Lactobacillus acidophilus has been shown to help reduce Candida albicans yeast overgrowth. Candida albicans is a type of yeast most commonly associated with thrush and vaginal yeast infections. Regular consumption of Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics may reduce the risk of yeast infections and support vaginal health.¹⁹ 

Lactobacillus acidophilus, which means “acid-loving milk bacterium,” characteristically feeds on milk sugars, converting them into lactic acid. This suggests that this bacterial strain may help with symptoms of lactose intolerance by helping to break down the milk sugar that cannot be properly broken down in lactose intolerant individuals.²⁰

Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics are often recommended to reduce acute diarrhea and supports digestive regularity in those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other gastrointestinal issues.

Another species of lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus brevis can readily survive in the gastrointestinal tract and has been found to support immune functions. It can be found naturally in kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods. Evidence suggests it may support vaginal health and reduce symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.¹

Lactobacillus bulgaricus, more specifically referred to as Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, naturally exists within the digestive tract where it helps to convert lactose into lactic acid. Similar to other Lactobacillus strains, this makes L. bulgaricus potentially helpful for those with lactose intolerance.

Similar to L. acidophilus probiotics, L. helveticus produces lactic acid. It may also interact with and support immune system functions.

Naturally found throughout the gastrointestinal tract, L. plantarum may help to support gut health and the immune system. Some evidence shows that L. plantarum may help to improve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).²¹

L. rhamnosus is one of the few probiotic strains that can actually tolerate harsh stomach acids. L rhamnosus resides on the walls of the intestine and research shows that L. rhamnosus may help to protect the urogenital tract by preventing pathogens from adhering to mucus membranes.²² In addition to having adherence properties L. rhamnosus releases lactic acids, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins, all of which may help to prevent the growth of bad bacteria and yeast.

L. salivarius acts much like other Lactobacilli by inhibiting harmful bacteria and supporting the immune system.

 

Similar to probiotics with Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. lactis is commonly used in the dairy industry. In the human body, this strain may help to break down lactose.

 

Bacillus coagulans is a spore-forming probiotic. This means that it is shelf-stable and is able to resist stomach acid. In the gut it secretes a bacteriocin called coagulin which inhibits the growth of bad bacteria and yeast.^{2, 4} It may also help to reduce bloating and abdominal pain caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome,⁵ prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children,³ and may also promote a healthy immune response.⁶

Prophylactic administration of Bifidobacterium bifidum combined with Streptococcus thermophilus supplementation has been found to reduce diarrhea in infants. In 55 infants followed for 17 months 31% of control group developed diarrhea compared to 7% of probiotic treated infants.  39% of infants in the control group developed rotavirus infection compared to just 10% of the treatment group.²³

Bifidobacterium breve comprises a majority of the gastrointestinal population in babies who are breast-fed. Children exposed to B. breve have been shown to have a lower risk of having allergies when they grow up. Furthermore, those with low B. breve levels have a higher chance of developing gastrointestinal disorders.^{7, 8}

One of the main bacterial strains found in gastrointestinal tracts of newborns, Bifidobacterium infantis plays a role in the production of several essential B vitamins.⁹ A study found that babies raised in Ghana (where allergies are relatively low) had a higher amount of B. infantis in their feces than babies born in other countries with higher occurrences of allergies.¹⁰

More specifically known as Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, B. lactis is a prominent probiotic strain that may help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. This strain may also help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support the immune system.^{11, 12}

B. longum is similar to other probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus in its ability to produce lactic acid. It is most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and may support healthy inflammatory responses, which may help to regulate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. B. longum has also been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels.^{13, 14}

Dr. Henry Boulardii noticed the indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia would chew on the peel of the lychee fruit as a remedy for diarrhea. He isolated the microbes on the peel and named it after himself. Today, S. boulardii is one of the most extensively studied probiotics and is recommended as a treatment for infectious and antibiotic associated diarrhea¹⁷ such as C diff.²⁴

 S. boulardii has also been found to improve quality of life scores in patients with IBS.¹⁶