Is yogurt probiotic
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Is Yogurt Probiotic?
Introduction to Yogurt and Probiotics
Yogurt is a popular dairy product created through the fermentation of milk by specific bacterial cultures. It is often associated with health benefits, particularly when it contains probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. However, not all yogurts qualify as probiotic.
Probiotic Yogurt: Definition and Criteria
Probiotic Strains in Yogurt
For yogurt to be considered probiotic, it must contain specific strains of beneficial bacteria in sufficient quantities. Common probiotic strains used in yogurt include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactobacillus casei, among others 125. These strains must remain viable throughout the product's shelf life to provide health benefits 15.
Regulatory and Quality Standards
The production of probiotic yogurt is subject to stringent regulatory frameworks to ensure that the probiotic strains are present in therapeutic amounts. These regulations vary globally but generally require that probiotic yogurts contain a minimum number of live microorganisms per gram at the end of their shelf life 1. The viability of these strains is crucial for the yogurt to be marketed as a probiotic product 12.
Health Benefits of Probiotic Yogurt
Glycemic Control and Antioxidant Status
Probiotic yogurt has been shown to improve glycemic control and antioxidant status in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Studies indicate that consuming probiotic yogurt can significantly reduce fasting blood glucose levels and improve antioxidant enzyme activities 3. However, some meta-analyses suggest that the benefits may not be significantly different from those of conventional yogurt, indicating a need for further research 8.
Immune System Enhancement
Probiotic yogurt can also enhance the immune system, particularly in the elderly. For instance, yogurt supplemented with Lactobacillus paracasei has been found to reduce the incidence of acute upper respiratory tract infections and improve T-cell-mediated immune responses in older adults 4.
Digestive Health and Nutrient Absorption
The combination of yogurt and fruits can provide synergistic health benefits due to their probiotic and prebiotic properties. This combination can improve digestive health, enhance nutrient absorption, and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases 9. Additionally, yogurt containing short-chain fatty acid-producing probiotics can improve the protective function of the intestinal epithelium by increasing mucin production and probiotic adhesion 10.
Challenges in Probiotic Yogurt Production
Viability of Probiotic Strains
Maintaining the viability of probiotic strains in yogurt throughout its shelf life is a significant challenge. Factors such as storage conditions, yogurt composition, and the presence of other ingredients can affect the survival of these beneficial bacteria 15. Techniques to enhance the stability and viability of probiotics in yogurt are continually being developed 7.
Sensory and Physicochemical Properties
The addition of probiotics and other functional ingredients can alter the sensory and physicochemical properties of yogurt. For example, adding fruit juice to yogurt can increase its sensory acceptability but may also affect its texture and water-holding capacity 56. Balancing these factors is crucial for producing a probiotic yogurt that is both effective and enjoyable for consumers.
Conclusion
While not all yogurts are probiotic, those that meet specific criteria and contain viable probiotic strains can offer numerous health benefits. These include improved glycemic control, enhanced immune function, and better digestive health. However, challenges such as maintaining probiotic viability and balancing sensory properties must be addressed to ensure the effectiveness and consumer acceptance of probiotic yogurts. Further research and development in this field will continue to enhance the quality and health benefits of probiotic yogurt products.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Invited review: Probiotic yogurt quality criteria, regulatory framework, clinical evidence, and analytical aspects.
This review highlights the need for convincing clinical trial outcomes, regulatory frameworks, and methodological approaches to determine probiotic strain viability in functional probiotic yogurts.
Literature Review
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedYogurt as probiotic carrier food
Yogurt, as a probiotic carrier food, effectively improves human gastrointestinal microecology and is a promising food product for incorporating probiotic microorganisms.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedProbiotic yogurt improves antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients.
Probiotic yogurt improves fasting blood glucose and antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients, suggesting it as a promising agent for diabetes management.
RCTHighly CitedYogurt supplemented with probiotics can protect the healthy elderly from respiratory infections: A randomized controlled open-label trial
Yogurt supplemented with probiotic strains like N1115 may reduce the risk of acute upper respiratory tract infections in the elderly, potentially by enhancing T-cell-mediated natural immune defense.
RCT
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProbiotic viability and physico-chemical and sensory properties of plain and stirred fruit yogurts made from goat's milk.
Probiotic fruit yogurts made from goat's milk with fruit juice maintain higher probiotic viability, improved physico-chemical properties, and enhanced sensory acceptability.
Highly CitedBioactive properties of probiotic set-yogurt supplemented with Siraitia grosvenorii fruit extract.
SGF extract supplementation in probiotic yogurt improves its bioactivity and nutritional value, with 2% showing the highest antioxidant, ACE-I, and antibacterial activities.
Highly CitedProbiotic Incorporation into Yogurt and Various Novel Yogurt-Based Products
Probiotics can be added to yogurt for health benefits, and various techniques can be used to ensure their survival and provide benefits throughout the product's shelf-life and gastrointestinal tract.
The Effect of Probiotic Yogurt on Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes or Obesity: A Meta-Analysis of Nine Randomized Controlled Trials
Probiotic yogurt does not show significant benefits compared to conventional yogurt for improving glucose control in patients with diabetes or obesity.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedPotential Health Benefits of Combining Yogurt and Fruits Based on Their Probiotic and Prebiotic Properties.
Combining fruit and yogurt may provide synergistic health benefits through their probiotic and prebiotic properties, promoting digestive health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedQuality characteristics of yogurts fermented with short-chain fatty acid-producing probiotics and their effects on mucin production and probiotic adhesion onto human colon epithelial cells.
Acetate-rich yogurts with probiotics improve intestinal epithelium protection by increasing mucin production and probiotic adhesion to colon epithelial cells.
In Vitro StudyRigorous Journal