“Probiotic” is a broad term that refers to many different types of beneficial bacteria, including acidophilus.
Acidophilus may help balance microorganisms in your gut, leading to a variety of health benefits.
Acidophilus vs. Probiotics
Probiotics are products containing live microorganisms that help balance the body and provide various health benefits. “Probiotic” is a general term that includes a variety of different microorganisms, like acidophilus.
Different types of microorganisms in probiotics have different effects on your health, such as helping you digest food, improving immune function, and producing important vitamins, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are two of the most common microorganism species found in probiotics. However, other bacteria and some yeasts, such as Saccharomyces boulardii, can also function as probiotics.
Benefits of Acidophilus Probiotics
Acidophilus refers to the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus.
According to the National Cancer Institute, acidophilus can help improve digestion and balance other beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. It produces lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide as by-products, which creates an unfavorable environment for potentially harmful pathogens like Candida albicans, a type of fungus responsible for yeast infections.
Mayo Clinic lists the following other potential benefits of the probiotic acidophilus:
- Helps treat bacterial vaginosis
- Reduces frequency of respiratory infections
- Treats digestive side effects from antibiotics
- Improves chronic skin conditions, like eczema
Acidophilus is available in probiotic supplements and is commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh.
Safety of Acidophilus Probiotics
Acidophilus and other probiotics are generally considered safe for healthy people, according to Mayo Clinic, though research is ongoing.
Because probiotics like acidophilus affect the balance of microorganisms in your gut, they may cause mild digestive symptoms like gas, constipation, or bloating.
However, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, people with severe illnesses or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of harmful side effects from probiotics.
Additionally, there have been cases of premature infants developing severe or fatal infections after receiving probiotics. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions against the use of probiotics in preterm infants.
Even though probiotics are generally safe, it’s important to work with a qualified health professional before starting acidophilus or other probiotics.