Does acidophilus multiply when cultured?

Question

And do they eventually die if refrigerated?

Can I use capsules instead of yogurt?

Answer 1

This is a powder form of the normal, friendly bacteria that live in our intestines (called flora). Our intestinal flora helps regulate our digestion and stool patterns. Yeast also lives in our intestines. The yeast and the bacterial flora are constantly competing for space, and generally they keep each other in check. Sometimes, however, our bacterial flora can get depleted, such as when taking antibiotics. This allows the yeast to overgrow, which can then lead to a variety of problems:

Thrush
Yeast diaper rash
Vaginal yeast infection
Diarrhea
Yeast infection of the breast
Taking acidophilus replenishes our bacterial flora and reduces overgrow of yeast.

Acidophilus is available at most health food and nutrition stores. It comes in two forms –- capsules and powder.

Adults – take the capsules as directed on the bottle.
children – capsules are ok if able to swallow, otherwise give 1 teaspoon of the powder once a day in milk, juice, or food.
Infants – make a paste using water or breastmilk and rub this once a day in baby’s mouth, or put 1 teaspoon of the powder in formula once a day if bottlefeeding.

WHEN TO TAKE IT
We suggest you begin acidophilus at the start of any of the above problems, as well as when taking antibiotics. Continue taking it for one week after the problem or antibiotic is finished.



L. acidophilus is often sold in health stores in pill or powder form as a nutritional supplement. Research on the nutritional benefits of taking L. acidophilus supplements is inconsistent and inconclusive. Most such claims boil down to a link between L. acidophilus and a possible decrease in the incidence of certain diseases, including yeast infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and a weakened immune system. Most researchers agree further study is needed before substantiating many of these claims.


[edit] Food production
L. acidophilus can be used to make yogurt, sweet acidophilus milk, and other fermented dairy products. In yogurt production, L. acidophilus is sometimes added to milk to render it more acidic. By breaking down lactose to lactic acid, the bacteria make such dairy products digestible by lactose intolerant people. It can also be used to make "cultured soy" (commonly called soy yogurt) from soymilk in much the same way.

Answer 2

Acidophiles do multiply when cultured. People who make yogurt at home do this all the time. Refrigerating just slows it down. You can even freeze yogurt in ice cube trays in order to have a starter when you want to make yogurt again. Acidophiles will revive after being frozen, once it's added to warm milk and left in a warm spot.