Warning- Acidophilus
Some people have no problem taking acidophilus. Some do. Immune compromised people can experience a number of problems. Adding "germs" (bacteria) to your body, even though they are reported to be beneficial to the gut, can cause moderate to serious problems, even death.
Probiotics, as per scientific studies, can change the composition of urine, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
Probiotics should never be used for treating pancreatitis disease, as it only increases the severity of it.
Women may experience burning sensation in their vagina due to excess intake of acidophilus probiotics.
These supplements may also cause infections in the valves of the heart, a condition that can be severe for cardiovascular patients.
People with weakened immune systems may also acquire certain blood infections due to the use of probiotics.
Intestinal injuries and bowel problems are some other problems which may be caused by probiotics.
One thing to note here is that probiotics side effects can be severe if the person has equally severe medical conditions.
If taken in excess quantities, probiotics of all types can lead to further infections and complications.
Some people may be allergic to probiotics, and in such people the use of probiotics can cause a reversal of the effect. In this case instead of easing gas and bloating, probiotics may increases the levels of problems.
Certain probiotics may cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Those with impaired immune systems may acquire fungal infections as a side effect of certain probiotics.
Probiotics may cause unhealthy metabolism, gene transfer and excessive stimulation of the immune system.
People with basic diseases may acquire intestinal infections due to the use of probiotics.
More information on side effects here.
A doctor should be consulted before taking acidophilus with other medications, because of the possibility of harmful interactions. L. acidophilus should not be taken while using sulfasalazine, a medication for ulcerative colitis, because it increases the rate the drug is metabolized.
Individuals with artificial heart valves should avoid L. acidophilus because of the possibility of bacterial infection.
Read more here at E-How
More Information
"However, individuals who are immunosuppressed could conceivably be at risk for developing a dangerous infection with the probiotic organism itself; at least one person taking immunosuppressive medications has died in this manner.
In a detailed review of four studies, researchers concluded that the use probiotics did not benefit patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Furthermore, according to one study, the use of probiotics led to an increased risk of mortality in patients with severe acute pancreatitis, and should, therefore, be avoided under these circumstances." Acidophilus and Other Probiotics
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Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 1996 Mar;20(2):193-5.
[Liver abscess caused by Lactobacillus acidophilus].
[Article in French]
Larvol L1, Monier A, Besnier P, Levecq H.
Abstract
Lactobacillus acidophilus is usually considered to be non pathogenic. We report a case of liver abscess due to Lactobacillusacidophilus in a 39 year-old man with chronic pancreatitis complicated by both endocrine and exocrine insufficiency, and with a choledoco-duodenostomy. Lactobacillus acidophilus was isolated in blood and liver samples. Complete recovery of the liver abscess occurred after antibiotherapy. We suggest that the abnormally low duodenal pH secondary to pancreatic insufficiency may have promoted both Lactobacillus acidophilus adhesion and multiplication in this patient. The choledoco-duodenostomy may then have promoted biliary tract colonisation.