Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM
Also known as: L. acidophilus NCFM, Lactobacillus acidophilus North Carolina Food Microbiology
L. acidophilus NCFM produces β-galactosidase active in the small intestine, modulates visceral pain perception via μ-opioid and cannabinoid receptor upregulation, and adheres strongly to intestinal mucus via surface-layer proteins.
Last reviewed: 2025-01-15 · 2 indexed studies
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Overview
An extensively characterised human-origin probiotic strain with a sequenced genome and over 100 clinical trials. Particularly noted for improving abdominal symptoms in IBS and enhancing lactose hydrolysis.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Bacterial β-galactosidase hydrolyses lactose in situ. Upregulates opioid (MOR1) and cannabinoid (CB2) receptors on intestinal epithelial cells, modulating visceral hypersensitivity. Produces bacteriocins active against Gram-positive pathogens.
Physiological Role
Supports lactose digestion, normalises bowel habit, and reduces visceral pain signalling characteristic of IBS.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Reduces GI bloating and discomfort that can impair training quality, particularly in athletes consuming high dairy or fibre loads.
Evidence Review
No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.
Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 1 billion CFU/day
- Optimal Range
- 5–10 billion CFU/day (often paired with B. lactis Bi-07)
- Upper / Caution Level
- Well tolerated to 50+ billion CFU
- Timing
- Daily; with meals for lactose digestion benefit
- Best Format
- Capsule or sachet, refrigerated for highest viability
- Bioavailability
- Acid- and bile-tolerant.
- Absorption Considerations
- IBS symptom improvement typically seen by week 4.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Transient gas or bloating
Contraindications
- Severe immunocompromise
Drug Interactions
- •Antibiotics (separate by 2 hours)
Who Should Avoid
- •Critically ill patients with central lines
Monitoring
None.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM typically used or indicated?
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM is most commonly used for: IBS bloating & abdominal pain, Lactose digestion, Immune support. Supports lactose digestion, normalises bowel habit, and reduces visceral pain signalling characteristic of IBS.
How does Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM work?
Bacterial β-galactosidase hydrolyses lactose in situ. Upregulates opioid (MOR1) and cannabinoid (CB2) receptors on intestinal epithelial cells, modulating visceral hypersensitivity. Produces bacteriocins active against Gram-positive pathogens.
What is the recommended dose of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM?
The optimal range is 5–10 billion CFU/day (often paired with B. lactis Bi-07). with a minimum effective dose of 1 billion CFU/day. Best taken: Daily; with meals for lactose digestion benefit. Upper / caution level: Well tolerated to 50+ billion CFU.
What are the side effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM?
Reported side effects include: Transient gas or bloating. Monitoring: None.
Does Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Antibiotics (separate by 2 hours). Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM?
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM is generally not recommended for: Critically ill patients with central lines; and Severe immunocompromise.
How strong is the evidence for Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 72/100), based on 2 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (2)
Probiotic bacteria induce a 'glow of health'
Ringel-Kulka T et al. 8-week RCT in functional bowel disorder patients — NCFM + Bi-07 reduced bloating severity vs placebo.
Probiotic modulation of opioid and cannabinoid receptors in intestinal epithelial cells
Rousseaux C et al. NCFM induced expression of MOR1 and CB2 receptors in HT-29 cells and modulated visceral pain in rodents.
Related Ingredients
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Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745
85/100Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii strain CNCM I-745 is a transient yeast that survives gastric transit, reaches steady-state colonic concentrations within 3 days, and is cleared 3–5 days after stopping. It works via secreted proteases, anti-inflammatory signalling, and pathogen binding rather than colonisation.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG
80/100A Gram-positive facultative anaerobic bacterium that adheres to intestinal mucosa, modulates innate/adaptive immune responses, and strengthens tight junction protein expression.
Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/lactobacillus-acidophilus-ncfm
SuppIndex. (2026). Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/lactobacillus-acidophilus-ncfm
Based on 2 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Often combined with Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 for broader spectrum coverage.