Evidence supporting the use of: Acidophilus
For the health condition: Colitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic bacterium sometimes used as a dietary supplement to support gut health, including for individuals with colitis (inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease). The scientific evidence for its use in colitis is limited but present. Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have investigated probiotics in general, and sometimes acidophilus specifically, for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some randomized controlled trials have found that certain probiotic preparations, often containing a mix of strains including L. acidophilus, may help maintain remission in ulcerative colitis or reduce symptoms compared to placebo. However, results are inconsistent, and many studies are small with methodological issues.
The mechanism proposed is that L. acidophilus may help restore a healthy intestinal microbiota, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the gut barrier. Nonetheless, guidelines do not recommend acidophilus as a sole or primary therapy for colitis, and it is not established as a standard treatment. The benefit, if any, is generally modest and more consistently seen in ulcerative colitis than in Crohn’s disease. As a result, the strength of scientific evidence is rated at 2 out of 5—there is some supporting data, but it is not robust or conclusive.
In summary, while there is some scientific basis for using acidophilus in colitis, evidence is limited and it should not replace conventional therapy. More rigorous studies are needed to clarify its role.
Other ingredients used for Colitis
akkermansia muciniphilaalgal oil
aloe vera
anthocyanins
apple
astaxanthin
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
barberry
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blueberry
bromelain
butyrate triglyceride
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
chlorella
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
fiber blend (proprietary)
flavonols
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
hemp oil
immunoglobin G
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
l-glutamine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
licorice root
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
plantain
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
quercetin
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
triphala
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
blackboard tree
picrorhiza kurroa
swertia
buckthorn
anemarrhena asphodeloides
algae
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apigenin
Anamu
Alchornea
Andrographolide
Asteracea
Acemannan
Amor seco
Astragalin
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bael
Basidiomycota
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Cactus
Curcuminoid
Curcumen
Curcuma
Cabbage
Clostridium butyricum
Colocynth
Diterpenes
Euphorbia
Fucoidan
Fiber
Frangula
Gallic Acid
Glycomacropeptides
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
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