Belinda Neeley, age 11, of Huntsville, Ala., for her question:

WHAT IS SWEET ACIDOPHILUS MILK?

Lactobacillus acidophilus is the fancy name of a pure culture of tiny organisms used by dairy manufacturers to ferment skim milk. The result is a popular and healthful product called acidophilus milk.

Acidophilus milk has a very smooth, creamy consistency and an odor and taste that many say is like buttermilk.

Many doctors recommend acidophilus milk for their patients who suffer from any number of intestinal disorders. The organisms that can be found in the special milk, many medical men believe, have both soothing and healing effects on the entire digestive system. The milk's bacterial composition actually changes the bacterial content of the intestines.