Bifidus Regularis Yogurt Benefits and Side Effects [Review of Dannon Probiotics]

Bifidus Regularis is the trademarked name for a strain of bacteria developed by Dannon that is used in their Activia yogurt.

The same proprietary strain was marketed heavily in the UK, Canada, Austria and Germany under the names Bifidus Digestivum, Bifidus Actiregularis, Bifidobacterium Lactis and Digestivum Essensis.

It is the main active component of the probiotic yogurt products sold by Danone.

Scientifically speaking, the bacteria is called Bifidus animalis subsp. lactis strain DN-173010, and is sometimes referred to as just B. lactis DN-173010.

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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What is Bifidus Regularis?

Dannon uses this strain of B. lactis in a variety of its yogurt products, along with other probiotic microbes. Most consumers who use to the Activia brand products, do so for the specific benefits they derive from the enriched yogurt.

Because Bifidus Regularis is a strain of B. animalis and the substrain lactis, when this article mentions Bifidus Regularis, note that other strains of B. lactis have also been researched and shown to possess similar probiotic properties.

Bifidus Regularis is able to pass safely through the early GI tract, enabling it to exert probiotic effects throughout the lower tract as well as the colon.

This is important because some probiotic microorganisms are more fragile and thus not able to aid the fight against pathogenic bacteria in the later portions of the gastrointestinal tract. The ability to colonize in great numbers allows Bifidus Regularis to out-compete harmful bacterial microorganisms.

Intestinal health is dependent on the maintenance of healthy microflora at each stage of digestive pathway.

Effects of Bifidus Regularis

B. lactis had a stimulating effect on the immune system of elderly people when they drank milk enriched with B. lactis daily. The study showed an increase in immune cellular function.

Another study on the benefits of B. lactis involved one group of test subjects who were supplementing daily with B. lactis and a placebo control group where were not. During week two, all subjects received a flu vaccine.

At the conclusion of the six-week study, the group receiving B. lactis supplements had a higher number of antibodies than the individuals in the placebo group. The exact mechanism of action is not fully understood yet, but more research is being conducted.

Benefits of Probiotic Yogurt

Bifidus Regularis can be an effective means of preventing constipation and other digestive problems. It does this, in part, by hastening the passage of foods and waste through the digestive system.

A 2009 study done in cooperation with researchers who work for Dannon’s parent company, Danone, focused specifically on Bifidus Regularis in relation to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Women who had been diagnosed with IBS were fed yogurt containing Dannon’s Bifidus Regularis for a four-week period.

At the end of four weeks, the women receiving Bifidus Regularis enriched yogurt experienced significant reduction in both bloating and abdominal pain. This is consistent with other research findings of other probiotic strains of B. lactis.

Class Action Lawsuit

Many people can vaguely recall the class-action lawsuit brought against Dannon for advertising and labeling claims associated with their Activia brand yogurt products.

An important point which isn’t always made when discussing this lawsuit is that it was not the probiotic bacteria which was challenged, but instead, it was the marketing claims used in conjunction with studies which could have been potentially tainted.

The question regarding the claims arose due to studies which were funded by Dannon, or because researchers who worked on the studies were in some way affiliated with Dannon Company. The suit was brought by people who purchased the products.

It became clear that one large study which supported Dannon’s claims turned out to be funded primarily by Dannon and had participating researchers who were in some way connected to the company.

Although the study was done specifically with Dannon’s own trademarked Bifidus Regularis bacteria, there are many studies to support multiple strains of B. Lactis as having beneficial properties with regards to the human digestive tract.

In the end, Dannon agreed to change some of the wording and claims. One specific change was to make consumers aware that to obtain the benefits touted, they must consume at least 3 servings of the Activia product each day.

It is important to note that Bifidus Lactis is an important probiotic which is often associated with intestinal health. Bifidus Regularis, a proprietary B. lactis strain, has been shown to have probiotic properties reported to have a beneficial influence for many people.

Where to Buy Bifidus Regularis

Bifidus Regularis is a proprietary strain of B. lactis. Dannon Company use these bacteria, along with several others, to enrich yogurt products designed specifically to aid with disorders of the digestive tract. Bifidus Regularis can be helpful at relieving constipation and restoring regularity.

In addition, some individuals experience relief from bloating and distention associated with IBS. Dannon’s Bifidus Regularis probiotic yogurt can be found in most grocery stores and health food stores under their Activia product label.

Bifidus Regularis is considered a safe and effective means of probiotic supplementation. However, it is also possible to derive the same benefits by using Bifidus Lactis supplements daily rather than consuming the trademarked Activia yogurt products from Dannon.

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