Continental Acidophilus is the result of several hundred years experience in learning the secrets of how best to prepare and nurture lactic acid bacteria milk cultures. The unique strains of lactobacilli in Continental Acidophilus originated in the Balkan States of the Old World. They were brought to the United States by the noted culture specialist, Vasa Cubaleski. Billions of microscopic organisms known as bacteria are normal residents of the human intestinal track. Although the intestine of a newborn child is bacteria-free, within a few days after birth it is invaded by microorganisms, which colonize and reproduce there throughout the life of the individual. This colony of bacteria is known as the "intestinal flora." Although some pathogenic types of bacteria make up part of the intestinal flora, in healthy people these are outnumbered, and their proliferation is controlled by beneficial bacteria that perform several essential functions. The intestinal flora synthesizes important vitamins, principally vitamin K, as well as some members of the B-complex family such as riboflavin, nicotinic acid, biotin, and folic acid. The further and most important function of friendly bacteria is in helping the intestinal track maintain a proper acid balance essential to good elimination. This is accomplished by a type of microorganism called lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria), which promotes several healthful intestinal conditions. These functions are important to keep a healthy intestinal track. The kinds and numbers of different types of bacteria which make up the intestinal flora are determined to a large extent by the diet of the individual. A restricted diet will result in a restricted variety of bacteria which comprise the intestinal flora. An effective and pleasant way to increase the lactic acid producing population in the intestinal flora is regular dietary use of the specially cultured concentrate of acidophilus found in Continental Acidophilus. Lactbacillus acidophilus is reported to be helpful in - treating food allergies, yeast infections, E. Coli, calcium absorption, digestive problems, and improving your immune system.