Abstract
1. A series of 30 constipated subjects were under observation before, during, and after treatment with B. acidophilus. A comparison of these periods shows that the number of normal defecations has been significantly increased during treatment. The usual daily dose was 1,000 c.c. containing 200,000,000 viable B. acidophilus per c.c.
2. The beneficial influence of B. acidophilus usually persists for a considerable period of time after treatment has been stopped. Patients have been observed for from one week to about one year after treatment and almost without exception all have had more normal defecations after, than before, treatment.
3. The use of lactose during and after ingestion of B. acidophilus does much to enhance the beneficial effects.
4. A transformation of the intestinal flora from a proteolytic to an aciduric type as shown by microscopic and plate counts may generally be induced. Such transformation is usually accompanied by almost daily defecations regardless of the severity of the constipation.
5. Two cases of diarrhea have been successfully treated by the ingestion of B. acidophilus.
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