Lactobacillus Acidophilus : Part 2

by MedlinePlus

(Page 2 of 2)

Children (younger than 18 years)

Tablets/Capsules/Liquid: Some natural medicine textbooks and experts suggest that one-quarter teaspoon or one-quarter capsule of commercially available L. acidophilus may be safe for use in children for the replacement of gut bacteria destroyed by antibiotics. Up to 12 billion lyophilized heat-killed L. acidophilus has been given every 12 hours for up to 5 days. It is often recommended that L. acidophilus supplements be taken two hours after antibiotic doses, because antibiotics may kill L. acidophilus if taken at the same time. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using L. acidophilus in children, and use cautiously in those under three years of age.

Applied to the Skin:Liquid preparations have been used on the diaper area to treat yeast infections, although safety and effectiveness are not well studied. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using L. acidophilus in children, and use cautiously in those under three years of age.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Lactose sensitive people may develop abdominal discomfort from dairy products containing L. acidophilus.

Side Effects and Warnings

Studies report few side effects from L. acidophilus when used at recommended doses. The most common complaint is abdominal discomfort or gas, which usually resolves with continued use. Some experts recommend limiting the daily dose to fewer than 10 billion living L. acidophilus organisms to reduce the risk of abdominal discomfort. Some women have reported burning of the vagina after using L. acidophilus vaginal tablets.

There are rare reports of infections of heart valves with L. acidophilus , and the risk may be greater in people with artificial heart valves. People with severely weakened immune systems (due to disease or drugs like cancer chemotherapy and organ transplant immunosuppressants) may develop serious infections or bacteria in the blood from taking L. acidophilus . Therefore, L. acidophilus should be avoided in such individuals. People with intestinal damage or recent bowel surgery should avoid taking lactobacilli.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is not enough scientific study available to establish safety during pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant women should use L. acidophilus cautiously and under medical supervision, if at all. A small number of pregnant women have taken part in studies investigating L. acidophilus vaginal tablets and a culture of L. acidophilus with no negative effects reported. Further research is necessary.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

Some experts believe that L. acidophilus taken by mouth should be used two to three hours after antibiotic doses, to prevent killing the L. acidophilus . It has also been suggested that lactobacilli are damaged by alcohol, and should not be taken at the same time. Scientific research is limited in these areas.

In theory, L. acidophilus taken by mouth might not survive the acidic environment of the stomach. Some experts have suggested that antacids should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before taking lactobacilli. However, this has not been well studied in humans.

In theory, L. acidophilus may prolong the effects on some drugs, including birth control pills or benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium®). Based on laboratory experiments, L. acidophilus may reduce the effectiveness of sulfasalazine (Azulfidine®), a drug used for inflammatory bowel disease.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS, also called "prebiotics") are non-digestible sugar chains that are nutrients for lactobacilli. Some experts believe that FOS, taken by mouth at a dose of 2000 to 3000 milligrams, may help the growth of lactobacilli. Natural food sources of FOS include banana, Jerusalem artichoke, onion, asparagus, and garlic.

L. casei, S. boulardi or other probiotics may add to the effects of L. acidophilus.

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