What Is High Delivery Acidophilus?

Acidophilus is a good bacteria used to treat a variety of conditions. High Delivery Acidophilus is a specific product and acidophilus supplement in capsule form. Acidophilus supplements are generally safe, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, consult your doctor about taking acidophilus supplements as there are potential side effects.

Acidophilus -- also called Lactobacillus acidophilus -- is a group of bacteria that usually resides in the small intestine and vagina. It is also called intestinal floral. Acidophilus bacteria are naturally in foods like soy products and yogurt. Acidophilus supplements are called probiotics; they are healthy germs that help digestion. Probiotics also balance out yeast growth; this reduces your risk of developing problems relating to yeast overgrowth, such as diarrhea and a vaginal yeast infection. Manufactures claim the High Delivery Acidophilus supplements contain 14 billion live bacteria from eight cultures. Acidophilus supplements may replenish good intestinal flora killed by antibiotics.

There have not been studies specifically on the High Delivery Acidophilus product, but research indicates some benefit for bacterial vaginosis and traveler's diarrhea, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bacterial vaginosis is infection in the vagina. Several trials have suggest that acidophilus may be beneficial for this common infection. Research suggests that eating yogurt with acidophilus cultures and using vaginal suppositories with acidophilus may also help, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Research suggests that acidophilus may help prevent traveler's diarrhea, which is caused by consuming contaminated foods.

There is mixed evidence that acidophilus and other probiotics may be beneficial for additional conditions. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, probiotics may improve chronic constipation and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. IBD is inflammation of the bowels. IBS is a disorder of the rectum or colon. Probiotics may boost the immune system and improve digestion. They may help with high cholesterol, childhood eczema -- which is a skin condition -- and decrease the risk of pollen allergies. Taking supplements may decrease cough, fever and the time you need to take antibiotics.

Acidophilus supplements do not usually cause side effects, according to Drugs.com. However, they may cause allergic reactions, resulting in facial swelling, throat swelling, hives or trouble breathing. If you have a lactose intolerance, contact the manufacturers of High Delivery Acidophilus to ask if they use equipment that may leave traces of lactose in their product. According to the Mayo Clinic, some acidophilus products contain small amounts of lactose that could cause a reaction in people with milk allergies or who are sensitive to lactose. Ask your doctor about possible interactions with medications or supplements you are taking.

Article reviewed by Allen Cone Last updated on: Feb 6, 2012

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