Lactobacillus acidophilus, also known as lactobacillus acidophilus or L. acidophilus, is a bacterium considered a probiotic bacillus due to its properties and benefits for the intestinal flora. It is present in yogurt and dairy foods, as well as in some fermented products. Its importance in maintaining human microbiota is very high.
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What is Lactobacillus acidophilus
It is a very common lactobacterium in yogurts as it converts sugar into lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) promotes the quality of the digestive tract and intimate flora, which is why it is often included as a help against candidiasis, an infection caused by the microorganism called Candida albicans.
Currently, several strains or subspecies of this lactobacillus have been discovered and described, which we indicate below:
If you keep reading, you will learn the characteristics of each of these Lactobacillus acidophilus (towards the end of the article), although now, we will see the qualities and properties that all lactobacilli of this class share, that is, everything that L. acidophilus have in common.
What properties and benefits do they have?
- They can promote the balance of the microbiota.
- They help protect against bacterial infections, prevent vaginal and intestinal infections.
- In some cases, they may be good for reducing the risk of diabetes.
- In many cases, they promote the elimination of diarrhea and constipation.
- Mostly, they are good for eliminating the side effects of antibiotics.
- In certain situations, they are effective in fighting acne.
The benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus are indicated to restore the microbiota, the amount of beneficial microorganisms within the mucous membranes and intestines. By populating tissues with good bacteria, it prevents the proliferation of other types of pathogens such as yeasts, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, and also Candida albicans, which causes candidiasis.
A large part of microbial infections are due to the weakness of the intestinal and vaginal flora, leaving free access and duplication of other bacteria that, with large growth, will produce the usual symptoms of infection (itching, burning, diarrhea, etc.).
In many cases, L. acidophilus has uses as a remedy for intestinal transit. Probiotics help regulate the assimilation of food while making bowel movements more regular. The properties of acidophilus and most lactobacilli reduce the duration of diarrhea, and they can also help soften stools, avoiding many cases of constipation.
In the case of using antibiotics, Lactobacillus of the Acidophilus class will increase the healthy bacterial colony that, after the medication, has decreased. So its role is very important, being key in the restoration of the microbiota of adults, children, and the elderly.
Next, we will describe the particular cases where it is possible to benefit from the foods that contain it, as well as the use of certain supplements with probiotic capsules.
What is L. acidophilus used for?
Acne
Its effects are indirect as it does not act directly on the skin, but it can help regulate metabolic processes that result in increased secretion of skin sebum. Lactobacillus acidophilus for acne works as follows:
- Stimulates food digestion.
- Reduces the presence of bacteria in the pus of pimples.
By improving the digestion process and making it much lighter, the nutrients from food are better absorbed. This, although it may initially seem far removed from the causes of acne vulgaris, can actually improve the assimilation of certain nutrients that were not absorbed before.
By regulating digestion and access to trace elements, acne after using L. acidophilus may improve, that is, decrease.
Some people notice more pimples on their face after eating large or fatty meals. By supplementing with lactobacilli or increasing foods with Lactobacillus acidophilus, part of the imbalance caused by the diet can be counteracted, promoting the formation of pustules and pimples of various kinds.
Obviously, it is not an effective treatment or remedy on its own. Certain people may benefit from taking Lactobacillus and enhance their treatment against acne.
Diarrhea and constipation
In some cases, the occurrence of liquid stools is caused by bacteria such as Clostridium difficile, requiring medication to stop it.
The proliferation of this type of microorganism in the intestine has several causes, one of which is having a weak or poor microbiota.
The administration of broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment, although beneficial, in many cases cannot discriminate beneficial bacteria, causing the elimination of microorganisms that are actually helpful.
In this case, to prevent the occurrence of diarrhea by C. difficile, studies have been conducted indicating that taking Lactobacillus acidophilus to prevent diarrhea could play an important role, preventing the impoverishment of the body's natural microbiota and reinforcing the functioning of the immune system. The publication by Cochrane in 2013 indicates that people with several episodes of diarrhea would be recommended to use it. In many cases, the suitability lies in using Lactobacillus along with Bifidobacterium.
Cavities
There is some research trying to link the increase of Lactobacillus acidophilus with the formation of dental cavities.
According to the data provided by the Parliamentary Organization of Health of the WHO,
dental cavities are formed by three factors: presence of L. acidophilus, sugar, and tooth health.
Naturally, acidophilus is part of the oral cavity and sugar is part of its diet. Since this microorganism is always present in the saliva and connective tissue of the mouth, the prevention of cavities should involve the elimination of sugar, not proving that the bacterium is the sole cause, but rather, it would be the result of poor oral hygiene or a diet too rich in sugars.
Benefits for cholesterol
Probiotics of the Lactobacillus class have effects on the reduction of LDL cholesterol. This type of lactobacteria lowers blood lipids, reducing the risk of cardiovascular accidents.
Although currently, studies with Lactobacillus acidophilus and its benefits for cholesterol are not entirely proven, it is thought that this type of bacteria may act similarly to L. fermentum and L. salivarius, for which more data is available on their effects on oxidized LDL cholesterol.
Vaginal Infections
Another characteristic of Lactobacillus acidophilus is its immense potential as an element to prevent vaginal infections, bacterial vaginosis, and other types of infections affecting women.
Bacterial vaginosis is often characterized by presenting no symptoms other than having a different vaginal discharge than usual, with gray or white discharge, bad odor, and only in some women, the presence of itching and burning in the vagina.
While taking tablets with Lactobacillus acidophilus can help increase vaginal flora, it is almost always recommended to use probiotic ovules for much more potent and suitable effects. It should be noted that through vaginal tablets, you are directly accessing the affected area or one that could be affected in the future by various pathogenic bacteria.
Types of Lactobacillus acidophilus
While all different strains have a common denominator, the ability to benefit gastrointestinal function, some strains or types of Lactobacillus acidophilus have been shown to be more beneficial for certain disorders and ailments affecting humans.
Thus, below we will indicate the most important strains to explain their uses.
Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1
This name refers to a strain or subspecies of Lactobacillus created and patented by UAS Labs laboratories in the 1950s. It was initially developed by Dr. Khem Shahani at the University of Nebraska, United States.
Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 is a type of lactobacillus with many studies. It was developed over 35 years ago, and its function in the human body is to promote digestive and immune health. The name "DDS" derives from its place of discovery, the "Department of Dairy Science," with the number "1" corresponding to the strain.
Acidophilus DDS-1 can be used alone or in conjunction with other strains of probiotics (lactobacilli and live bacteria of other classes).
Considered very long-lasting, it remains viable much longer than other strains, improves the hydrolysis functions of milk proteins, works in cases of lactose intolerance, and in people with reduced intestinal flora.
The dose of DDS-1 can be applied at all ages, meaning it has been tested in children and adults with positive results in both groups of the population.
The characteristics and benefits of L. acidophilus DDS-1 are:
- Protection against E. coli, Salmonella spp, S. aureus, etc.
- It withstands acidic environments and gastric juices well, maintaining its presence even after digestion.
- High adherence to intestinal cells.
- Viable for the production of yogurt and fermented dairy products such as kefir.
- Available in tablets or pills as it is commercially produced by a laboratory.
La-14
This is a strain of L. acidophilus with beneficial properties for the intestinal tract, oral cavity, and female genitourinary system. Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14 is an acidophilus present in yogurt and available for sale as a probiotic.
La-14 ferments sugar and carbohydrates, transforming them into lactic acid, improving the absorption of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, manganese, and copper, essential nutrients for humans.
By adhering to intestinal cells, it hinders the adhesion of microbes, competing for the same vital space in the intestine, which makes it more difficult for harmful bacteria and yeasts to reproduce. Some pathogens whose growth is reduced in the presence of acidophilus la 14 include E. coli, S. aureus, and Campylobacter jejuni.
Its innate characteristics increase acetic acid levels, slowing the proliferation of pathogens and ensuring the balance of the microflora and its normal functioning (eubiosis).
La5
Tested in doses of 50 billion CFU/day, it is a strain of L. acidophilus patented by Chr. Hansen. Its deposit number is DSM 13241.
Lactobacillus acidophilus La5 is a patented variety of lactobacilli. Like La-14, it can have benefits for the gastrointestinal system, often used alongside the strain Bifidobacterium BB-12.
The benefits of La5 are:
- Regulate digestive function and intestinal operations.
- Repopulate the body with healthy bacteria, aiding the reorganization of human microbiota.
L-92
This is a strain of Lactobacillus developed to control allergies. Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 has the power to improve the immune system response, tested in individuals with pollen allergy, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.
L-92 has antiallergic effects, acting simultaneously as a regulator of stomach function.
In vivo studies have been based on the response of T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) cells, detecting an increase in cell death or apoptosis thanks to greater activation of the immune system.
This type of lactic acid bacteria is similar to others, sharing many of their health benefits, but unlike others, its effects are more focused on regulating the immune system.
Tested doses of acidophilus L-92 relieved allergy symptoms. They were able to balance and regulate the immune response to allergens.
Rosell-52
This is another subclass (strain) of Lactobacillus acidophilus with the name "Rosell-52".
L. acidophilus Rosell-52 is a lactic acid bacterium with potential beneficial effects on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Rosell-52 shows a significant reduction in discomfort in people with irritable bowel syndrome after taking a daily dose of the live probiotic for 60 days.
The peculiarity of this strain is that, while it does not completely eliminate the discomfort associated with IBS, it does seem to reduce stomach pain and diarrhea frequently associated with irritable bowel.
In many cases, Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52 is used along with L. rhamnosus Rosell-11 to control the antipathogenic effects of Helicobacter pylori and Clostridium difficile. It is also helpful for the side effects of antibiotics.
Natural sources where they are found
Generally, yogurt is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of probiotic foods, but in reality, there is a much wider variety of food where Lactobacillus acidophilus can be found.
For instance, most dairy products like kefir, cheese, and the aforementioned yogurt, as well as other foods with L. acidophilus, include fermented soy products, tempeh, or miso, a type of Japanese soup that, besides being delicious, incorporates millions of these microorganisms.
Indeed, the food with the highest amount of acidophilus is yogurt, as it is made with these live bacteria, known as lactic bacteria. However, for a good probiotic diet, we should consume various types of foods that provide different kinds of lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, and other microorganisms also considered probiotics, such as Saccharomyces, beneficial Streptococcus, and many more...
In addition to food sources, we can also use so-called dietary supplements. These are typical pills and tablets made from live lactobacilli cultures. Nowadays, suppositories are even available to relieve constipation, and of course, vaginal ovules that work quite well for urogenital infections. Most of these complementary sources consist of several strains of probiotics or beneficial bacteria in numbers counted by millions.
Other foods with Lactobacillus acidophilus include sauerkraut, pickles (cucumbers, onions, etc.), kimchi, and fermented bread dough. If you are interested in knowing the complete list of foods with lactobacilli, you will find that, besides these, there are many more that are easy to buy and very tasty.
Yogurt with Lactobacillus acidophilus
As we have mentioned several times throughout this publication, the presence of Lactobacillus acidophilus in yogurt is natural. For the production of this type of milk-derived food, it is necessary to use L. acidophilus and Streptococcus thermophilus, both considered healthy probiotics that, in addition to helping in the fermentation of milk and the production of yogurt, pass on these characteristics to colonize the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and other areas such as the oral cavity.
Yogurt with Lactobacillus acidophilus or acidophilus lactobacillus is a widely used bacterium because, when combined with milk, it grows very easily, especially in acidic environments with pH values between 4 and 5. If the temperature is raised to 45℃, the growth of acidophilus bacteria explodes.
Other Related Lactobacilli
References
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- Fredricsson B, Englund K, Weintraub L, Olund A, Nord CE. (1989). «Bacterial vaginosis is not a simple ecological disorder». Gynecol Obstet Invest 28 (3): 156-60. PMID2509305.
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- Yamamah GAN, Mehana N, Salem M, Abou-Zekri M, Khashaba O, El-fiki E. «The role of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotics in controlling infantile watery diarrhea». The Egyptian Medical Journal of the National Research Centre 2005;4:29-34.
- Levri KM, Ketvertis K, Deramo M, Merenstein JH, D'Amico F. (Jul 2006). «Do probiotics reduce adult lactose intolerance? A systematic review». J. Fam Pract 54 (7): 613-20. PMID2509305.
- Dr. Khem Shahani. «Superstrain DDS®-1».
- European Commission «RL Evaluation Report on the Analytical Methods submitted in connection with Section II, 2.5 (Control Methods) of the Application for Authorisation as a Feed Additive according to Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003».