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Dietary supplement

Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Foods Plus

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU is a dietary supplement by Foods Plus with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for diarrhea relief, constipation and digestive health, cholesterol support.Based on those ingredients, 188 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Probiotic Blend, Citrus Pectin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Foods Plus

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Probiotic Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This supplement contains 7 ingredients, of which 5 are active probiotics or fiber. The main players are Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus—both live bacteria meant to support your gut—along with Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, and a probiotic blend.

Citrus Pectin (a soluble fiber) is included as well. The remaining ingredients are inactive: gelatin (the capsule), microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica—all common fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Digestive health and probiotic support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Bacterial vaginosis, Clostridioides difficile infection, Colic, Constipation, Diarrhea — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Lactobacillus Acidophilus is rated "Possibly Effective" for Bacterial vaginosis, Helicobacter pylori, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Also on file: Bifidobacterium Bifidum is rated "Possibly Effective" for Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The evidence is mixed. Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus are both rated possibly effective for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Lactobacillus acidophilus is also possibly effective for Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and bacterial vaginosis. Pectin is possibly effective for lowering cholesterol.

For other conditions listed—hay fever, anxiety, prediabetes, and respiratory infections—the evidence we hold isn't strong enough to rate them, or (in one case) the data suggests the ingredient may not work. We couldn't assess Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Lactospore, or Dahlulin PB because their evidence isn't on file.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Pectin Lactobacillus Acidophilus Bifidobacterium Bifidum

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Both Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus are generally well tolerated in healthy people. However, if you have a weakened immune system, you should be cautious—talk to your doctor first.

Pectin from food and typical supplement doses is generally well tolerated, though some people report diarrhea, gas, loose stools, or mild cramping. Rarely, pectin can trigger an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals.

For pregnancy, Bifidobacterium bifidum is rated possibly safe, and Lactobacillus acidophilus is also possibly safe. Pectin is rated likely to possibly safe in pregnancy and lactation, though concentrated supplements haven't been well studied during breastfeeding—check with your doctor if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Pectin Lactobacillus Acidophilus Bifidobacterium Bifidum

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Pectin, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Bifidum.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications.
  • For scale: 188 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start, double-check if you're taking antibiotics—both the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in this product are live bacteria that antibiotics can kill, so you'll need to space doses apart. If you take lovastatin, any tetracycline antibiotic, or digoxin, the pectin may reduce how much your body absorbs.

Use the medication checker on this page to confirm your prescriptions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a straightforward probiotic blend with some supporting fiber, possibly effective for IBS and a couple of other digestive issues. If you take antibiotics or any heart or cholesterol medications, you need to check your exact prescriptions with the tool below and likely space out your doses.

Otherwise, it's generally well tolerated in healthy adults—but if your immune system is compromised, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Mar 24, 2017.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU, straight from the product label.

Brand Foods Plus
Barcode (UPC) 717284006818
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 24, 2017
DSLD ID 71469
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Foods Plus, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
717284006818
IngredientAmount% DV
Bifidobacterium bifidum0 NP--
Lactobacillus plantarum0 NP--
Citrus Pectin100 mg--
Lactobacillus casei0 NP--
Lactospore0 NP--
Dahlulin PB20 mg--
Probiotic Blend0 NP--
Lactobacilli acidophilus0 NP--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General

FP #681

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 1 capsule daily after meals as a dietary supplement or as directed by a healthcare professional.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Storage

Protect from heat, light and moisture. Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

Made in the U.S.A.

Since 1962

Immune & intestinal health support

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formulation

No sugar, starch, wheat, milk, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

Preservative free Non GMO Gluten-free

Formula

With pectin

See for yourself

Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Foods Plus label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Foods Plus

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Citrus Pectin

Interacts with
23 drugs
100 mg per serving

Pectin is a natural soluble fiber found in fruits like apples and citrus, and it is widely used in foods and as a fiber supplement. It may modestly he...

Citrus Pectin monograph & interactions

Dahlulin PB

20 mg per serving Form: Fructo-oligosaccharides

Probiotic Blend

Interacts with
182 drugs
0 NP per serving

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a 'friendly' bacterium used as a probiotic to support gut and vaginal health. It is generally well tolerated in healthy p...

Probiotic Blend monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Foods Plus Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
188Drugs
188 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Probiotic Blend1 drug type · 182 drugs

Antibiotic Drugs

Theoretically, taking Lactobacillus acidophilus with antibiotic drugs might decrease the effectiveness of L. acidophilus.
L. acidophilus preparations usually contain live and active organisms. Therefore, simultaneously taking antibiotics might kill a significant number of the organisms. Tell patients to separate administration of antibiotics and L. acidophilus preparations by at least two hours.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D

Citrus Pectin3 drug types · 23 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of digoxin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
A small clinical study shows that taking digoxin with a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of digoxin by about 62%. It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Lovastatin (Mevacor)

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of lovastatin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of pectin and lovastatin might reduce the cholesterol-lowering effect of lovastatin, possibly due to reduced intestinal absorption of lovastatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, potentially decreasing their effectiveness.
A small clinical study shows that taking tetracycline with bismuth subsalicylate in a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of tetracycline by about 34%. It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, bismuth subsalicylate, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU, from the product label.

Foods Plus

See all Foods Plus products
Name
Foods Plus
Street Address
10 Henderson Drive
City
West Caldwell
State
New Jersey
ZipCode
07006
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Foods Plus: Common Questions

Does Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU by Foods Plus interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU has a known interaction with 188 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this with my antibiotic?
Not at the same time. The antibiotic will kill the live bacteria in this supplement. Ask your pharmacist how far apart to space them—usually a few hours is enough. The same goes for tetracycline antibiotics because pectin in this product may reduce their absorption.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant?
The probiotics in this product (Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus) are rated possibly safe in pregnancy, and the pectin is rated likely to possibly safe. There isn't a ton of data, though, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it's right for you.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people tolerate this well, but some report bloating, gas, loose stools, or mild cramping early on—these usually settle down. Rarely, pectin can trigger an allergic reaction. Stop and call your doctor if you have trouble breathing or swelling.
Can I take this if I have a weakened immune system?
These are live bacteria, so you should be cautious and talk to your doctor first. People with certain immune conditions may need to avoid them or use them under medical supervision.
Will this help my IBS?
The Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum in this product are rated possibly effective for IBS based on the evidence we have. It's worth trying, but results vary person to person—talk to your doctor if you're not seeing improvement.
What is pectin doing in a probiotic supplement?
Pectin is a soluble fiber that may help lower cholesterol and support gut health. It works alongside the live bacteria. Just know it can interfere with how your body absorbs certain medications like digoxin or lovastatin, so spacing doses matters.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Acidophilus 1 Billion CFU's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 33 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Bifidobacterium Bifidum 7 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Xiao JZ, Takahashi S, Odamaki T, et al. Antibiotic susceptibility of bifidobacterial strains distributed in the Japanese market. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(2):336-42. PubMed
  3. Rerksuppaphol S, Rerksuppaphol L. Randomized controlled trial of probiotics to reduce common cold in schoolchildren. Pediatr Int. 2012;54(5):682-7. PubMed
  4. Karamali M, Dadkhah F, Sadrkhanlou M, et al. Effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Metab 2016;42(4):234-41. PubMed
  5. Badehnoosh B, Karamali M, Zarrati M, et al. The effects of probiotic supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018 May;31(9):1128-1136.
  6. Pruccoli G, Silvestro E, Pace Napoleone C, Aidala E, Garazzino S, Scolfaro C. Are probiotics safe? Bifidobacterium bacteremia in a child with severe heart failure. Infez Med. 2019;27(2):175-178.
  7. Esaiassen E, Hjerde E, Cavanagh JP, Simonsen GS, Klingenberg C; Norwegian Study Group on Invasive Bifidobacterial Infections. Bifidobacterium bacteremia: Clinical characteristics and a genomic approach to assess pathogenicity. J Clin Microbiol. 2017;55(7) PubMed

See these in context on the Bifidobacterium Bifidum monograph →

Pectin 11 references
  1. Jaakkola MS, et al. Asthma caused by occupational exposure to pectin. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;100:575-6. PubMed
  2. Westphal W, et al. [Exogenous allergic asthma following pectin exposure-a new occupational allergen]. Pneumologie 1990;44(Suppl 1):337-8.
  3. Baldwin JL, et al. Pectin-induced occupational asthma. Chest 1993;104:1936-7. PubMed
  4. Cohen AJ, Forse MS, Tarlo SM. Occupational asthma caused by pectin inhalation during the manufacture of jam. Chest 1993;103:309-11.
  5. Kraut A, et al. Christmas candy maker's asthma. IgG4-mediated pectin allergy. Chest 1992;102:1605-7. PubMed
  6. Richter WO, Jacob BG, Schwandt P. Interaction between fibre and lovastatin. Lancet 1991;338:706.
  7. Albert KS, Ayres JW, DiSanto AR, et al. Influence of kaolin-pectin suspension on digoxin bioavailability. J Pharm Sci 1978;67:1582-6. PubMed
  8. Albert KS, Welch RD, DeSante KA, et al. Decreased tetracycline bioavailability caused by a bismuth subsalicylate antidiarrheal mixture. J Pharm Sci 1979;68:586-8. PubMed
  9. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  10. Federal Register April 17,2003. Anti-Diarrheal Products for over-the-counter human use; final monograph. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/03-9380.pdf (Accessed 27 December 2004).
  11. Washio K, Nakamura M, Sato N, et al. Anaphylaxis in a pectin- and cashew nut-allergic child caused by a citrus bath. Allergol Int 2022;71(1):155-157. PubMed

See these in context on the Pectin monograph →

Lactobacillus Acidophilus 15 references
  1. Pierce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: The Stonesong Press, 1999:19.
  2. Begtrup LM, de Muckadell OB, Kjeldsen J, Christensen RD, Jarbøl DE. Long-term treatment with probiotics in primary care patients with irritable bowel syndrome--a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Scand J Gastroenterol 2013;48(10):1127-35 PubMed
  3. Chatterjee S, Kar P, Das T, Ray S, Gangulyt S, Rajendiran C, Mitra M. Randomised placebo-controlled double blind multicentric trial on efficacy and safety of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium BB-12 for prevention of antibiotic-associated
  4. Shavakhi A, Tabesh E, Yaghoutkar A, Hashemi H, Tabesh F, Khodadoostan M,Minakari M, Shavakhi S, Gholamrezaei A. The effects of multistrain probiotic compound on bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection: a randomized placebo-c
  5. Karamali M, Dadkhah F, Sadrkhanlou M, et al. Effects of probiotic supplementation on glycaemic control and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Diabetes Metab 2016;42(4):234-41. PubMed
  6. Badehnoosh B, Karamali M, Zarrati M, et al. The effects of probiotic supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation, oxidative stress and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018 May;31(9):1128-1136.
  7. Kumar S, Kumar R, Rohilla L, Jacob N, Yadav J, Sachdeva N. A high potency multi-strain probiotic improves glycemic control in children with new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled pilot study. Pediatr Diabete
  8. Shahriari A, Karimi E, Shahriari M, Aslani N, Khooshideh M, Arab A. The effect of probiotic supplementation on the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus among high-risk pregnant women: A parallel double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial PubMed
  9. Xiao SD, Zhang DZ, Lu H, et al. Multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus LB in patients with chronic diarrhea. Adv Ther. 2003;20(5):253-60.
  10. Rossi F, Amadoro C, Gasperi M, Colavita G. Lactobacilli infection case reports in the last three years and safety implications. Nutrients. 2022;14(6):1178. PubMed
  11. Ozer M, Goksu SY, Shahverdiani A, Mustafa M. Lactobacillus acidophilus-induced endocarditis and associated splenic abscess. Case Rep Infect Dis 2020;2020:1382709.
  12. Sadrin S, Sennoune S, Gout B, et al. A 2-strain mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Dig Liver Dis 2020;52(5):534-540. PubMed
  13. Stoffer JN, Slingsby TJ, Giuliari GP. Lactobacillus acidophilus endophthalmitis after intravitreal bevacizumab injection requiring intraocular lens explantation. Can J Ophthalmol 2022;57(1):e21-e22. PubMed
  14. Cukovic-Cavka S, Likic R, Francetic I, Rustemovic N, Opacic M, Vucelic B. Lactobacillus acidophilus as a cause of liver abscess in a NOD2/CARD15-positive patient with Crohn's disease. Digestion 2006;73(2-3):107-10.
  15. Hui J, Ren Y, Wang Y, Han Q. Lactobacillus acidophilus endophthalmitis postcataract operation: A case report with a literature review. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023.

See these in context on the Lactobacillus Acidophilus monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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