Journal Article Summary
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® is a very well-researched strain - certainly the most researched strain of the acidophilus species - which has been extensively tested in vitro, and also in both animal studies and in human clinical trials. There are actually over 45 clinical trials on this strain, a fact which confirms its position as one of the best probiotic strains in the world, with a well-deserved and a secure place in this database of the most well-researched probiotics on the planet. It has been used in a broad range of studies focusing on its potential to support many areas of gastrointestinal and general health, including immune function, antibiotic-associated gut disturbances, and the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The L. acidophilus NCFM® strain was first identified when isolated from a human source back in the early 1970's. Its strain name, NCFM®, is derived from an abbreviation of the “North Carolina Food Microbiology”, which is the name of the research laboratory at North Carolina State University (NCSU) where the strain was first discovered. You may also see Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® referred to as Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 700396, NCK56, N2 as well as NCFM®. This strain is often used in clinical trials in combination with Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07.
