Physicians have routinely suggested that patients undergoing antibiotic therapy should consume eight ounces per day of yogurt with Lactobacillus Acidophilus. Based on test tube studies, another suggestion that has been put forth is that L. acidophilus may have potential antibiotic effects of its own. (1) There have been no reports of toxicities related to Lactobacillus Acidophilus, however it is not known whether this supplement has any effects on the absorption of antibiotic medication.
A study done by researchers at Long Island Jewish Hospital and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reported that women with recurrent vaginal candidiasis who consumed eight ounces a day of yogurt high in Lactobacillus Acidophilus suffered from fewer infections than those who didn’t take it. (2) The authors of this report also noted that a number of dairy products did not contain the L. acidophilus that had been clearly advertised on the label.
Sources
Books
Murray, Frank (1999). Acidophilus and Your Health. New York, McGraw-Hill.
Webster, David (2000). Acidophilus and Colon Health: The Natural Way to Prevent Disease. New York, Kensington.
Journals
1. Friend BA, et al. Journal of Applied Nutrition.1984.36: 125-153
2. Hilton E, et al. Annals of Internal Medicine, 1992.116: 353-357