Acidophilus (pronounced as-ih-DOFF-ih-lus) is short for Lactobacillus acidophilus, a species of lactic acid bacteria. At Probiotic.ie we stock acidophilus capsules and multi-strain supplements containing L. acidophilus, from 1 billion to 450 billion CFU per serving, shipped from Dublin with tracked delivery across Ireland.
Acidophilus: key facts
- Full name: Lactobacillus acidophilus, often shortened to L. acidophilus
- Type: a rod-shaped, lactic acid producing bacterium
- Name: from Latin and Greek, meaning "acid-loving"
- First described: 1900, by paediatrician Ernst Moro
- Found in: some yogurts, kefir and fermented milk, and food supplements
- Regulation in Ireland: sold as a food supplement under Irish and EU food law, overseen by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI)
- Health claims: no health claim is authorised in the EU for Lactobacillus acidophilus
What is Lactobacillus acidophilus?
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a bacterium that ferments sugars into lactic acid. That property is why it has been used in fermented dairy foods for more than a century, and why the name translates as "acid-loving".
In 2020, scientists reorganised the Lactobacillus group into 25 separate genera based on genetic data. Many familiar species were given new names. L. acidophilus was one of the species that kept its original name, so labels, studies and supplement listings all still use "Lactobacillus acidophilus".
You will also see acidophilus paired with Bifidobacterium species, often sold as "acidophilus and bifidus". These are two different groups of bacteria combined in one product.
Strain names: the detail most labels skip
"Lactobacillus acidophilus" names a species, not a specific strain. Within one species there are many strains, and manufacturers identify them with a code after the species name.
-
La-14 is the L. acidophilus strain used in NOW Foods 8 Billion Acidophilus & Bifidus.
-
NCIMB 30442 is the L. acidophilus strain in CDS22-formula, identified by its deposit code in the NCIMB public culture collection.
- Some single-strain products list the species only, with no strain code.
If you want to match a product to published research, look for a named strain. Research findings apply to the strain studied, not to every product that contains the same species.
Acidophilus supplements available in Ireland
Every product below contains Lactobacillus acidophilus. CFU figures are as stated by each manufacturer at the time of manufacture.
| Product |
Strains |
Strain codes stated |
CFU |
Format |
Storage |
| Swanson Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU, 100 capsules |
1: L. acidophilus
|
Species only |
1 billion per capsule |
Capsule |
Shelf-stable |
| Swanson Lactobacillus Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU, 250 capsules |
1: L. acidophilus
|
Species only |
1 billion (see label for serving) |
Gelatin capsule |
See label |
| NOW Foods 8 Billion Acidophilus & Bifidus, 120 veg capsules |
4: L. acidophilus plus three Bifidobacterium |
La-14, Bl-04, Bl-05, Bb-01 |
8 billion per capsule |
Vegetable capsule |
See label |
| CDS22-formula Probiotic, 12 sachets |
8, including L. acidophilus
|
All 8 by NCIMB deposit code |
450 billion per sachet |
Powder sachet |
Refrigerated, +2°C to +8°C |
| CDS22-formula Probiotic, 20 capsules |
8, including L. acidophilus
|
All 8 by NCIMB deposit code |
112 billion per capsule |
Vegetable capsule |
Refrigerated, +2°C to +8°C |
How to compare acidophilus capsules
1. Single strain or multi-strain
Single-strain products contain L. acidophilus only. Multi-strain products combine it with other species, such as Bifidobacterium or Streptococcus thermophilus. Choose based on what you want to take, not on which is "stronger".
2. CFU per serving
CFU stands for colony forming units, the number of live bacteria in a serving. Check whether the figure is stated at manufacture or at expiry, and whether it is per capsule or per serving of two or more capsules.
3. Named strains
A strain code such as La-14 or NCIMB 30442 tells you exactly which organism is in the product. A species name alone does not.
4. Capsule material
Gelatin capsules are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Vegetable (cellulose) capsules are. Check the label if this matters to you.
5. Storage
Some products are shelf-stable. Others, including CDS22-formula, are stored refrigerated. Follow the storage instructions on the label once opened.
Food supplement notice. The products in this collection are food supplements, not medicines. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. No health claim is authorised in the EU for Lactobacillus acidophilus. Food supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under medical supervision, speak to your GP or pharmacist before use. For health information in Ireland, the HSE is the appropriate reference.
Buying acidophilus in Ireland
All stock ships from Dublin on a tracked service, with free tracked Irish delivery on orders over €75. Because orders ship from within Ireland, no customs charges apply. See our delivery information for details.
Acidophilus FAQs
How do you pronounce acidophilus?
As-ih-DOFF-ih-lus. The full name, Lactobacillus acidophilus, is pronounced lack-toe-ba-SILL-us as-ih-DOFF-ih-lus.
What is acidophilus?
Acidophilus is the common name for Lactobacillus acidophilus, a lactic acid bacterium found in some fermented dairy foods and sold as a food supplement in capsule, tablet and powder form.
Is acidophilus the same as a probiotic?
Acidophilus is one type of live bacteria commonly sold in supplements marketed as probiotics. Many probiotic supplements contain other species instead of, or as well as, L. acidophilus. Check the label for the full list of strains.
What is the difference between acidophilus and bifidus?
They are different groups of bacteria. Acidophilus refers to Lactobacillus acidophilus. Bifidus refers to Bifidobacterium species such as B. bifidum, B. longum and B. lactis. Some supplements, such as NOW Foods 8 Billion Acidophilus & Bifidus, contain both.
What is Lactobacillus acidophilus La-14?
La-14 is a specific strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus. The code identifies the exact organism used, which matters when comparing products or reading research. In our range, La-14 is in NOW Foods 8 Billion Acidophilus & Bifidus.
How much acidophilus should I take?
Follow the serving on the product label. Stated amounts vary widely, from 1 billion CFU to 450 billion CFU per serving across our range. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose on the pack.
Do acidophilus capsules need to be refrigerated?
It depends on the product. Some acidophilus capsules are shelf-stable, while others, including CDS22-formula, are stored refrigerated at +2°C to +8°C. Always follow the storage instructions on the label.
Are acidophilus capsules vegan?
Some are. Products in vegetable capsules, such as NOW Foods 8 Billion Acidophilus & Bifidus, are suitable for vegans. Products in gelatin capsules are not. Check the label for the capsule type.
Which foods contain acidophilus?
Some yogurts, kefir and cultured milk drinks contain L. acidophilus. Not all fermented foods do, and the amount varies, so check the ingredients list for "Lactobacillus acidophilus" or "L. acidophilus".
Can I take acidophilus with antibiotics or during pregnancy?
Speak to your GP or pharmacist first if you are taking any medication, including antibiotics, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. They can advise based on your situation.
Are there any side effects of acidophilus?
Follow the label and do not exceed the stated dose. Stop use and seek medical advice if you notice any adverse reaction. People with a weakened immune system or a serious illness should speak to their doctor before taking any live bacteria supplement.
Where can I buy acidophilus in Ireland?
You can buy acidophilus capsules and multi-strain supplements containing L. acidophilus at Probiotic.ie. Orders ship from Dublin with tracked Irish delivery, and no customs charges apply.
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