What is Lactobacillus acidophilus?
Definition of Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria found in your intestines. It’s a member of the Lactobacillus genus of bacteria, and it plays an important role in human health. As the name implies, it produces lactic acid by producing an enzyme called lactase. Lactase breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk, into lactic acid.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is also sometimes referred to as L. acidophilus or simply acidophilus. Lactobacilli, particularly L. acidophilus are often used as probiotics.
Benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus in your health
Lactobacillus acidophilus as a probiotic has shown several health benefits. However, there are many different strains of L. acidophilus, which have different effects on your body.
It may help reduce cholesterol
Prevents and reduce diarrhea
Improves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Help treat and prevent Vaginal Infections
May promote weight loss
May Help Prevent and Reduce Cold and Flu Symptoms
Help Prevent and Reduce Allergy Symptoms
It May Help Prevent and Reduce Symptoms of Eczema
Good for Your Gut Health
Some evidence suggests that L. acidophilus might be beneficial for a range of disorders and conditions, including:
Depression
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Lactose intolerance
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Yeast infections
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Immunity
What drug class is Lactobacillus acidophilus?
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic that is used to help maintain the number of healthy bacteria in your stomach and intestines. This supplement is available without a prescription, which is available in capsule, tablet, wafer, and powder for suspension. Regarded as probiotics as its therapeutic class; its drug class is antidiarrheal. Drug names containing Lactobacillus acidophilus include but are not limited to Florajen, Intestinex, Acidophilus, Novaflor, and Lactinex.
What are the best sources of Lactobacillus acidophilus?
In addition to probiotic supplements, Lactobacillus acidophilus can be found naturally in many fermented foods, which are as follows:
Yogurt
Kefir
Miso
Tempeh
Cheese
Sauerkraut
Best Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics supplements
Brands
Nature’s Bounty
Nature’s Blend
Now Foods probiotics
Puritan’s Pride
21st Century
Mason Natural
Who are the target individuals?
With a history of Allergies
The oral use of acidophilus during pregnancy, by breastfeeding mothers, and infants appears to reduce the occurrence of eczema in infants and young children.
Health-conscious
A balanced diet, including fermented foods such as kefir, might provide you with sufficient “good” bacteria.
Clients with digestive problems
When taken with antibiotics, a combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus might reduce certain types of diarrhea, bloating and cramps
Risks and side effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics?
Side Effects
Although common digestive side effects are present such as gas, bloating, upset stomach, or diarrhea; they decrease or improve with use. However, if serious side effects occur like hives, skin rash, itching, difficulty of breathing, vomiting, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindications / Precautions
In most cases, Lactobacillus acidophilus is safe to use. However, this should not be taken by any of the following:
People with a weak or impaired immune system
People on immune-suppressing treatment or medication
People with milk allergies or lactose intolerant
People who have short bowel syndrome
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth
Thiamine deficiency
Kidney failure
Diabetes
Have had gastric bypass surgery
Have a condition resulting in intestinal damage
Presence of an artificial heart valve, or central venous catheter
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Children, babies, or infants
Clinical uses of Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics
On weight
Clinical studies show that Lactobacillus acidophilus administration resulted in significant weight gain in humans and animals.
On the skin
One study showed that consuming a fermented milk drink containing L. acidophilus improved symptoms of Japanese cedar pollen allergy. Interestingly, the probiotics reduced the amount of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is involved in these allergic reactions, in the intestines.
Another study found that giving a mix of L. acidophilus and other probiotics to pregnant women and their infants during the first three months of life reduced the prevalence of eczema by 22% by the time the infants reached one year of age.
On digestive system
A range of digestive conditions like Lactose intolerance, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease showed beneficial evidence while using Lactobacillus acidophilus.
On the immune system
Animal studies suggest that consuming probiotics may boost the immune system. A 2015 study, for example, found that adding Lactobacillus acidophilus to the diet of black swordtail fish supported their immune system in several ways. The swordtails were less affected by stress, and their gut microbiota was stronger. The probiotic also improved the health of their skin mucus, which provides an important barrier to infections.
Market Potential for Lactobacillus acidophilus
How to market Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics
In Japan in the late 1980s, a marketing term called “Functional foods” is used to describe foods fortified with ingredients capable of producing health benefits. Probiotic products represent a strong growth area within the functional foods group and research efforts are underway to develop dairy products into which probiotic organisms such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species are incorporated. Such may modulate gut microbial composition leading to improved gut health, through improved tolerance to lactose or improved resistance to pathogenic bacteria. With long-term exploitation of probiotics and effective marketing strategies; they have come up with a quality product that fulfills consumer expectations.
Functional food ingredients include probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals and are found in such diverse products as fermented milk and yogurt, sports drinks, baby foods, sugar-free confectionery, and chewing gum.
Key Strategic Moves and Developments on Global Probiotics Market
Probiotics space provides unique opportunities for suppliers and manufacturers looking to grow their share of the market. Health benefits associated with probiotics fortified food is a major driver for the market.
Consumer attitude regarding products containing probiotics
Probiotic products, no matter how many strains, generally seem to be well-received by consumers. Thus, the growing consumer awareness of probiotics and their functional health benefits for conditions including IBS, leaky gut, and autoimmune deficiency has led to considerable expansion in the global probiotics market.
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