Natural Health Products

Numerous studies have shown that acidophilus can be effective in the treatment of vaginal infections caused by bacteria. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness in treating vaginal infections caused by yeast.

Some studies have shown that children in daycare who are given milk containing acidophilus are less likely to experience influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, and runny nose), and if they do experience them they will tend to be of milder intensity and shorter duration. Children were also less likely to use antibiotics for the symptoms. More studies are needed to determine its effectiveness in adults.

Lactobacillus acidophilus has not been shown to be effective in the prevention or treatment of diarrhea in travelers or in people taking antibiotics, and more research still needs to be done before a firm conclusion can be made. However, Lactobacillus GG, a different type of lactobacillus, may be useful in reducing the number of days with severe diarrhea in a person who has infectious diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, diarrhea, and diarrhea associated with antibiotic use.

Acidophilus has not been shown to improve symptoms related to lactose intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. People with intestinal damage or who recently had bowel surgery should also avoid taking lactobacilli.

Acidophilus is usually well tolerated in adults and children. The most common side effects of oral supplements are intestinal gas and bloating. People who are lactose sensitive or intolerant may develop abdominalabdominalrelating to the stomach and intestines discomfort when taking dairy sources of acidophilus.

Lactobacilli are bacteria that can cause an infection in people with a weak immune system, such as people with HIV/AIDS or cancer, as well as people who are taking medications that suppress the immune system (for example, those who have had a transplant) or who are receiving chemotherapy. If any of these apply to you, talk to your health care professional first before taking any type of acidophilus supplements.

If symptoms of digestive upset occur, worsen, or persist for more than 3 days, or if you notice blood in your stool, you should discontinue the use of acidophilus and consult a health care practitioner.

Acidophilus should not be taken at the same time as antibiotics – they should be taken at least 2 hours apart.

There may be an interaction between lactobacillus acidophilus and any of the following. If you are taking any of these, talk to your doctor before taking any acidophilus supplements.

• alcohol
• antibiotics
• benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
• chemotherapeuticchemotherapeuticrelating to, or an agent used in, chemotherapy agents such as cyclophosphamide and cisplatin
• immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or azathioprine
• other probiotics (e.g., lactobacillus casei, saccharomyces boulardii)
• prednisone
• sulfasalazine

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health product you may be taking.