The role of Lactobacillus acidophilus in immunomodulation

via musee-afrappier

The two most important groups of bacteria that I promote are Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces. Lactobacillus acidophilus are literally "acid loving bacteria that form in milk".

The interaction between healthy microbes and the internal lining of the intestines is essential for healthy digestion to occur. L. acidophilus thrive in the gastrointestinal tract and assist in digestion but also in building a strong immune function.

The lymphatic system forms part of the immune system and the largest mass of lymph tissue is in the intestinal tract. This lymphoid tissue is known as Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT). It is here that the action of microbes have a clearly defined impact on the immune system via the digestive tract.

In research published this week in PNAS, it was observed that "multiple transcriptional networks involved in mucosal development and function were regulated" by Lactobacillus acidophilus. Immunomodulation that occurs in the gut as an action of this good bacteria is only one result observed by the researchers.

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a live bacteria available from fermented dairy products such as yoghurt. Yoghurt may contain strains of Lactobacillus but does not always contain acidophilus. Always read the label to check what strains are included. L. acidophilus converts milk sugars (lactose) into lactic acid. Lactic acid then acts on the milk proteins (cassein) rendering it a partially digested, fermented and live food. This process is known as culturing and changes the smell, flavour and taste of milk as well as the structure of the original product. People with milk intolerance may be able to eat yoghurt due to the changes in lactose and cassein that have occurred.