Lactobacillus Side Effects

Lactobacillus is an essential part of the normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract, and it transforms simple sugars into lactic acid. Lactic acid, in turn, creates an environment that is bactericidal for the growth of other harmful bacteria within the GI tract. Although regarded as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the Food and Drug Administration, Lactobacillus does have occurrences of side effects when taken as a supplement.

Features

• Lactobacillus is a gram-positive bacteria genus that takes its name from its ability to produce lactic acid. It exists as part of the normal flora of both the gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts.

  Lactobacillus has a low incidence of causing disease, and its ability to produce lactic acid and other byproducts such as lactase and hydrogen peroxide makes it a common ingredient in the production of fermented products. Lactobacillus is available in supplement form and is used in many foods, such as yogurts and pickles. The ability of Lactobacillus to also produce lactase makes it an ideal supplement for people who enjoy milk yet are lactose intolerant.

Function

• Lactobacillus in supplemental form functions in several therapeutic ways. It restores the normal flora of the digestive tract after antibiotic therapy, and it aids normal digestion. It also inhibits the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, as in the case of diarrhea, and has a positive effect against inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome, where it lessens their symptoms.

  Lactobacillus helps improve the body's immunity against infection, such as urinary tract infections, cystitis and yeast infections. It also lessens the occurrence of dairy allergies, eczema, hay fever and asthma. Research is being conducted on its effect on infections of the respiratory system, high cholesterol and tumors.

Warning

• Proper dosing and administration is important when taking Lactobacillus--as with any other supplement--because adverse interactions with other medications or supplements can be hazardous to your health. Contact your health care provider when deciding whether to take Lactobacillus.

  Lactobacillus generally does not have side effects when consumed in small quantities. In people taking about 2 billion Lactobacilli cells daily, with the exception of those restoring the GI tract's normal flora after antibiotics, there is the potential for mild digestive tract discomfort or gas. However, this usually goes away as the therapy continues. Do not take Lactobacillus with sulfasalazine because its short- and long-term effects from speeding up the efficacy of sulfasalazine is not known and needs to be researched further.

  Allergies to Lactobacillus can cause swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or lips. It can cause a rash or itching, or the person may experience chest tightness or breathing difficulties. Lactobacillus, on rare occasions, has also been linked to heart valve infections, as well as serious infections in immunocompromised people. It is not recommended for pregnant women because its effect on pregnancy is not well established.

  In the case of accidental overdose, contact the Poison Control Center in your area and go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Call [phone] for the U.S. National Poison Hotline for additional assistance.

Benefits

• Lactobacillus is one of the most common probiotics, which are live and beneficial microorganisms that are taken in supplemental form. Lactobacillus produces bacteriocin, acidolphilin, acidolin and lactocidin, which has anti-microbial properties. It also produces lactase and vitamin K, and because it is naturally found in breast milk, nursing infants have a stronger resistance to infection and disease.

Significance

• The consumption of Lactobacillus as a supplement has a significant effect on several ailments and illnesses. Its effects are being studied in a variety of health areas, and it is used in the treatment or symptomatic therapy for constipation, gastric ulcers, stomach ulcers, thrush, urinary tract infections, diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis.

  It is also significant in the studies for AIDS, cancers and Crohn's disease. Lactobacillus can help treat acne, hives and fever blisters. It also acts to restore balance to the gastrointestinal tract, either through counteracting the overgrowth of bacteria or to replenish its normal flora, such as after antibiotic therapy. Because lactobacillus is a naturally occurring microorganism, it is hoped to have a more natural effect in the treatment of these diseases, with minimal side effects, than conventional treatments.