Bifidus Digestivum Probiotic Review in Danone Yogurt

Bifidus digestivum is the trademarked name of the probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium animalis subspecies strain DN 173 010. This probiotic is known as Bifidus Regularis in the USA and Mexico and is produced by Danone.

The Bifidus digestivum probiotic strain is present in Activia yogurt. Bifidobacterium animalis bacteria are also found naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract.

As a probiotic supplement, this “friendly” bacterial organism confers a health benefit on the host when present in sufficient quantities. Supplementing the diet with Bifidus digestivum in the form of yogurt or oral supplements may improve digestive health and support the immune system.

This probiotic strain is used to treat constipation and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) symptoms. Bifidus digestivum was also found to help reduce dental plaque in clinical studies.

Probiotics

Digestive Supplement

Gut Health

Digestion

Immune Function

How It Works:

• Supports a healthy immune system & microflora
• Promotes digestion & nutrient absoprtion
• Combats pathogenic bacteria; Improves metabolism

Dosage:

Between 1 - 10 Billion CFUs per day

Safety:

Rated Likely Safe

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Bifidus Digestivum Review

One of the primary reasons to consume Danone Activia probiotic yogurt is to improve bowel regularity and to alleviate constipation. Bifidus Digestivum has been found to increase the frequency of bowel movements in adults and children.

A clinical study published in Pediatrics in June 2011 showed that the fermented dairy product Activia yogurt with Bifidobacterium lactis strain DN-173010 increased the stool frequency in constipated children.

Each child was given two servings of 125 g of Activia each day at breakfast and one serving at dinnertime in the evening for three weeks. There was also an increase in bowel movement frequency in the placebo group as well. This suggests that the control product (a generic yogurt brand) may also have had a laxative effect.

Bifidus Digestivum Health Benefits

The Bifidus digestivum strain of probiotic may also improve dental health and help to reduce the risk of cavities.

A clinical study published in Caries Research showed the effect of yogurt containing the Bifidobacterium animalis subsp . lactis DN-173010 probiotic on dental plaque and saliva in orthodontic patients.

The clinical study concluded that daily ingestion of yogurt with or without B. animalis subsp. lactis for a period of 2 weeks was useful in reducing total microbial counts in dental plaque.

A clinical study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics in March 2002 showed Bifidobacterium animalis strain DN-173 010 shortens the colonic transit time in healthy women. Transit time is a measure of how long it takes for food to go through the digestive tract.

The patients in the clinical trial consumed three 125 g cups per day of a fermented milk that contained either B. animalis DN-173 010 or a control product without bifidobacteria. The study found that the total and sigmoid transit times were significantly shorter for those taking the B. animalis DN-173 010 compared to the control group.

The ideal bowel transit time is considered to be between 12 to 24 hours. A transit time longer than 2 days increases the risk of cancer, diverticulosis and candidiasis. These conditions weaken the immune system increasing the risk of all types of cancer, not only colon cancer.

Bifidus Digestivum for IBS

Bifidus Digestivum may improve symptoms in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

A clinical study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics in August 2007 showed beneficial effects of fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 for IBS.

Subjects that received this probiotic saw improve measures on a discomfort HRQoL (Health Related Quality of Life) score and bloating in constipation-predominant IBS. This probiotic was also useful for increasing stool frequency in subjects with less than 3 stools per week.

Bifidus Digestivum for Cholesterol

There is growing research suggesting that eating a diet rich in probiotics could help to maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the blood. This could also improve factors related to cardiovascular health.

A clinical study published in Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology in December 2004 showed living B. animalis DN-173 010 exhibited a BSH (Bile salt hydrolase) activity in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs, most likely in the small bowel.

BSH is mostly considered beneficial because of its supposed lowering effect on cholesterol absorption. This study showed this BSH activity was in vivo as well as taking place in vitro.

Probiotic Yogurt Vs. Supplements

Eating probiotic-enriched yogurt with Bifidus digestivum is a good way to supplement the diet with food sources of probiotic bacteria. However, the dosage present in many yogurt products is too low to provide significant therapeutic benefits.

Danone does not specifically state on their product label how many Colony Forming Units (CFUs) of probiotics are included in each serving of Activia yogurt. However according to one research review, there are 100 million CFUs per serving.

This is significantly lower than the recommended 5 – 10 billion CFUs per day that are recommended for generally improving digestion and supporting immune function. For this reason, you may need to use a higher dosage oral probiotic supplement to achieve desired health benefits.

The species of probiotic bacteria that makes up Bifidus digestivum can also be found in oral supplement form. A clinical study published in the Journal of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology in 2008 showed that a lyophilized (freeze dried) form of B. animalis DN-173 010 survives transit (reaches the gut) and was present in the feces samples taken.

The freeze dried form is considered a more convenient way to administer the probiotic for long-term clinical trials as it does not require refrigeration. The process involves freezing the material then reducing the surrounding pressure. The frozen water in the material goes from a solid to a gas. Then the product is sealed to prevent any moisture from reconstituting the product.

The product can then be stored at room temperature without refrigeration and kept for many years. When the water content is reduced it inhibits the action of microorganisms and enzymes that would normally spoil or degrade the product.

Bifidus Digestivum Side Effects

Probiotic supplements are generally safe and have a low risk of side effects when used appropriately by health adults. Eating yogurt enriched with Bifidus digestivum is unlikely to cause adverse effects, but some individuals may experience flatulence, bloating or diarrhea.

Before consuming Activia yogurt with Bifidus digestivum, it is recommended to speak to your doctor to determine whether this product is appropriate for you. Individuals who are lactose intolerant should not use yogurt-based probiotics.

Probiotics should not be taken by those with impaired immune systems, those with open surgical wounds or those using a catheter. People with SBS (Short Bowel Syndrome) should also avoid probiotic-enriched yogurt.

Probiotic bacteria like Bifidus digestivum do interact with antibiotics and should be taken at least two hours apart from each other. Unless otherwise directed by a medical professional, probiotics should not be taken during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Bifidus digestivum is the probiotic found in Activia Yogurt from Danone. This strain of “good” bacteria can improve digestive function and support the immune system. In research trials, it has been found to help relieve constipation and reduce dental plaque.

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