Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a rod-shaped, lactic acid-producing bacterium, one of the few species that kept the Lactobacillus genus name when the genus was split in 2020. Production strains are grown by fermentation in a dairy- or plant-based medium, concentrated by centrifugation, mixed with cryoprotectants and freeze-dried. Brands usually buy a named strain as a freeze-dried powder at a stated CFU per gram, either as concentrate or diluted with a carrier.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Pure L. acidophilus powder at a high count stated in billions of CFU per gram, sold for dilution or blending by the buyer.
Concentrate diluted with a carrier such as maltodextrin, microcrystalline cellulose or potato starch to a fixed lower count, which is easier to dose in capsules, sachets and powders.
A specific strain identified by a culture-collection deposit number or a trade designation, sold with that strain's own documentation; the strain designation belongs on the specification.
Culture coated with lipids, polysaccharides or other wall materials, or supplied in enteric or acid-resistant capsules, to limit exposure to moisture, oxygen and acid during processing and storage.
Frozen pellets or freeze-dried direct-to-vat cultures sized in units per volume of milk, used in acidophilus milk and some yogurts.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Freeze-dried concentrates are usually kept frozen (around -18 °C or colder) or refrigerated, sealed in foil or other moisture- and oxygen-barrier packs, often with desiccant or a nitrogen flush. Let a cold pack reach room temperature before opening so moisture does not condense on the powder, and reseal partly used packs at once. Shelf life is set by the supplier from real-time stability counts at a stated temperature, and aged stock is retested for viable count before use.
Record the actual CFU/g on each lot's COA, since counts vary between lots and set the amount needed per batch, along with the strain designation and carrier. Rotate stock FEFO and build in the overage your stability data calls for so the finished product still meets its label count at the end of shelf life.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Probiotics monograph for natural health products lists Lactobacillus acidophilus as a medicinal ingredient, and the licence application and label must give the strain designation.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 357 for Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, notified by Danisco USA; it closed on April 19, 2011 with FDA having no questions. The notice covers that notifier's strain and intended use only.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)FDA's draft guidance on dietary supplements containing live microbials states its intent to exercise enforcement discretion so that firms may declare live microbial quantity in colony forming units (CFUs), in addition to the weight declaration required by regulation.
Source: fda.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Lyngby, Denmark
Sells it as LA-5
Danish biosolutions company formed from Novozymes and Chr. Hansen that supplies probiotic strains, HMOs, dairy cultures and enzymes to supplement, infant formula and food makers.
Manufacturer · Cadorago, Italy
Italian group producing lactic and probiotic cultures, starter cultures and rennet, supplying probiotic strains as single ingredients or blends to supplement and food makers.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include freeze-dried concentrate, standardized dilution, named strain, microencapsulated or coated and dairy culture. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect viable count (CFU/g), identity, water activity, contaminant microbiology, heavy metals and allergen statement, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Freeze-dried concentrates are usually kept frozen (around -18 °C or colder) or refrigerated, sealed in foil or other moisture- and oxygen-barrier packs, often with desiccant or a nitrogen flush. Let a cold pack reach room temperature before opening so moisture does not condense on the powder, and reseal partly used packs at once. Shelf life is set by the supplier from real-time stability counts at a stated temperature, and aged stock is retested for viable count before use.
Health Canada's Probiotics monograph for natural health products lists Lactobacillus acidophilus as a medicinal ingredient, and the licence application and label must give the strain designation. FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 357 for Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM, notified by Danisco USA; it closed on April 19, 2011 with FDA having no questions. The notice covers that notifier's strain and intended use only. FDA's draft guidance on dietary supplements containing live microbials states its intent to exercise enforcement discretion so that firms may declare live microbial quantity in colony forming units (CFUs), in addition to the weight declaration required by regulation.
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