Acidopholus Side Effects

Acidopholus is a probitoic found in dairy products that is also available in a supplement form. The bacteria found in acidopholus thrives in the intestinal tract, specifically the small intestine. Taking acidopholus is believed to help maintain healthy bacteria levels within the body, and to potentially cure and treat illnesses as a result of this restorative property. However, there are some side effects associated with taking acidopholus.

Dosage

• Acidopholus is naturally available in certain dairy products, especially yogurt. However, it is also available in a pill or supplement form, which many people take either to help maintain bowel heath or to combat a specific health problem. The normal amount of bacteria in an acidopholus supplement is between 1 and 10 billion, and the supplement (which is usually in pill or capsule form) can be taken between one and three times daily.

Effects

• There is very little substantial medical evidence supporting the claims made about the effects of acidopholus. Anecdotal evidence suggests that acidopholus is useful in helping to maintain bowel health. Proponents of acidopholus also suggest that the priobiotic can be used to cure diarrhea, yeast infections, lactose intolerance and cancer.

Side Effects

• The most commonly reported potential side effect of acidopholus is an allergic reaction to the probiotic. However, Peace Health suggests that this allergic reaction and the accompanying side effects are rare. Signs of an allergic reaction to acidopholus include swelling around the lips, tongue, throat or face; shortness of breath; and hives.

Drug Interactions

• Potential side effects may occur as a result of mixing acidopholus with other drugs. The main side effect is neutralizing or hindering the effectiveness of the drug. Acidopholus in general should not be mixed with some types of cancer treatment therapy, carticosteroids or immune suppresors. Antibiotics, while unaffected by acidopholus, can neutralize the effects of acidopholus, negating any benefits hopes to be gained from the supplement.

FDA Warnings/Approval

• The FDA offers no warning or endorsements about acidopholus, nor any of its benefits or potential side effects. As of 2009, there are no conclusive human studies or trials being done on acidopholus and the full extent of its positive and negative effects on the body is unknown.