Its name gives an indication of what it produces — lactic acid. It does this 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.
However, there are many different strains of L. In addition to probiotic supplements, L. High cholesterol levels may increase the risk of heart disease. Fortunately, studies suggest that certain probiotics can help reduce cholesterol levels and that L. Some of these studies have examined probiotics on their own, while others have used milk drinks fermented by probiotics. One study found that taking L. A similar six-week study found that L.
However, there is evidence that combining L. This has been demonstrated in studies using probiotics and prebiotics, both as supplements and in fermented milk drinks 8. Furthermore, a number of other studies have shown that yogurt supplemented with L.
This suggests that L. It can be dangerous if it lasts a long time, as it results in fluid loss and, in some cases, dehydration. A number of studies have shown that probiotics like L. Evidence on the ability of L. Some studies have shown a beneficial effect, while others have shown no effect 14 , One meta-analysis involving more than children found that L.
Similarly, it may help reduce diarrhea associated with antibiotics and a common infection called Clostridium difficile , or C. Diarrhea is also common in people who travel to different countries and are exposed to new foods and environments. When consumed in combination with other probiotics, L. Irritable bowel syndrome IBS affects up to one in five people in certain countries. Its symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating and unusual bowel movements While little is known about the cause of IBS, some research suggests it might be caused by certain types of bacteria in the intestines In a study in 60 people with functional bowel disorders including IBS, taking a combination of L.
A similar study found that L. On the other hand, a study that examined a mixture of L. This might be explained by another study suggesting that taking a low dose of single-strain probiotics for a short duration may improve IBS symptoms the most. Specifically, the study indicates that the best way to take probiotics for IBS is to use single-strain probiotics, rather than a mix, for less than eight weeks, as well as a dose of less than 10 billion colony-forming units CFUs per day Lactobacilli are typically the most common bacteria in the vagina.
They produce lactic acid, which prevents the growth of other harmful bacteria However, in cases of certain vaginal disorders, other species of bacteria begin to outnumber lactobacilli 27 , A number of studies have found taking L. Nevertheless, other studies have found no effect 31 , Eating yogurt that contains L.
Yet, both of the studies that examined this were quite small and would need to be replicated on a larger scale before any conclusions could be made 33 , The bacteria in your intestines help control food digestion and a number of other bodily processes. There is some evidence that probiotics may help you lose weight , especially when multiple species are consumed together. However, the evidence on L. A recent study that combined the results of 17 human studies and over 60 animal studies found that some lactobacilli species led to weight loss, while others may have contributed to weight gain It suggested that L.
However, most of the studies were conducted in farm animals, not humans. Furthermore, some of these older studies used probiotics that were originally thought to be L. Therefore, the evidence on L. Probiotics are beneficial strains of live yeast and bacteria. Studies indicate that consuming probiotics, such as L. In this article, we explore the potential health benefits of L. We also cover side effects, sources, and how to use this probiotic.
This bacteria helps the digestive system break down sugars, such as lactose, into lactic acid. Research indicates that consuming probiotics can help improve the balance between the beneficial and harmful bacteria that live in the gut. This may help to support digestion as well as provide other health benefits, such as boosting the immune system.
According to the National Cancer Institute , L. This is because they create an acidic environment that the germs do not like. Supporters of this probiotic claim it provides a wide range of health benefits, from preventing yeast infections to curing cancer. As with any health food or supplement, it is important to be a critical consumer. Research does indicate some health benefits from consuming L. Some evidence suggests that L. A study , for instance, found that gut bacteria can influence brain chemistry, suggesting a possible link between gut health and depression.
Also, a systematic review indicates that taking probiotics, such as L. Doctors do not fully understand CFS or what causes it. However, some researchers believe that gut health, and specifically gut bacteria, may play a role in its development.
In a study , researchers induced CFS-like symptoms in rats. The study found that giving the rats L. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. According to the U. National Library of Medicine , around 65 percent of adults worldwide find it difficult to digest lactose following infancy.
Lactose intolerance can cause intestinal pain, diarrhea , gas, and bloating. A study compared taking L. Following 4 weeks of supplementation, people who took L. IBS is a long-term digestive disorder that can cause diarrhea, constipation , bloating, and other symptoms. Doctors do not fully understand what causes it, and there is currently no cure. The gut microbiota is the community of bacteria and other microbes that live in the stomach and intestines.
Research is beginning to suggest that problems with the natural balance of the gut microbiota may play a role in the development of IBS. Several studies reveal that consuming L. However, the studies have been small, and researchers do not fully understand the role of gut microbes in IBS. Overgrowth of Candida , a type of yeast that occurs naturally on the human body, can cause itching and painful skin.
Vaginal yeast infections are common, and it can take several days for over-the-counter or prescription remedies to work. Probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi versus placebo for the symptoms of bloating in patients with functional bowel disorders: a double-blind study.
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Maternal probiotic milk intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding complications in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Eur J Nutr. Cleveland Clinic. January Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.
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