Dannon probiotic yogurtBy Probiotics Expert: Dr. Raga

What is Dannon probiotic yogurt?Probiotics are defined as live

microorganisms that when taken in sufficient amount may give beneficial effects to its host. It comes from the words pro (meaning for) and biota (meaning life).

Dannon probiotic yogurt, manufactured by Dannon, is a yogurt product incorporated with beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium regularis (Bifidobacterium lactis) which is an active culture.

Dannon probiotic yogurt can aid in the regulation of the digestive system if it is taken daily for weeks as regular part of balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

How do probiotics work?Probiotics improve the functioning of the

body by several of its beneficial effects. When the probiotic cultures are taken regularly and remain alive and active, they will be able to have themselves established in the intestines for short periods of time. Then, that is when they can provide the body their beneficial effects.

However, in order for the probiotics to give the body its advantageous effects, they need to survive their passage through the environment of the gastrointestinal system.

What is the intestinal microflora?Intestinal microflora or gut flora is referred to as the

complex group of vital bacterial microorganisms which reside in the digestive tract.

According to several studies, there are approximately 1000 species of bacteria that live in the intestines.

Generally, the intestinal microflora are not dangerous to health. Actually, some are even essential for the body’s normal growth and development. Several factors such as eating habits, sleep deficiency, stress, illness, aging, and antibiotics can impair the balance in the number of intestinal microflora.

Additionally, the intestinal microflora performs an essential role in the immune system maturation and normal gastrointestinal function development.

What are the contents of Dannon probiotic yogurt?

In each serving of Dannon probiotic yogurt, there are over 1 billion, live, and active strains of Bifidobacterium lactis which has a beneficial effect in digestive comfort.

Aside from Bifidobacterium lactis, it also contains strains of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which are both commonly used in the production of yogurt.

How do Dannon probiotic yogurt works?Every food that is consumed have several

impacts to the digestive system. The unique bacteria, Bifidobacterium lactis Regularis (BL Regularis)contained in Dannon probiotic yogurt can withstand the gastric acids and enzymes as it passes through the digestive system.

Through this mechanism, these probiotics are able to arrive at the intestines alive, active, and adequate in number.

What are the probiotic strains in Dannon probiotic yogurt?

1. Bifidobacterium Lactis Regularis (BL Regularis)

Also known as Bifidobacterium animalis

A gram-positive rod-shaped, anaerobic bacterium which can be normally found inside the intestinal tracts of mammals like humans.

Bifidobacterium Lactis Regularis is known to aid in the maintenance of digestive health and balance.

What are the probiotic strains in Dannon probiotic yogurt?

2. Lactobacillus BulgaricusBacteria which are commonly found in

the intestinal mucosa (mucous coating of the intestinal tract)

A symbiotic bacteria which means that they can live together with other friendly bacteria in the digestive tract

These are usually used in the production of yogurt.

Aids in the neutralization of toxins and killing of the pathogens (harmful bacteria) through its natural antibiotic effects.

What are the probiotic strains in Dannon probiotic yogurt?

3. Streptococcus ThermophillusThe word “Streptococcus” comes from a

Greek word which means twisted berry. This is because of the bacterium’s appearance of string of beads. Meanwhile, the word “Thermophillus” is derived from a Greek word meaning heat. This is based on the fact that S. Thermophillus is able to survive extremely high temperatures.

A lactic acid bacterium which is commonly used for commercial purposes such as in the production of milk, cheese, and other dairy foods.

Benefits of Dannon probiotic yogurt1. Immune health70% of the body’s immune system is located at the digestive

system. This means that consumption of probiotics can strengthen the immune system through the supply of the beneficial bacteria to the body. Increased strength of the immune system can be achieved by incorporation of probiotics to balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

2. Digestive healthThe comfort and well-being of the digestive system is a

multidimensional concept that involves physiological and psychological components.

Digestive health refers to the digestive system’s ability to perform its functions properly and improve quality of life.

A healthy digestive system has less chances of experiences of digestive issues such as flatulence, diarrhea, constipation.

What’s difference in the probiotics from supplements and dairy foods?The probiotic supplements which

usually come in the form of capsules can have far more bacteria that will survive your digestive tract. Often times probiotics from food may be useless if you have a real medical condition, but it can provide basic benefits for people. One thing that probiotics from daiy do provide is essential nutrients such as amino acids, riboflavin, and calcium.

ConclusionProbiotics contained in dairy products such as

yogurt can have benefits and can work well with probiotics in the form of supplements. This is due to the fact that dietary sources of probiotics can provide the nutrients which are not contained by the probiotic supplements. With this, more consideration should be given to the intake of dietary sources of probiotics. It’s like getting many benefits from a single package, and we realistically cannot eat so much food to get that many probiotics. We take probiotic supplements for the same reason that we take Multivitamins.

My Favorite ProbioticProbactoIn terms of commercial probiotics

my favorite is called Probacto. It is free from soy, gluten and dairy allergies.

It contains 8 different strands of bacteria as well as a yeast cleanse and a prebiotic.

It is a guaranteed 13.6 billion CfU’s per serving until the expiration date. Most companies guarantee it at the manufactured date.