Acidophilus benefits
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Benefits of Lactobacillus Acidophilus: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction to Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic bacterium, has garnered significant attention for its potential health benefits. This microorganism is commonly found in fermented dairy products and supplements, and its consumption has been linked to various positive health outcomes.
Intestinal Health and Infection Control
Prevention and Control of Intestinal Infections
One of the primary benefits of Lactobacillus acidophilus is its ability to prevent and control intestinal infections. Studies have shown that consuming milk products containing L. acidophilus can help stabilize intestinal microflora and combat gut disorders, including acute gastroenteritis in children1 7. This probiotic has been effective in reducing the duration and frequency of diarrhea, particularly when administered at a dosage of more than 109 CFU8.
Alleviation of Ulcerative Colitis
L. acidophilus has also been found to alleviate symptoms of ulcerative colitis by improving immune function, stabilizing intestinal microflora, and enhancing the intestinal barrier. This is achieved through the regulation of the SCFAs/mitophagy/NLRP3 inflammasome axis, which helps balance inflammation and improve gut health7.
Metabolic Health Benefits
Regulation of Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
Lactobacillus acidophilus plays a significant role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Research has demonstrated that specific strains of L. acidophilus can improve hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism, reduce inflammation, and enhance gut microbiota composition in diabetic mice2. This regulation helps in managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Improvement of Dyslipidemia
In dyslipidemic conditions, L. acidophilus has shown promise in improving lipid profiles by reducing serum concentrations of inflammatory markers and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This probiotic also activates antioxidants and reduces the activation of inflammatory pathways, contributing to better overall lipid metabolism3.
Cardiovascular Health
Cholesterol Management
Lactobacillus acidophilus has been extensively studied for its cholesterol-lowering effects. It has been found to reduce plasma triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. These effects are beneficial for cardiovascular health and can help in reducing the risk of heart disease1 4 5.
Immune System Enhancement
Immune Response Modulation
L. acidophilus has been shown to enhance both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. In studies involving laying hens, dietary supplementation with L. acidophilus improved antibody titers, lymphocyte proliferation, and overall immune function. These enhancements led to better health and productivity in the hens, indicating potential benefits for human immune health as well5.
Sepsis Prevention in Preterm Infants
Prophylactic use of L. acidophilus in extremely low gestational age infants has been associated with improved growth and a lower incidence of clinical sepsis. This suggests that L. acidophilus can be particularly beneficial in vulnerable populations, such as preterm infants, by promoting better health outcomes and reducing infection risks9.
Conclusion
Lactobacillus acidophilus offers a wide range of health benefits, from improving intestinal health and regulating metabolic functions to enhancing immune responses and managing cholesterol levels. Its diverse applications make it a valuable probiotic for promoting overall health and well-being. As research continues, the potential for L. acidophilus to be used in various therapeutic contexts will likely expand, offering new avenues for health improvement.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Acidophilus milk products: a review of potential benefits to consumers.
Consumption of milk products containing Lactobacillus acidophilus may prevent or control intestinal infections, improve lactose digestion, help control serum cholesterol levels, and exert anticarcinogenic activity.
Literature Review
Highly CitedLactobacillus acidophilus alleviates type 2 diabetes by regulating hepatic glucose, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in mice.
Lactobacillus acidophilus KLDS1.0901 improves type 2 diabetes by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, and reshaping gut microbiota in mice, suggesting it could be a promising antidiabetic drug candidate.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedPotential benefits of L. acidophilus in dyslipidemic rats
L. acidophilus and inulin effectively improve lipid profile and reduce inflammation in high-fat diet-fed rats, potentially representing effective natural means to maintain inflammation and dyslipidemia.
RCTAnimal Study
Rigorous JournalAcidophilus milk products: Manufacture and therapeutics
Abstract Consumption of acidophilus milk products as a dietary adjunct is considered to impart many health benefits. These include (i) control of intestinal infections, (ii) stabilization of intestinal micro‐flora, (iii) control of serum cholesterol level, (iv) prevention of colon cancer, and (v) enhanced availability of nutrients. However, L. acidophilus grows slowly in milk, which results in overgrowth of other microorganisms present. Hence, acidophilus milk products are characterized by an unpleasant flavor and are not acceptable as a normal component of diet. Attempts have, therefore, been made to manufacture acceptable acidophilus milk products possessing wider consumer appeal. The manufacturing and therapeutical aspects of acidophilus milk products are discussed in this review.
Dietary Supplementation of Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus Modulates Cholesterol Levels, Immune Response, and Productive Performance of Laying Hens
Dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus in laying hens' diets lowers egg yolk cholesterol, improves immune response, and enhances productivity.
RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalRediscovering acidophilus milk, its quality characteristics, manufacturing methods, flavor chemistry and nutritional value
Acidophilus milk offers health benefits and can be fortified with additives to enhance its nutritional value, sensory properties, and overall quality.
Literature ReviewLive Lactobacillus acidophilus alleviates ulcerative colitis via the SCFAs/mitophagy/NLRP3 inflammasome axis.
Live Lactobacillus acidophilus has the optimal therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis, improving intestinal barrier dysfunction and regulating inflammation through the SCFAs/mitophagy/NLRP3 inflammasome axis.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyA Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Lactobacillus acidophilus for Treating Acute Gastroenteritis in Children
Lactobacillus acidophilus can reduce the duration of diarrhea and frequency of diarrhea in children with acute gastroenteritis when administered at a daily dose of 109 CFU.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalLactobacillus Acidophilus/Bifidobacterium Infantis Probiotics Are Beneficial to Extremely Low Gestational Age Infants Fed Human Milk
Probiotics may promote growth in preterm infants fed exclusively human milk and help prevent sepsis, but their effectiveness depends on the feeding type.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalThe effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus as feed supplement on skin mucosal immune parameters, intestinal microbiota, stress resistance and growth performance of black swordtail (Xiphophorus helleri).
Dietary Lactobacillus acidophilus improves black swordtail growth performance, skin immunity, and stress resistance, with the appropriate inclusion level being 6 10(8) CFU g(-1).
RCTHighly Cited