Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic bacterium widely used to help manage the side effects of antibiotics, particularly antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). The rationale is that antibiotics, while eliminating harmful bacteria, also disrupt the natural balance of beneficial gut microbiota, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances. Supplementation with acidophilus aims to restore and maintain a healthy intestinal flora.

There is a considerable body of scientific evidence supporting the use of probiotics, including L. acidophilus, for reducing the risk and severity of AAD. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, such as those published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Goldenberg et al., 2017), have concluded that probiotics are effective in preventing AAD in both adults and children. While many studies use mixed-strain probiotics, L. acidophilus is among the commonly included strains and has also been studied in single-strain preparations with generally positive results.

However, while the overall efficacy is well-supported, not all studies are consistent regarding the magnitude of benefit, and effectiveness can depend on the specific strain and dosage used. Despite this, the weight of evidence suggests that acidophilus is a scientifically validated intervention to support gut health during and after antibiotic use, with an evidence rating of 4 out of 5.

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