How to Select an Acidophilus Supplement

Lactobacillus acidophilus, or L. acidophilus is one type of probiotic used to keep the human digestive tract healthy. Since it is so popular, there are many acidophilus products on the market. As a result, the range of products available can be overwhelming. However, by choosing a type of supplement, choosing a product, and considering your own health, you’ll be able to select the best acidophilus supplement for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Determining the Right Type of Supplement

1
Use gel capsules. Gel caps are one of the most convenient and common form of supplements.They’re easy to find in addition to being easy to swallow with a glass of water. As a result, they’re a good option for a lot of people.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Unless noted on the packaging, gel capsules may use animal products.
Like gel caps, tablet can be swallowed with water or another drink. In addition, tablets can be chewed. They may also come as a flavored tab. Ultimately, the ability to chew tablets make them a great option for children and people who don’t want to swallow capsules.^{[2]XResearch source}
Mix the powdered supplement into a drink or food. Then, drink or eat as you would normally. Remember, though, read the directions on the bottle and only use as much supplement as the directions recommend.
4
Get acidophilus from dietary sources. Visit your local health food store or specialty food store and look for yogurt or milk with acidophilus in it. Other items that include acidophilus are onions, barley, garlic, bananas, tomatoes, tempeh, and miso.^{[3]XResearch source}
- In the U.S., look for the "Live and Active Cultures" seal on yogurt to indicate a good source of probiotics.^{[4]XResearch source}
5
Check the expiration date on the product. The expiration date is very important for probiotic potency. Do not purchase an acidophilus supplement or product if the date of purchase is near or past the expiration date.^{[5]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing a Quality Product

1
Decide whether you want enteric pills. Enteric pills have a specially designed coating that prevents the pill from dissolving before it reaches your stomach. The coating may also protect the acidophilus from harsh stomach acids. Once in the stomach, the pill will dissolve and be released into your system.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Some manufacturers claim that enteric pills are more effective than other pills.
- Enteric products may be more expensive than other products.
2
Choose a product that is packaged in glass. Glass is the best way to maintain the potency of acidophilus. This is because plastic is porous and acidophilus could lose its potency when stored in it. In the end, while products packaged in plastic may be cheaper and easier to find, they may not be as effective.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Consider how quickly you will use a product when you choose between glass and plastic packaging. Your pills stored in plastic may begin to lose potency after 1 or 2 months.
- Store your acidophilus supplements in the refrigerator in a glass, airtight container.^{[8]XResearch source}
3
Look for a guarantee of CFU content. CFU refers to “colony forming units” and is an indication of how much bacteria is in each supplement. When reviewing the product’s packaging, make sure the manufacturer guarantees that the supplement contains 1 to 2 billion CFUs. The more CFUs, the more potent and effective the supplement.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Purchase products that include language like “viable through end of shelf life.” Products with this language will be effective at least until their expiration date.
- Avoid products that state “viable at time of manufacture.” This means that the microbes are not guaranteed to be alive when you consume them.
4
Look for a product that has been tested and certified by a third party. Since the Food and Drug Administration (in the United States) does not regulate many supplements, you should look for a guarantee that the product has been tested by a third party. Third party testers will verify the strain and number of bacteria in each pill. This will give you an idea of whether the product is good.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Some examples of companies that certify supplements include the Banned Substance Control Group, Alkemist Labs, Covance, and ChromaDex.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Determining Whether Acidophilus is Safe for You

1
Talk to your physician. Before you begin to take an acidophilus supplement regularly, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor will take your medical history into account and determine if acidophilus is right for you. In the end, they might determine that it is unsafe or another probiotic may be better.
- Your doctor may advise you against taking acidophilus if you have a weakened immune system, a stomach disorder, short bowel syndrome, a fever, or dental problems^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source}^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Consider seeing a nutritionist for nutrition response testing to see whether or not your body needs a probiotic.^{[13]XExpert SourceKristi Acuna
  Holistic NutritionistExpert Interview. 17 September 2020.}
2
Watch for allergens. Acidophilus supplements may contain types of allergens. As a result, make sure to read the label carefully and verify that the product does not contain anything you are allergic to. Call a physician immediately if you experience an allergic reaction. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to acidophilus include swelling of the tongue, mouth, or lips and nausea.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} Some allergens to consider include:^{[15]XResearch source}
- Lactose or dairy products
- Gluten
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Eggs
3
Look for the side effects of acidophilus. Like all medications and supplements, acidophilus has a variety of minor and some major side effects. If you notice any side effects, you should stop taking acidophilus immediately. Some side effects include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Skin reactions
- Cramping
- Arthritis^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
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