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Posted on Dec 30, 2005, 8 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Lactobacillus acidophilus is a "friendly" strain of bacteria, which colonises the intestines where it helps prevent intestinal infections. Lactobacillus also flourishes in the vagina, where it protects women against yeast infections. Along with other "friendly" microbes, Lactobacillus is known as a "probiotic".
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a "friendly" strain of bacteria, which colonises the intestines where it helps prevent intestinal infections. Lactobacillus also flourishes in the vagina, where it protects women against yeast infections. Along with other "friendly" microbes, Lactobacillus is known as a "probiotic".
ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:
Lactobacillus and other probiotics may help to prevent traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea caused by antibiotics; there have been suggestions that it may also help irritable bowel syndrome. There is also some evidence that the bacteria may help to strengthen the immune system.
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:
Not applicableTHERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
A typical daily dose of Lactobacillus should supply about 3-5 billion live organisms. As many as 30% of people taking an antibiotic will develop diarrhea (due to the drug’s creating an imbalance in natural intestinal flora). Among people who develop antibiotic-associated diarrhea, about a third will go on to develop colitis (inflammation of the colon) Lactobacillus acidophilus in two 8-oz servings of yogurt per day can reduce the rate of antibiotic-induced diarrhea by half.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:
Not knownSIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Immunocompromised people should consult their doctor before taking probiotics.
