Probiotic acidophilus how much

It showed that taking a combination of L. Interestingly, the probiotics reduced the amount of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is involved in these allergic reactions, in the intestines.

Eczema is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, resulting in itchiness and pain. The most common form is called atopic dermatitis. Evidence suggests that probiotics can reduce the symptoms of this inflammatory condition in both adults and children One study found that giving a mix of L.

However, not all studies have shown positive effects. A large study in newborn children given L. In fact, it increased sensitivity to allergens. Some studies have shown that L. They produce lactic acid, which may prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing the intestines. They also ensure the lining of the intestines stays intact It can also increase levels of short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which promote gut health Another study carefully examined the effects of L.

It found that taking it as a probiotic increased the expression of genes in the intestines that are involved in immune response A separate study examined how the combination of L. It found that the combined supplement increased the amounts of lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in the intestines, as well as branched-chain fatty acids, which are an important part of a healthy gut A number of L. Aim for a probiotic with at least one billion CFUs per serving.

If you are new to probiotics, try taking them once daily for a week or two and then assess how you feel before continuing. Due to its ability to produce lactic acid and interact with your immune system, it may help prevent and treat symptoms of various diseases.

In order to increase L. Alternatively, L. Probiotics can improve your health. Learn how taking probiotics can benefit weight loss, heart health, digestion, immune function and more. Vitamin D has numerous health benefits, but it's tricky to know which supplement to choose. Here are 13 of the best vitamin D supplements, according…. This is a detailed review of vitamin D toxicity and how much vitamin D is considered too much. Toxicity is rare, but can occur with extremely high….

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Folic acid supplements are generally safe — unless you take too much. Here are 4 folic acid side effects you should know about. Women over the age of 50 have increased needs for several vitamins and minerals. Here are the 10 best multivitamins for women over Taking certain dietary supplements may be beneficial for lung health. See which vitamins our registered dietitian recommends as the best for…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Probiotics are becoming popular food supplements.

Interestingly, each probiotic can have different effects on your body. What Is Lactobacillus Acidophilus? Lactobacillus acidophilus is a type of bacteria found in your intestines. Lactobacilli, particularly L.

Below are 9 ways in which Lactobacillus acidophilus may benefit your health. It May Help Reduce Cholesterol. Summary: L. Five days later, roughly half the subjects were treated with multiple intravaginal L. Those given the probiotic had a significant reduction in recurring infections. Acidophilus has antimicrobial and antiviral properties and may help to prevent colds, viruses, and even allergies. There is research to suggest probiotics, including acidophilus, may reduce cold symptoms in children.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found six months of daily L. Combining acidophilus with a broad spectrum of probiotics was found to be even more effective. Studies suggest that probiotics may help cut cholesterol levels , and acidophilus appears to be more effective than other species. A literature review published in the Annals of Medicine concluded that probiotic supplements containing L. The review of 15 studies involving subjects also found the probiotic improved factors associated with cardiovascular disease, including body mass index, waist circumference, and inflammatory markers.

Compared to other strains, acidophilus was found to be more effective in reducing LDL levels. These results were confirmed in a review published in the journal Medicine in The study authors noted, however, that many studies showing the strongest connection were funded by supplement companies and more independent research is needed.

Some probiotic proponents claim that supplementing with probiotics like L. While it shows promise in animal trials, human trials have inconclusive results. The best researched and seemingly effective probiotic strain for weight loss is Lactobacillus gasseri. In a study published in The British Journal of Nutrition , adults with abdominal fat were assigned to drink 7 ounces of fermented milk with either 1 billion, 10 billion, or 0 CFU of L.

Additional measures, such as body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and total body fat, were also significantly reduced in those drinking fermented milk with L. Various probiotics are being studied for their potential to reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. It is believed that the beneficial bacteria may improve carbohydrate metabolism.

The research focused on various probiotics; it is unclear if acidophilus alone is beneficial for blood sugar management. Emerging research suggests probiotics including L. Scientists have found a link between the gut and emotional health, and taking probiotics may improve intestinal health.

A literature review published in the journal Nutrients found that probiotics were associated with a significant reduction in depression and should be studied further as a potential preventive strategy for the condition. Common side effects include digestive complaints, such as gas, bloating, upset stomach, or diarrhea. Although most digestive side effects decrease with use, if they do not improve or worsen, you should discontinue L.

In addition to this, acidophilus may weaken tooth enamel over time when exposed to teeth. Serious side effects are rare. However, if you experience hives, skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, stop using L.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare provider before taking acidophilus. You should consult your pediatrician before giving acidophilus to children, babies, or infants. Children who are ill, premature infants, and children with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk for adverse events and complications. There's some concern that acidophilus can raise the risk of D-lactate toxicity.

People who have had gastric bypass surgery or who have any of the following issues may be at greater risk:. People with a weak or impaired immune system due to a medical condition, or immune-suppressing treatment or medication, should not take acidophilus. Likewise, you should not take acidophilus if you have an artificial heart valve, heart valve disorder, or central venous catheter due to the risk of infection.

You will also need to avoid acidophilus if you have a condition resulting in intestinal damage, due to the risk that the bacteria could escape into other parts of the body and potentially cause serious complications such as bacteremia or sepsis.

There have been reports of other Lactobacillus species being involved in infections such as abscesses and meningitis. Acidophilus supplements are sold in a variety of forms: capsules, tablets, drinks, pearls, powders, chewable wafers, liquids, and suppositories.

The typical adult dose is 1 to 10 billion living organisms known as colony-forming units CFUs , taken in up to four divided doses. Follow the directions on the packaging or speak to your healthcare provider about the appropriate dose for you. If giving L. Depending on the manufacturing processes, you may find some probiotics need refrigeration while others are shelf-stable.

Be sure to store probiotics as directed on the label and minimize contact with air. Lactobacillus acidophilus products are available at health-food stores, supermarkets, drugstores, and online. Just as there are several forms of acidophilus, there is a variety of formulations as well. You may benefit from reading labels and looking for two things in particular:. Some probiotic supplements may contain milk allergens or traces of lactose.

If you are allergic to milk proteins or lactose intolerant, or if this is of concern because you are vegan, look for a formulation that is labeled "dairy-free. Unlike prescription and over-the-counter drugs, the U. Some products may contain fewer than the stated number of live organisms. Other products may be contaminated with other bacterial strains or ingredients.

To ensure you are getting a quality product, look for a trusted independent, third-party seal on the label, such as U. This can at least give you peace of mind that what is on the product label is what is in the product itself. Lactic acid bacteria are used in the making of many foods, including yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk. Acidophilus, in particular, can be found in yogurt that is made with live acidophilus cultures, as well as other fermented milk products such as kefir.

Other sources of acidophilus include:. The number of live organisms varies greatly from option to option due to differences in processing methods. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version.

This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Lactobacillus acidophilus oral route. Micromedex 2. Accessed Aug. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Homayouni A, et al.

Effects of probiotics on the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis: A review. Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease. Auclair J, et al.