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Maybe you’ve heard that acidophilus is excellent for your gut health. Or perhaps a friend has recommended it as an immunity booster for fighting the cold or flu. The truth is that acidophilus—a beneficial bacteria found in your body, certain foods, and most probiotic supplements—has many health benefits.
L. acidophilus probiotics can help your body in several ways, including aiding in weight loss, reducing cholesterol levels, and helping to treat vaginal infections. Learn more about how to use this probiotic to improve gut health and more.
What are acidophilus probiotics?
Acidophilus, or Lactobacillus acidophilus, is a naturally occurring bacteria in the human digestive system and vagina. It’s considered a probiotic, also known as a “good bacteria,” according to Jodie Pepin, Pharm.D., the clinical pharmacy program director at Harbor Health.
You can find acidophilus outside the body in fermented foods, such as kefir, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh, says Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN, author of Total Body Diet for Dummies. It’s often added to yogurt.
Acidophilus is one of many probiotic strains, part of a larger group of beneficial living microorganisms in the intestines. Many probiotic supplements include acidophilus and other beneficial bacteria strains, says Amy Lee, MD, RDN, chief medical officer at Lindora Clinic in California.
10 health benefits of acidophilus
Whether you consume probiotics through food, supplements, or both, it can benefit your health by fueling the body with good bacteria. Here are 10 benefits of probiotic strains such as acidophilus.
1. Improves female reproductive health
Also known as vaginal candidiasis, yeast infections are often triggered by an imbalance of good and bad microorganisms in the vagina. Nearly 70% of women get vaginal yeast infections. Acidophilus supplements in pill or suppository form can help.
“Studies have shown that acidophilus creates an acidic environment in the vagina and can prevent and treat vaginal infections such as yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis,” says Dr. Pepin. “[It] also may improve the progression of cervical cancer.”
2. Supports immune health
What do the experts say about lactobacillus acidophilus warding off ailments like the common cold and seasonal flu? “L. acidophilus has been shown to boost the immune system,” says Dr. Pepin. “This aids in the prevention of viral infections such as the common cold and flu. The addition of some other strains of acidophilus can increase this immune boosting effect.”
In a 2013 analysis of 10 studies, researchers found that probiotics (including acidophilus) have a minimal impact on cold prevention but a noticeable effect on reducing the duration of a cold.
3. Helps prevent or limit diarrhea
Whether you’re dealing with illness-related diarrhea or chronic diarrhea from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal conditions, probiotics may be able to help. “Acidophilus can prevent and treat diarrhea,” says Shanta Retelny.
When taking antibiotics, which kill good and bad bacteria, Dr. Pepin suggests taking lactobacillus acidophilus to reduce the risk of antibiotic-related diarrhea. It can help replenish the good bacteria in your gut.
(If you have inflammatory bowel disease, speak with your gastroenterologist before starting probiotics.)
4. Improves symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
Up to 15% of Americans have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Though the underlying causes of these issues are unknown, several over-the-counter and prescription treatments can help relieve symptoms.
Taking acidophilus to improve gut health also reduces painful IBS symptoms. “L. acidophilus can improve the symptoms of certain types of irritable bowel syndrome,” says Dr. Lee. “These symptoms may include flatulence, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea, and bloating.”
Dr. Lee adds that acidophilus “can improve the digestion of food” and cause more frequent bowel movements.
5. May reduce cholesterol
About 86 million American adults have high cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol or are concerned about developing it, adding acidophilus to your daily diet can help.
According to Dr. Pepin, research suggests that L. acidophilus can reduce the risk of heart disease—possibly by reducing cholesterol levels. While acidophilus is no magic bullet for high cholesterol, Shanta Retelny says eating acidophilus-rich foods like yogurt and prebiotic-rich foods like onions and garlic might help lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
6. Boosts gut health
Your gut microbiome (the ratio of beneficial and harmful bacteria in your gastrointestinal system) can affect everything from your mental state to digestion. “Acidophilus is good for gut health as it promotes healthy [gut] lining and can help colonize the gut with healthy bacteria,” says Shanta Retelny.
Dr. Lee adds that regularly consuming acidophilus can gradually replace some of the less healthy or frankly harmful strains of intestinal bacteria. If you take a daily probiotic with acidophilus for gut health, Shanta Retelny suggests taking it in the morning with breakfast.
Dietary supplements take effect more slowly than over-the-counter or prescription medication. There is no hard and fast rule about how long it will take to reap the health benefits of acidophilus, but like all supplements, probiotics work over time.
7. May help prevent eczema symptoms
If you’re among the 31.6 million Americans living with eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, you’ll be happy to know there are also acidophilus benefits for the skin.
Research suggests that probiotics can help prevent eczema. In one 2010 study, 112 pregnant women with a familial history of allergies were given either a daily probiotic or a placebo pill. In the probiotic group, 18% of infants developed eczema symptoms, while 40% in the placebo group developed symptoms. In a 2014 analysis of 25 clinical trials, researchers found that probiotics such as acidophilus can also help treat moderate to severe eczema symptoms in adults.
8. May help calm allergy symptoms
Whether you’re allergic to dust, pollen, or something else, you might find that consuming probiotics helps calm your symptoms.
A 2005 study suggested that consuming milk rich in acidophilus can help relieve a runny nose caused by seasonal allergies. However, this is an older study, so more research is needed to understand precisely how and how much acidophilus can help.
A more recent analysis of 23 studies in 2015 concluded that probiotics can help improve symptoms in people with seasonal allergies. Researchers concluded that more high-quality studies are needed to offer dosage recommendations.
9. Supports weight loss efforts
Loading up on yogurt or taking acidophilus supplements won’t magically melt belly fat. However, there is evidence that probiotics can support weight loss efforts. “[Acidophilus] can improve appetite and sensation of fullness,” says Dr. Lee. Increasing your sense of satiety can help keep you from overeating or snacking between meals, which helps with weight management.
A 2015 review of 25 research trials found that probiotics could reduce body weight and body mass index (BMI). However, the research was on probiotics in general, not acidophilus specifically. If you’re trying to lose weight, consult a healthcare provider about the best probiotic supplement and other weight loss methods.
10. Decrease inflammation
Inflammation is an umbrella term for your body’s response to illness, injury, or invaders (harmful pathogens or microbes). Fever and body aches are signs of inflammation, as are redness and swelling at the site of an injury. While inflammation is a healthy response, chronic inflammation from autoimmune disease or prolonged exposure to irritants can negatively impact your health.
In these cases, probiotic bacteria might help. “[L. acidophilus] can decrease inflammation of the body and improve symptoms of chronic conditions,” Dr. Lee says.
Acidophilus side effects
Despite the benefits, acidophilus can sometimes lead to unpleasant symptoms. Potential side effects of acidophilus probiotics include:
- Constipation
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Bloating
- Feeling thirsty
If you’re lactose intolerant, check the label before taking acidophilus supplements. Some acidophilus products contain lactose, which could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Is acidophilus safe for everyone?
Taking acidophilus probiotic supplements for wellness isn’t one size fits all.
“While there appears to be little harm in taking acidophilus or other probiotics, people with certain health conditions should check with their healthcare provider or pharmacist before adding them to their daily regimen,” Dr. Pepin recommends.
She says safety concerns apply to the following groups:
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Anyone undergoing chemotherapy
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Children under 2 years old
If you start taking acidophilus probiotics, talk to your healthcare provider about the best dose for your needs. Doses are listed in colony-forming units (CFUs), which refers to the number of bacterial cells in the supplement. Shanta Retelny recommends a supplement with a third-party verification seal from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or ConsumerLab.com (CL).
RELATED: Who should not take probiotics?
Bottom line: What are the benefits of taking L. acidophilus?
Adding acidophilus to your daily diet through dairy products, fermented foods, or supplements is a healthy choice for most people. Beneficial effects of probiotics include better immune function, a balanced gut microbiome, and reduced cholesterol. It can also help you maintain a healthy weight and treat diarrhea. This probiotic may also help reduce the duration of the common cold, plus calm allergy and eczema symptoms. It can also help treat vaginal infections.
As with any supplement, it’s best to check with your healthcare provider before taking acidophilus probiotics. You might already be ingesting enough acidophilus if you eat a healthy diet with yogurt and fermented foods.
