Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Pediococcus acidilactici is a lactic acid bacterium commonly used as a probiotic in food fermentation and, increasingly, as a supplement for gut health. There is growing scientific interest in its potential to serve as an alternative or adjunct to antibiotics, primarily due to its ability to produce bacteriocins—antimicrobial peptides that inhibit pathogenic bacteria. Several in vitro and animal studies have demonstrated that P. acidilactici strains can inhibit pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium perfringens. For example, research in poultry and swine models has shown that supplementation with P. acidilactici can reduce pathogen load, improve intestinal barrier function, and, in some cases, improve growth performance compared to antibiotic-treated controls.

However, direct clinical evidence in humans supporting P. acidilactici as a true alternative to antibiotics is limited. Most human studies focus on general gut health, prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, or immune modulation, rather than the treatment of active infections. There are isolated clinical reports of reduced gastrointestinal infections or improved microbiome balance, but these are not robust enough to warrant a high evidence score. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and some preclinical evidence supporting its use as an alternative to antibiotics—especially in livestock and food safety applications—the clinical evidence base for humans remains modest.

More about Pedicoccus acidilactici
More about Antibiotics (alternatives to)

Other ingredients used for Antibiotics (alternatives to)

Other health conditions supported by Pedicoccus acidilactici

Products containing Pedicoccus acidilactici