Reviewing Probiotic Yogurt Brands For Sale in the USA and Canada

In the refrigerated section of health foods stores, and the dairy section of most grocery stores, it is easy to find a wide array of yogurt products designed to deliver probiotic bacteria to the digestive tract.

The increasing number of probiotic yogurt brands on the market is largely due to the growing body of evidence that the bacteria within our gut play an important role in nearly every aspect of well-being.

Studies suggest that the microflora within our digestive tract not only influence whether we digest food well or have gas, but also may have a potent influence on our immune function, cognitive function and weight.

Dannon Company promoted their Activia line of yogurt products over a number of years and gained a faithful following of consumers who report faster transit time for digestion, decrease in bloating and more regular bowel movements.

Since the success of the Activia probiotic line, other large companies have entered the market, including Pepsi Company.

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

Top Probiotics Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Effects of Probiotic Yogurt

Yogurts are all made with a culture, or a starter.These are most often species of bacteria which thrive and flourish in the presence of large amounts of lactase, which dairy products provide.

Lactic acid-producing bacteria, also known as LABs, use a unique fermentation process to convert lactose into lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide and other chemical compounds.

The acids, including lactic acid, which result from this fermentation process, create a harsh, acidic environment to inhibit the growth of many harmful bacterial organisms, while promoting the growth of the probiotic microbes.

Each brand of probiotic yogurt starts off with the manufacturer’s choice of bacterial agents selected for the ability to confer a beneficial effect on the digestive tract.

Some are geared to speed up transit time (mouth to elimination) of foods, while others combine different probiotic species to promote immune function, or those known to have an effect on inflammatory processes within the intestines.

Comparison of Probiotics Yogurt Brands

Well-established and readily available brands of probiotic yogurts include Chobani, Dannon, Stonyfield Farms, Yoplait, Fage, Yakult, and La Yogurt.

Nearly all of these products contain the two common starter culture strains of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. In addition to these strains, other bacteria are added which affect flavor, texture and smell.

Some brands of probiotic yogurt are more geared toward specific symptoms. For example, Yakult yogurt contains Lactobacillus casei which has been demonstrated to improve regularity in individuals with chronic constipation.

People reported improvements after drinking this yogurt beverage daily for 2-4 weeks.

Activia yogurt contains Bifidobacterium lactis, though the strain used is labeled under Dannon’s proprietary name Bifidus Regularis.

Though many probiotic studies are done with combinations of these beneficial microbes, B. lactis has been studied in isolation and it appears these bacteria may help with symptoms experienced by those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other inflammatory disorders of the intestinal tract, like Crohn’s Disease.

It may also help with intestinal wall permeability issues.

Bifido animalis is a bacterial species which appears to only be available in La Yogurt branded products. Although there isn’t a lot of research on this species in isolation, there is evidence suggesting this microorganism may have positive effects on overall immune function.

Sources, Dosage and Side Effects

Although many claims have been made or inferred about probiotic yogurt, it is important to know that these products must be eaten at least two to three times each day in order to provide the beneficial effects claimed.

For the sake of convenience, many people choose to eat probiotic enriched yogurts in addition to a health regimen which already includes probiotic supplements.

For those simply wanting to add low doses of probiotic bacteria to their daily diet, eating yogurts with these beneficial life forms may be sufficient. Physicians will usually recommend probiotic supplements in capsule, pill, tablet or liquid form in order to assure an adequate, consistent daily dose is taken.

Which Probiotic Yogurt to Buy?

Manufacturers of the various probiotics yogurt brands all begin with common starter cultures and usually blend other beneficial bacteria in to improve taste, smell and texture. Eating yogurt with probiotic microorganisms is a good addition to any healthy diet.

Read the ingredient label to assure the correct species of bacteria is contained in the selected product. In addition, it is easy to gauge the number of daily servings needed by checking the number of live colony-forming units (CFU) contained in each serving.

All probiotic yogurts are not the same. Some manufacturers, like Dannon and Yakult, include strains of probiotic bacteria which have been well-studied with regards to their beneficial effects.

If eating yogurt for probiotic benefits, select probiotics yogurt brands which deliver the best bacteria for the symptoms being experienced.

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