15 Lactobacillus Acidophilus Foods Side Effects (Weight Gain?)

Table of Contents


What are the Side Effects of consuming Lactobacillus Acidophilus?

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is relatively safe, however, the following side effects may occur:

  1. Gas
  2. Upset stomach
  3. Diarrhea
  4. Cough
  5. Difficulty swallowing
  6. Dizziness
  7. Fast breathing
  8. Skin allergies such as redness, hives, itchiness
  9. Swelling and puffiness of eyelids
  10. Weakness
  11. Trouble breathing
  12. Tightness in chest
  13. It may interact with antibiotics and sulfasalazine
  14. People undergoing chemotherapy should consult their physician before consuming probiotic supplements.
  15. People with an artificial heart valve should not take Lactobacillus Acidophilus because it may cause a bacterial infection. 

Which Foods contain Lactobacillus Acidophilus?

Here are some foods containing Lactobacillus Acidophilus:

  • Yogurt: Many different brands of yogurt containing lactobacillus acidophilus are commercially available. It is added as a probiotic for additional benefits. The bacteria is listed as an ingredient in the yogurt. 
  • Sauerkraut: This fermented cabbage dish contains different strains of Lactobacillus including L. Acidophilus. It is also known as pickled cabbage and can be used as a topping or a side vegetable. 
  • Kefir: Kefir is a yogurt-like drink, it has a slightly thinner consistency than yogurt. It is usually made from milk but can be made with non-dairy products such as coconut and soy milk. 
  • Sourdough bread: Lactobacillus Acidophilus among other strains is used in the fermentation of sourdough. Sourdough bread is a great source of Lactobacillus Acidophilus.
  • Kimchi: Kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish with added spices such as garlic, chili, pepper, and vinegar. 
  • Miso: Miso is a Japanese dish made with fermented soybeans and brown rice. Most often it is used as a dipping sauce or can be made as soup. 
  • Tempeh: It is made by fermenting soybeans, it is similar to tofu but has a slightly firmer appearance. Tempeh is commonly used to replace meat for vegetarians. 
  • Cottage cheese

In the video below, Candace Corson, M.D. discusses Lactobacillus Acidophilus probiotics – what they are, what they do, where you can get them, and why you should consider taking them.

This is our recommended Probiotic Supplement with Lactobacillus Acidophilus:

Biotics-8-Probiotic

Biotics 8 – Probiotic Formula For Overall Gut Health


Does Lactobacillus Acidophilus cause Weight Gain?

Lactobacillus Acidophilus causes weight gain because it affects the growth of gut bacteria. A comparative analysis of 17 randomized clinical trials in humans, 51 studies on farm animals, and 14 studies on experimental models demonstrated that administration of Lactobacillus Acidophilus causes significant weight gain. Most of the human studies in this analysis were 6- 16 weeks long and composed of various dosages. 

A few of these studies showed changes in lipid profile as well. Some reports suggest that consumption of Lactobacillus Acidophilus promotes obesity. 


Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a probiotic used in the animal farming industry, mostly in poultry, calves, and pig farming. It is used to increase the size and weight of the animals. However, this practice is banned in some countries.


Does Lactobacillus Acidophilus affect Histamine?

Lactobacillus Acidophilus does not affect histamine and is considered histamine neutral. Various strains of bacteria can produce histamine, some can degrade histamine, while some do not affect histamine. Lactobacillus Acidophilus belongs to the last category. 

To treat histamine tolerance or intolerance specific strains of lactobacilli can be used, also the conditions can be controlled with the consumption of certain food items. 

  • Food items that can be used for Histamine intolerance:
    • Fermented food items 
    • Alcohol
    • Avocado
    • Spinach
    • Eggplant
    • Cheese
  • Food items that can be useful to increase levels of histamine:
    • Alcohol
    • Banana
    • Tomato
    • Papaya
    • Chocolate
  • Probiotic strains that should be avoided in histamine intolerance or to increase the level of histamine:
    • Lactobacillus casei
    • Lactobacillus Reuteri
    • Lactobacilus Bulgaricus
  • Strains that lower Histamine:
    • Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
    • Lactobacilus Salivarius
    • Lactobacilus gasseri
    • Lactobacilus Plantarum

Does Lactobacillus Acidophilus cause tooth Cavities?

Lactobacillus Acidophilus can cause tooth cavities because the bacteria lives on the chewing surface of the teeth. Given its presence in milk, it is one of the major sources of oral cavities in children. Lactobacillus Acidophilus can cause cavities in both baby teeth and permanent molars. 

L. Acidophilus can be present in the saliva, the top surface of the tongue, mucosal membrane, the hard palate, dental plaque, and the tooth surface. Studies show a strong association between dental cavities and the presence of lactobacilli. 

Dental cavities due to Lactobacillus Acidophilus can be prevented by taking proper cleaning measures after eating and drinking milk.


What is the Recommended Dosage of Lactobacillus Acidophilus?

The recommended dosage of Lactobacillus Acidophilus is as follows:

  • For diarrhea: 1-2 billion CFU per day. In some cases, physicians may recommend higher dosages ranging up to 10-15 billion CFU per day.
  • For vaginal infection: Studies show the concentration of 107 to 108 CFU/ mL was effective in decreasing the concentration of pathogens causing bacterial vaginosis. However, the medications for vaginal infections are available in different formats such as tablets, creams, lotions, and suppositories. Discuss the correct dosage with a physician.
  • For Intestinal health: 1-15 billion CFU per day.
  • For diarrhea after antibiotic use: 1-10 Billion CFU per day.

Lactobacillus Acidophilus as a supplement is available in different forms such as capsule, tablet, powder, wafer, chewable tablets, and suspension. Pay close attention to the manufacturers’ directions and the concentration of the probiotic before consuming it. 


Why is Lactobacillus Acidophilus used in Deodorant?

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is used in deodorant because the skin, just like the gut, can contain harmful bacteria. It is believed that the addition of good bacteria (in this case Lactobacillus Acidophilus) can decrease the foul odor producing harmful bacteria. 

However, a researcher at the University of California, San Diego points out that, since Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a gut bacteria, its effect on the arm-pit odor might be minimal. 

Many products containing various probiotics make claims regarding the effectiveness of probiotics to eliminate body odor, however, the research regarding the use of probiotics in deodorants is still in the early stages.


Is Lactobacillus Acidophilus beneficial for the treatment of Acne?

Lactobacillus Acidophilus can be useful for treating acne because it can reduce and treat several causes associated with acne. Studies show that probiotics such as L. Acidophilus are capable of reducing various factors that lead to the development of acne. 

A study performed on 40 patients, showed that when patients received oral supplementation containing L. Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium Bifidum in addition to the standard treatment, the group showed improvement in acne lesions as compared to the group which did not receive probiotic supplementation. 

Another study demonstrated that the addition of lactobacillus to fermented milk resulted in 4 fold decrease in the IGF-1 as compared to non-fermented milk. Given that increased levels of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) are one of the causes of acne, probiotic supplementation can provide systemic and mechanistic relief from acne.


Is Lactobacillus Acidophilus Vegan?

Lactobacillus Acidophilus is considered vegan because it is not of animal origin but a bacteria. However, you need to check its origin, if it is dairy or cultured it can’t be considered vegan even if the final product does not contain any dairy. 

For people who prefer vegan probiotics, they could be obtained through non-dairy sources of probiotics such as fermented drinks, kimchi, kombucha, and sourdough bread. And while buying probiotic supplements check for the declaration “Dairy-free” or “Vegan” on the label.


What is the difference between Lactobacillus GG vs. Lactobacillus Acidophilus?

Below are some of the differences between Lactobacillus GG and Lactobacillus Acidophilus.

  • Types of strain: Although both of these probiotics belong to the same family, they are different strains of lactobacillus. 
  • Mode of action: Lactobacillus Acidophilus increases acid production in the gut and thus inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. Lactobacillus GG adheres to the intestinal lining and improves gastrointestinal disorders. 
  • Use: 
    • Lactobacillus Acidophilus is mostly used for:
      • Digestive health
      • Urinary tract health and infection
      • Vaginal health
      • Support Immune system
      • For diarrhea
      • Gut health
  • Lactobacillus GG is mostly used for:
    • Digestive health
    • To relieve gas and bloating
    • Support immune system
    • Gut health in children

What is the difference between Saccharomyces Boulardii vs. Lactobacillus Acidophilus?

Saccharomyces Boulardii has the following differences when compared vs. Lactobacillus Acidophilus:

  • Type: Saccharomyces Boulardii is a live yeast while Lactobacillus Acidophilus is a bacteria. 
  • Source: Saccharomyces Boulardii is generally derived from skins of Lychee and other fruits while L. Acidophilus is from dairy culture and is naturally present in the gut.
  • Vegan: Saccharomyces Boulardii is vegan since it is obtained from fruits, while unless otherwise specified Lactobacillus Acidophilus may not be vegan as it is derived from dairy culture. 
  • Usage: Saccharomyces Boulardii is majorly beneficial in the treatment of various diarrhea, such as acute diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and traveler’s diarrhea. While Lactobacillus Acidophilus is beneficial in diarrhea as well as infection, asthma, allergies, urinary tract infection, and bacterial vaginosis in women. 

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Sources

This article makes use of information from the U.S. National Library of Medicine under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

15 Lactobacillus Acidophilus Foods Side Effects (Weight Gain?)
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