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| |  Acidophilus is Working to Give Bacteria a Good Name ATLANTA, June 9, 1997 -- The mention of "bacteria" generates images of germs, diseases and other undesirable microorganisms. But "bad" bacteria often take the spotlight from their "good" counterparts. University of Washington researchers have reviewed three decades of studies indicating that "friendly bacteria" offer positive health benefits. Their report, published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), notes friendly flora, like Lactobacillus acidophilus, are beneficial in preventing and treating certain intestinal problems. Known as simple acidophilus, these lactic acid bacteria are often categorized in a class of organisms known as probiotics. Probiotics help improve the environment of the intestinal tract by producing acids and other compounds which inhibit the growth of undesirable bacteria. Acidophilus occurs naturally in our bodies or can be consumed in certain dairy products or through dairy or non-dairy supplements. Non-dairy supplements are an appealing acidophilus source for individuals who have problems digesting dairy products. But the challenge for manufacturers has been to identify a strain indigenous to the human intestinal tract. For example, a California-based company, Kyolic, Ltd., uses human source strains in its product, Probiata, which have been found to be better suited for adhering and staying longer in the intestine. Dr. Gary Elmer, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington and one of the authors of the study featured in JAMA, considers acidophilus a biotherapeutic agent -- a microorganism which can act as an inhibiting agent against harmful bacteria in humans. Some studies indicate that L. acidophilus may aid in the digestion of milk products, prevent some yeast infections and restore bacterial balance in the intestines, particularly traveler's and antibiotic-induced diarrhea. Elmer believes that L. acidophilus holds promise in preventing antibiotic-induced diarrhea. "There are some L. acidophilus products which produce substances that inhibit growth of pathogens or undesirable bacteria by either making lactic acid or hydrogen peroxide," he said. "Dietary therapeutic agents cause few side effects, probably developing minimal resistance since they work in different modes of action than antibiotics," Elmer said. Because they are derived from natural sources, they are generally inexpensive. Dr. George Weber has studied non-dairy based acidophilus products for the past seven years. Weber, a microbiologist and technology strategist for Georgetown Technical Group, in Portland, Ore., specializes in the analysis of food, food supplements and bacteria. He has found that the stability of cultures used in probiotics depends on how they are prepared and dried. "Many forms of acidophilus have cultures with high counts at the time of packaging, but they are often unstable," Weber said. "The labels often don't indicate that these counts can drop drastically after the product is distributed or purchased." Kyolic Ltd.'s is an example of a stable acidophilus product which maintains high viability, even when kept at room temperatures. "Ideally, probiotics should have cultures from human origin and be heat stable," noted Weber. "If a product requires refrigeration, that is an indication that the cultures may not be stable. Labels should include a statement that guarantees viability of a product through the expiration date."
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