating yogurt enriched with Lactobacillus acidophilus may be similarly beneficial. Additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached. Patients with persistent vaginal discomfort are advised to seek medical attention. 		B
Allergy treatment (Japanese cedar pollen)
A small study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus strain L-92 (L-92) on the symptoms of Japanese cedar-pollen allergy with positive results. Further research is needed before a decision can be made. 		C
Asthma
There is limited research in this area, with unclear results. 		C
Diarrhea prevention
A small amount of human research suggests that Lactobacillus acidophilus may not be effective when used to prevent diarrhea in travelers or in people taking antibiotics. Several studies report that the related species Lactobacillus GG may be helpful for the prevention of diarrhea in children and travelers. Additional study is needed in these areas before a firm conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Diarrhea treatment (children)
A small amount of research in children, using different forms of acidophilus, reports no improvement in diarrhea. Future studies should use a viable Lactobacillus acidophilus culture to assess effects on diarrhea. Lactobacillus GG, a different species, is suggested by multiple human studies to be a safe and effective treatment for diarrhea in otherwise healthy infants and children. Lactobacillus acidophilus may aid in the management of chronic or persistent diarrhea and bacterial-overgrowth related diarrhea. Further research is needed to determine what dose may be safe and effective. 		C
Hepatic encephalopathy (confused thinking due to liver disorders)
There is limited study in this area, with mixed results. 		C
High cholesterol
There is conflicting information from several human studies regarding the effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus- enriched dairy products on lowering blood levels of total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol"). 		C
Irritable bowel syndrome
Human studies report mixed results in the improvement of bowel symptoms after taking Lactobacillus acidophilus by mouth. 		C
Lactose intolerance
There is conflicting information from several human studies as to whether using Lactobacillus acidophilus by mouth improves digestion of lactose. More research is needed in this area a before a conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Necrotizing enterocolitis prevention in infants
One human study using L. acidophilus in combination with another bacterium ( B. infantis ) in infants reported fewer cases of necrotizing enterocolitis (severe inflammation of the gut), and no complications related to treatment. Additional research is necessary in this area before a conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
Lactobacillus acidophilus taken by mouth or as a vaginal suppository has not been adequately assessed for the prevention or treatment of vaginal yeast infections. More research is needed in this area a before a conclusion can be drawn. 		C

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, cancer, canker sores, colitis, colon cancer prevention, constipation, diaper rash, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, E. coli infection in cancer patients, fever blisters, heart disease, heartburn, hives, immune enhancer, indigestion, infection, overgrowth of bacteria in the small bowel, preoperative prevention of infections or gut bacteria loss, stomach ulcer, thrush, ulcerative colitis, urinary tract infection.

Dosing Synonyms

NS_patient-acidophilus

Portions of this document last updated:

Sept. 1, 2009

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


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