Lactobacillus Acidophilus
Benefits of Lactobacillus Acidophilus
- Gut microbiome
- Vaginal microbiome
- Form: Healthy bacteria
- Food source: Fermented foods like miso, kimchi and sauerkraut, and some plant-based yoghurts.
What is Lactobacillus acidophilus?
Living in our guts are thousands of species of bacteria. In the colon alone there are thought to be between 300 and 1,000 different species. This is known as the 'gut microbiome'. Many of these are 'good' bacteria, and one of the best-known groups is the Lactobacillus family.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the most researched species and one of the earliest to be discovered in the Lactobacillus family. It breaks down sugars, such as lactose, into lactic acid.
What does the research say about Lactobacillus acidophilus?
A review of the research has looked at its roles in the body, including in cholesterol metabolism and in producing substances that act against other microbes. Specific strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus have been studied alongside other Lactobacillus strains and alongside a Bifidobacterium strain in trials that looked at digestive wellbeing and quality of life.
In women, the vaginal microbiome is made up of a range of microorganisms. Lactobacilli are usually the main bacteria there, and Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the species found. They produce lactic acid, which keeps the vaginal environment slightly acidic.
Lactobacillus acidophilus is an important part of the gut microbiome, but it's worth remembering that the relationship is a mutual one. To thrive, these bacteria need to be fed. Gut bacteria rely on fibrous prebiotics as their food, so we need prebiotics in our diet. One of the best-known prebiotics is inulin, which can be found in a range of fruit and vegetables.
Form: Live bacteria.
You may enjoy reading 'What are prebiotics and probiotics?', 'Latest gut health customer survey: IBS causes & signs revealed', 'What is IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?', 'IBS explained' and 'Best probiotics for IBS'. You may also enjoy 'What is Bacterial Vaginosis?', 'What is vaginal atrophy?', 'Why you should improve your gut health' and 'How to look after your gut through your diet'.
Why it's in Men's ProMulti
Lactobacillus acidophilus contributes to gut health by balancing the intestinal microbiota. It helps in the digestion of lactose and the production of short-chain fatty acids, which support a healthy digestive system and improve nutrient absorption.1 As an integral part of the gut microbiome, L. acidophilus has been shown to enhance immune function, prevent gastrointestinal infections, and reduce the incidence of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhoea.2 In men, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is associated with better metabolic health, weight management, and immune support.3
Why it's in Skin Saviour®
Lactobacillus acidophilus supports the gut-skin axis by promoting a balanced gut microbiome, which reduces systemic inflammation and supports healthy skin.
Gut-skin axis: Balances gut microbiota, reducing skin inflammation linked to conditions like acne, eczema and rosacea.
Barrier function: Produces metabolites (like short-chain fatty acids) that support the integrity of the intestinal barrier, reducing endotoxemia and its downstream effects on skin health.4
Reduced wrinkle formation: A study in animal models concluded that L. acidophilus was correlated with dermal collagen synthesis and decreased the expression levels of MMP‑1 and MMP‑9. L. acidophilus effectively inhibited the wrinkle formation induced by UVB irradiation, attributed to the downregulation of MMPs. L. acidophilus may be considered a potential agent for preventing skin photoaging and wrinkle formation.5
Why it's in pH Hero®
L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, which lowers vaginal pH, creating an inhospitable environment for pathogens like Candida (thrush) and Gardnerella (bacterial vaginosis).6 It secretes bacteriocins, which are antimicrobial peptides that inhibit harmful bacteria and help maintain the balance of the vaginal flora. L. acidophilus supports mucosal integrity, reducing the risk of infections and enhancing the barrier function of the vaginal lining. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a prominent strain in both vaginal and gastrointestinal microbiomes, crucial for maintaining acidic pH levels, particularly through the production of lactic acid. This strain is also involved in the production of bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides that further protect the vaginal environment by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. Lactobacillus acidophilus contributes to the epithelial barrier function, enhancing mucosal integrity and protecting against infections.
Why it's in Gut Works®
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a Gram-positive bacterium known for producing lactic acid, which lowers the pH of the intestine and inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria. It also adheres to the gut epithelium, forming a protective barrier that prevents pathogen adhesion and colonisation. L. acidophilus produces antimicrobial compounds and survives the digestive tract of both healthy and sick individuals. In studies, it has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer and lower toxic amine levels in dialysis patients.7,8 In addition, it produces lactase and supports lactose-intolerant individuals with the digestion of lactose.9 A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials involving 1,171 people, concluded that L. acidophilus has a statistically significant benefit to immune markers. This includes an increase in CD4+ cells and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, which reflects a healthy immune response. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a marker often linked with inflammation, were slightly lower and immunoglobulin A (IgA), an antibody critical for immune protection in mucosal areas like the gut, increased. Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) also showed a decrease.2 In addition, L. acidophilus produces biofilms that protect against pathogen invasion.
Inulin
Inulin is a gut-friendly fibre that helps friendly, active bacteria in your gut to grow. Inulin is a 'prebiotic', and prebiotics are vital to the health of probiotics.
L-Proline
L-Proline is a unique, skin-loving amino acid that is an essential component of collagen production.
Lactobacillus Casei
Lactobacillus Casei is one of these important organisms and plays a substantial role in the health of our digestive system.
Lactobacillus Plantarum
Lactobacillus plantarum is a well-studied probiotic strain that supports everyday gut health and digestive comfort.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is an extensively studied 'good bacteria' that exists naturally in your body, helping prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in your stomach.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is acclaimed for helping support relaxation and improving digestion.
Milk Thistle Seed Extract
Milk Thistle supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy liver, protecting and supporting the detoxification of the liver and promoting the body's natural purification.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium Husk (Plantago ovata) is a fibre and contributes to intestinal tract health and function, helping maintain a healthy bowel and facilitating intestinal transit.
