History of Lactobacillus acidophilus

 

(Scroll down for a summarized timeline)

 

For centuries lactic acid bacteria have been used in the preservation of food for human consumption. In 1906, Nobel piece winner Dr. Illya Metchnikoff attributed the long life span of the Balkan people to the ingestion of large quantities of fermented foods—foods rich in lactobacilli and other lactic acidproducing organisms which inhibit pathogens and detoxify one’s system. In the late 1950s, Dr. Khem Shahani began studying L. acidophilus, B. bifidum, and other lactic acid producing cultures to determine their dietary effect on humans.

 

Lactobacillus acidophilus was used in the form of acidophilus milk to treat constipation and diarrhea in the 1920s and 1930s in the USA. It was widely administered, often with positive results. Commercial acidophilus tablets were marketed, but they were decried by serious researchers for their lack of any viable L. acidophilus bacteria. When the public derived no benefits from the inert "acidophilus tablets", interest waned.  

 

In 1990, manufactured L. acidophilus in pill form, gains popularity as a source, other than fresh yogurt, for replenishing intestinal bacteria. The probiotic industry, following Dr. Metchnikoff's lead of replacing bacteria with acidophilus from yogurt, felt they could do better by manufacturing a source of acidophilus in pill form.

 

In 1991, Dr. Jay Dhawan realized that manufactured acidophilus products were inconsistent and ineffective due to their inability to survive in heat and especially stomach acid.

Below is a timeline of Lactobacilus acidophilus.

L. acidophilus Timeline       Discovered long life is caused by cultured foods.   L. acidophilus used in milk for medicinal purposes   L. acidophilus pills become popular   1906   1920's-1930's   1990     1925   1950's   1991   Reseach began at University of Nebraska   Further reseach on dietary effect of humans   Dr. Jay Dhawan said the pills were ineffective