The Functional Roles of Lactobacillus acidophilus in Different Physiological and Pathological Processes

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be consumed by humans in amounts sufficient to offer health-promoting effects. Owing to their various biological functions, probiotics are widely used in biological engineering, industry and agriculture, food safety, and the life and health fields. Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), an important human intestinal probiotic, was originally isolated from the human gastrointestinal tract and its functions have been widely studied ever since it was named in 1900. L. acidophilus has been found to play important roles in many aspects of human health. Due to its good resistance against acid and bile salts, it has broad application prospects in functional, edible probiotic preparations. In this review, we explore the basic characteristics and biological functions of L. acidophilus based on the research progress made thus far worldwide. Various problems to be solved regarding the applications of probiotic products and their future development are also discussed.

Automated summary

Probiotics are live microorganisms with health-promoting effects that are widely used in various fields. Lactobacillus acidophilus, an important human intestinal probiotic, has been extensively studied since its discovery in 1900, and has key roles in human health with potential applications in functional, edible probiotic preparations due to its resistance to acid and bile salts. Discussions on the research progress and future development of probiotic products are ongoing.