What Is the Scientific Evidence for Acidophilus and Other Probiotics?
According to several studies, it appears that regular use of acidophilus and other probiotics can help prevent “traveler’s diarrhea” (an illness caused by eating contaminated food, usually in developing countries). 4,12 One double-blind, placebo-controlled study followed 820 people traveling to southern Turkey, and found that use of Lactobacillus GG significantly protected against intestinal infection. 7 Other studies using S. boulardii have found similar benefits, 11,13,14 including a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling 3,000 Austrian travelers. 14 The greatest benefits were seen in travelers who visited North Africa and Turkey. The researchers noted that the benefit depended on consistent use of the product, and that a dosage of 1,000 mg daily was more effective than 250 mg daily.
