Evidence supporting the use of: Acidophilus
For the health condition: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic bacterium commonly found in the human gut and in fermented foods. Its use for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is primarily supported by scientific interest in the potential of probiotics to modulate gut flora and alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have investigated the efficacy of L. acidophilus (alone or in combination with other probiotics) in reducing IBS symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. While some studies have reported modest improvements, the overall quality of evidence is considered low to moderate, with inconsistent results across trials due to variations in study design, probiotic strains, dosages, and patient populations.
For example, a 2018 meta-analysis in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that certain probiotic strains, including L. acidophilus, may provide a small benefit for overall IBS symptoms compared to placebo, but the effect size was generally modest and not all studies showed benefit. Guidelines from professional organizations, such as the American College of Gastroenterology, note that some probiotics can be considered for IBS symptom relief, but they do not specifically endorse L. acidophilus as superior to other strains. In summary, while there is some scientific evidence suggesting potential benefits, it is not strong or consistent, and more high-quality research is needed to establish clear recommendations.
Other ingredients used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
2'-Fucosyllactoseakkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
alpha-pinene
amino acids
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
Indian frankincense
butyrate triglyceride
chen pi
chia seed
chlorella
cinnamon
turmeric
curcumin
fennel
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
ginger
green banana
green tea
guar gum
cellulose
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
l-glutamine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lovage
marshmallow
oat
pectin
peppermint oil
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
butyric acid
psyllium
quercetin
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
vitamin D
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
hyssop
atractylodes
ferula assafoetida
anise
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
chrysanthemum
senna
white oak
algae
Agastache
Asafoetida
Alexandrian senna
Agrimonia pilosa
Betony
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Boswellia
Bacillus licheniformis
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Cumin
Coriander
Citron
Cannabidiol
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Enterococcus
Enzyme Blend
Fig
Fiber
Quince
Rhubarb
Other health conditions supported by Acidophilus
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Allergies (food)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Bladder Infection
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diverticulitis
Enteritis
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Giardia
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lactose Intolerance
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth
Thrush
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginitis