^{Lactobacillus acidophilus assists in the production of: folic acid, niacin, and pyridoxine.  Niacin is a water soluable vitamin.  Pyridoxine is a used in the balancing of sodium and potassium, and advancing red blood cell reproduction.  Folic acids occur naturally in food and can also be used  as supplements.  These materials all have similarities and differences for their different sets of functions.}  

 

Lactobacillus acidophilus can be classified as a "friendly" bacteria. This such bacteria inhabits the intestines, the vagina, and protects against the entrance and proliferation of "bad" orgaisms that can carry disease.  The breakdown of food by lactobacilus acidophilus may lead to lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other byproducts that make the environment hostile for unwanted organisms.

 

It is usually straight, although it can form coccobacillary,which forms under certain conditions.  They are often found in chains of varying length.  Lactobacilli are classified as lactic acid bacteria, and derive almost all of their energy from the conversion of glucose to lactate during homolactic fermentation. In this process 85-90% of the sugar utilized is converted to lactic acid. They generate ATP by nonoxidative substrate-level phosphorylation.

 

The term "probiotic" is used to describe organisms that are used medicinally, including bacteria such as L. acidophilus

 

 

 

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a gram positive bacteria.