Evidence supporting the use of: Acidophilus
For the health condition: Giardia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) is a probiotic bacterium traditionally used to support gastrointestinal health. Its use for treating or supporting recovery from Giardia infections (giardiasis) is based largely on traditional or empirical approaches rather than robust scientific validation. Some practitioners and traditional medicine sources have historically recommended probiotics, including acidophilus, for a variety of intestinal infections, with the rationale that they help restore normal intestinal flora and may compete with or inhibit pathogenic organisms. However, clinical studies specifically investigating L. acidophilus against Giardia lamblia in humans are limited and generally of low quality.

There are a handful of in vitro and animal studies suggesting that certain probiotics, including Lactobacillus species, may reduce the severity of giardiasis or inhibit the growth of Giardia in laboratory settings. However, these findings have not been consistently replicated in well-designed human clinical trials. Therefore, while the traditional use of acidophilus for digestive infections persists, the evidence specifically supporting its use for giardiasis is weak, and it is not considered a substitute for standard antiparasitic treatment. Clinical guidelines do not recommend acidophilus as a primary or adjunctive therapy for giardiasis. In summary, acidophilus is used based on tradition, but scientific support for its effectiveness in giardiasis is minimal.

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Products containing Acidophilus

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