Acidophilus & Bifidobacterium

What do they do? Acidophilus and bifidobacteria maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora by producing organic compounds—such as lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and acetic acid—that increase the acidity of the intestine and inhibit the reproduction of many harmful bacteria.5,6 Probiotic bacteria also produce substances called bacteriocins, which act as natural antibiotics to kill undesirable microorganisms.7

Regular ingestion of probiotic bacteria may help prevent vaginal yeast infection.8,9 A review of the research concluded that both topical and oral use of acidophilus can prevent yeast infection caused by candida overgrowth.10

Diarrhea flushes intestinal microorganisms out of the gastrointestinal tract, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections. Replenishing the beneficial bacteria with probiotic supplements can help prevent new infections. The incidence of "traveler’s diarrhea," caused by pathogenic bacteria in drinking water or undercooked foods, can be reduced by the preventive use of probiotics.11 Probiotics are also important in recolonizing the intestine during and after antibiotic use. Probiotic supplements replace the beneficial bacteria, preventing up to 50% of infections occurring after antibiotic use.12

Probiotics also promote healthy digestion. Enzymes secreted by probiotic bacteria aid digestion. Acidophilus is a source of lactase, the enzyme needed to digest milk, which is lacking in lactose-intolerant individuals.13 Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may be alleviated by increased acidophilus intake.14

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are naturally occurring carbohydrates that cannot be digested or absorbed by humans but support the growth of beneficial bacteria.15

Where are they found? Beneficial bacteria present in fermented dairy foods, namely live culture yogurt, have been used as a folk remedy for hundreds if not thousands of years. Yogurt is the traditional source of beneficial bacteria; however, different brands of yogurt can vary greatly in their bacteria strain and potency. Some (particularly frozen) yogurts do not contain any live bacteria. Supplements in powder, liquid extract, capsule, or tablet form containing beneficial bacteria are a source of probiotics.

FOS occur naturally in many foods, such as bananas, barley, garlic, honey, onions, wheat, and tomatoes; however, nutritional supplements containing FOS provide a more concentrated source of these compound.

In what conditions might acidophilus (probiotics) be supportive?

• diarrhea

• immune function

• indigestion and heartburn

• infection

• irritable bowel syndrome   

• lactose intolerance

• mouth ulcers (canker sores)

• vaginitis

• yeast infection

Primadophilus Bifidus is designed to deliver helpful bacteria to the gut. These microorganism strains are essential to maintaining healthy intestinal flora. Under normal conditions, trillions of bacteria exist in the intestines. As part of the body's defenses they help maintain good health by preventing harmful microorganisms from infiltrating the body. Medications taken to combat illness or infection can reduce the number of beneficial bacteria as an unwanted side effect. To maintain the healthy balance add Nature's Way Primadophilus Bifidus to your daily health regimen.

Who is likely to be deficient? Several groups of people are more likely to have depleted colonies of friendly bacteria. These include people using antibiotics, eating a poor diet, or suffering from diarrhea.

How much should I take? The amount of probiotics necessary to replenish the intestine varies by the extent of microbial depletion and presence of harmful bacteria. In general, many people find 1-2 billion colony forming units (CFUs) per day of acidophilus to be beneficial for the healthy maintenance of intestinal microflora. FOS is generally taken in the amount of 8 grams per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions? There are no reported side effects with even large intakes of probiotic bacteria.

Acidophilus and bifidobacteria may produce B vitamins, including niacin, folic acid, biotin, and vitamin B6.

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References:

Smirnov VV, Reznik SR, V’iunitskaia VA, et al. The Current Concepts of the Mechanisms of the Therapeutic-Prophylactic Action of Probiotics from Bacteria in the Genus Bacillus. Mikrobiolohichnyi Zhurnal 1993;55(4):92-112.

Mel’nikova VM, Gracheva NM, Belikov GP, et al. The Chemoprophylaxis and Chemotherapy of Opportunistic Infections. Antibiotiki i Khimioterapiia 1993;38:44-8.

De Simone C, Vesely R, Bianchi SB, et al. The Role of Probiotics in Modulation of the Immune System in Man and in Animals. Int J Immunother 1993;9:23-8.

Veldman A. Probiotics. Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde 1992;117(12):345-8.

Kawase K. Effects of Nutrients on the Intestinal Microflora of Infants. Jpn J Dairy Food Sci 1982; 31:A241-A243.

Rasic JL. The Role of Dairy Foods Containing Bifido and Acidophilus Bacteria in Nutrition and Health. N Eur Dairy J 1983;4:80-8.

Barefoot SF, Klaenhammer TR. Detection and Activity of Lactacin B, a Bacteriocin Produced by Lactobacillus Acidophilus. Appl Environ Microbiol 1983;45:1808-15.

Hilton E, Isenberg HD, Alperstein P, et al. Ingestion of Yogurt Containing Lactobacillus Acidophilus as Prophylaxis for Candidal Vaginitis. Ann Int Med 1992;116:353-7.

Reid G et al. Implantation of Lactobacillus casei var rhamnosus into Vagina. Lancet 1994;344:1229.

Elmer GW, Surawicz CM, McFarland LV. Biotherapeutic agents. JAMA 1996;275(11):870-6.

Scarpignato C, Rampal P. Prevention and Treatment of Traveler’s Diarrhea: A Clinical Pharmacological Approach. Chemotherapy 1995;41:48-81.

Loizeau E. Can Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea be Prevented? Annales de Gastroenterologie et d Hepatologie 1993;29(1):15-8.

McDonough FE, Hitchins AD, Wong NP, et al. Modification of Sweet Acidophilus Milk to Improve Utilization by Lactose-intolerant Persons. Amer J Clin Nutr 1987;45:570-4.

Newcomer AD, Park HS, O’Brian PC, et al. Response of Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Lactase Deficiency Using Unfermented Acidophilus Milk. Amer J Clin Nutr 1983;38:257-263.

Williams CH, Witherly SA, Buddington, R.K. Influence of Dietary Neosugar on Selected Bacterial Groups of the Human Faecal Microbiota. Microb Ecol Health Dis 1994;7:91-7.