The food company Dannon markets its Activia yogurt as healthy for your digestive tract because it contains bifidus regularis. Also known as Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010, bifidus regularis is a type of probiotic, healthy microorganisms that may help ease digestion and protect your body against harmful bacteria. Bifidus regularis is unique to Dannon products and is not available in other yogurts.
Probiotics
Probiotics come in hundreds of strains. When consumed regularly and in adequate amounts, they can offer many health benefits. Probiotics can help treat digestive distress, particularly diarrhea, following the consumption of antibiotics. Probiotics may also help treat vaginal yeast infections, urinary tract infections and irritable bowel syndrome. Although research is inconclusive, probiotics may also help protect against recurrence of bladder cancer, certain intestinal infections and eczema.
Bifidus Regularis
Bifidus regularis is one strain of probiotics. Dannon claims that clinical studies prove bifidus regularis survives digestion so that live cultures reach the large intestine. Dannon says eating Activia yogurt daily for two weeks can help regulate your digestive system when included as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Research
In a study published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" in December 2009, researchers confirmed that consumption of 125 g of fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010 twice daily for four weeks helped improve digestive well-being in women who suffer mild gastrointestinal distress, such as constipation. Another study, published in the February 2009 issue of the "Journal of Digestive Diseases," found that among 371 adults complaining of digestive discomfort, those consuming fermented milk containing bifidus regularis reported significant improvement of their digestive symptoms.
Considerations
Probiotics offer different benefits to your health, depending on the strain. Bifidus regularis is just one type that may be helpful for constipation, but it may not be right for other ailments often treated with probiotics. If bifidus regularis helps you, or you enjoy the taste of Activia yogurt, it can be a healthy addition to your diet.
References
- "Journal of Digestive Diseases"; Fermented Milk Containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010 Improved Self-Reported Digestive Comfort Amongst a General Population of Adults; D. Guyonnet, et al.; February 2009
- "British Journal of Nutrition"; Fermented Milk Containing Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010 Improves...; D. Guyonnet, et al.; December 2009
- National Dairy Council: Potential Health Benefits of Probiotics
- Activia: How Can Activia Help Me?
Member Comments