Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus species are probiotics ("good" bacteria) normally found in human digestive and urinary tracts. They can be consumed for diarrhea and "gut health."

"Good" bacteria such as Lactobacillus can help the body break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. Lactobacillus is sometimes added to fermented foods like yogurt and is also found in dietary supplements.

Lactobacillus is most commonly used for diarrhea, including infectious diarrhea and diarrhea in people taking antibiotics. Some people also use lactobacillus for general digestion problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colic in infants, and many other conditions that involve the stomach and bowel. But there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using lactobacillus for COVID-19.

No data available.

When taken by mouth: Lactobacillus is likely safe. Side effects are usually mild and most often include intestinal gas or bloating.

When applied to the vagina: Lactobacillus is likely safe.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Lactobacillus is possibly safe when taken by mouth appropriately while pregnant and breast-feeding.

Children: Lactobacillus is likely safe when taken by mouth appropriately in children.

Central lines: Infections of the blood have been reported in people who have central lines and take lactobacillus. If you have a central line, talk with your healthcare provider before taking probiotics.

Liver scarring (cirrhosis): There is some concern that lactobacillus might cause an infection in people with cirrhosis. If you have cirrhosis, talk with your healthcare provider before taking lactobacillus.

Digestive system problems: People with serious GI disorders, such as short bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), might be more likely to develop lactobacillus infections. If you have any of these conditions, talk with your healthcare provider before taking lactobacillus.

Weakened immune system: Lactobacillus has caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. This includes people with HIV/AIDS or cancer, or people who are taking medications to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking lactobacillus.

Damaged heart valves: Lactobacillus can cause an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valve. This is extremely rare, but people with damaged heart valves might be more likely to develop this type of infection. People with damaged heart valves should stop taking probiotics before dental procedures or surgical procedures.

Lactobacillus is commonly added to fermented foods such as yogurts. It is also commonly taken in dietary supplements.

In adults, lactobacillus has most often been taken by mouth, alone or together with other probiotics, in doses of 50 million to 100 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily, for up to 6 months. In children, lactobacillus has most often been taken by mouth in doses of 100 million to 50 billion CFUs daily, for up to 3 months.

Acidophilus, Acidophilus Bifidus, Acidophilus Lactobacillus, L. Acidophilus, L. Amylovorus, L. Brevis, L. Bulgaricus, L. Casei, L. Casei Immunitas, L. Crispatus, L. Delbrueckii, L. Fermentum, L. Gallinarum, L. Gasseri, L. Helveticus, L. Johnsonii, L. Johnsonii LC-1, L. Lactis, L. Leichmannii, L. Paracasei, L. Pentosus, L. Plantarum, L. Reuteri, L. Rhamnosus, L. Sakei, L. Salivarius, Lacto Bacillus, Lactobacille, Lactobacilli, Lactobacilo, Lactospores, LC-1, Probiotic.

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