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Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS

Also known as: L. acidophilus DDS-1, probiotic strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1

Overview

Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 is a specific, well-researched probiotic strain of the common L. acidophilus species, naturally found in the human gut and fermented foods. It is primarily utilized as a dietary supplement to support gastrointestinal health, particularly for individuals suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. This strain is notable for its robust stability and ability to survive the harsh acidic environment of the stomach, ensuring its efficacy upon reaching the intestines. Research, including multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, consistently supports its role in modulating gut microbiota and alleviating various digestive discomforts.

Benefits

Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 offers significant benefits for gut health, particularly in managing IBS symptoms. A large network meta-analysis involving 9253 participants ranked DDS-1 highest (SUCRA 92.9%) for improving overall IBS symptom severity, including reductions in abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements, compared to placebo. This indicates a strong level of evidence for its efficacy in IBS. Furthermore, probiotics containing L. acidophilus have been shown in meta-analyses to reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhea, especially when combined with other strains. DDS-1 also contributes to an improved quality of life for individuals with gastrointestinal issues and has a lower incidence of adverse events compared to other probiotics in IBS patients. These benefits are particularly pronounced in adults with IBS, especially those with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D), with clinically meaningful improvements typically observed within 4 weeks of daily supplementation.

How it works

Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 primarily exerts its beneficial effects by modulating the gut microbiota. It promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria while simultaneously inhibiting the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. This is partly achieved through the production of lactic acid, which lowers the intestinal pH, creating an unfavorable environment for many pathogens. Additionally, DDS-1 may interact with the host's immune system, contributing to reduced inflammation and improved integrity of the gut barrier. Its high tolerance to gastric acid and transient colonization of the gut further enhance its bioavailability and overall efficacy.

Side effects

Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse effects. The most common side effects, affecting more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as temporary bloating or gas, which typically resolve as the body adjusts. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of individuals, may include rare allergic reactions in sensitive persons. Serious adverse events have not been reported in high-quality randomized controlled trials. There are no documented significant drug interactions with DDS-1. However, individuals with severe immunocompromised states should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using probiotics. While safe for adults, further research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy in pediatric and pregnant populations.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS-1 typically ranges from 1 × 10^9 to 1 × 10^10 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per day. For optimal symptom relief, a common dosage is between 5 × 10^7 and 1 × 10^10 CFU daily, taken for at least 4 weeks. While there is no established maximum dose, higher doses have not been associated with increased adverse effects. Consistency is key, so daily intake is recommended for sustained benefits, though timing relative to meals is flexible. DDS-1 is stable in various forms, including capsules and fermented dairy products, and its bioavailability can be enhanced when consumed with food. While not strictly required, co-administration with prebiotic fibers may further support probiotic colonization and efficacy.

FAQs

Is DDS-1 effective for all IBS types?

Most evidence supports DDS-1's efficacy in diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) and mixed types, with less data available for constipation-predominant IBS.

How soon will I see results?

Symptom improvement with DDS-1 generally occurs within 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use, as observed in clinical trials.

Are there risks of taking DDS-1 long term?

Long-term use of DDS-1 appears safe, though most studies have focused on short to medium durations, typically up to 12 weeks.

Can DDS-1 be taken with antibiotics?

Yes, DDS-1 can be taken with antibiotics, but it's advisable to stagger the timing to avoid the antibiotic potentially killing the probiotic bacteria.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37686889/ – This network meta-analysis of 81 RCTs (9253 adults with IBS) found that L. acidophilus DDS-1 ranked highest (SUCRA 92.9%) for improving IBS symptom severity compared to placebo, demonstrating significant effect sizes. It highlights DDS-1's superior efficacy in reducing IBS symptoms.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/gastroenterology/articles/10.3389/fgstr.2022.983075/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that probiotics containing L. acidophilus significantly reduced diarrhea incidence compared to placebo. While not specific to DDS-1, it supports the broader efficacy of L. acidophilus strains in diarrhea management.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10651259/ – This systematic review of RCTs (with n≥30) indicated that DDS-1-containing probiotics improved global IBS symptoms and quality of life. It provides evidence for the positive impact of DDS-1 on patient-reported outcomes, though some studies combined strains.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2022.859967/full – This systematic review and network meta-analysis of 13 RCTs on bloating found that L. acidophilus ranked third in improving bloating scores in IBS patients, with a favorable safety profile. It suggests DDS-1's role in alleviating specific IBS symptoms like bloating.