Probiotics in yogurt
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Probiotics in Yogurt: Health Benefits and Applications
Introduction to Probiotic Yogurt
Probiotic yogurt is a functional food that combines the nutritional benefits of yogurt with the health-promoting properties of probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. Yogurt serves as an excellent carrier for these beneficial bacteria, making it a popular choice for enhancing gut health and overall well-being 34.
Probiotic Yogurt and Diabetes Management
Glycemic Control
Several studies have investigated the impact of probiotic yogurt on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A clinical trial demonstrated that consuming probiotic yogurt significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels, indicating improved glycemic control 1. However, a meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials found no significant difference in glycemic markers such as fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c between probiotic and conventional yogurt groups, suggesting that more extensive research is needed to confirm these benefits 6.
Antioxidant Status
Probiotic yogurt has also been shown to enhance antioxidant status in type 2 diabetic patients. The consumption of probiotic yogurt increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, and improved total antioxidant status. This suggests that probiotic yogurt can help mitigate oxidative stress, which is a major factor in the progression of diabetes 1.
Probiotic Yogurt and Lipid Profile
In addition to glycemic control, probiotic yogurt has been found to positively affect lipid profiles in individuals with type 2 diabetes. A study reported that daily consumption of probiotic yogurt led to significant reductions in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), which are important markers for cardiovascular health. However, no significant changes were observed in triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels 7.
Probiotic Yogurt and Immune Function
Respiratory Infections
Probiotic yogurt may also offer protective benefits against respiratory infections. A randomized controlled trial involving elderly participants found that those who consumed yogurt supplemented with Lactobacillus paracasei had a significantly lower incidence of acute upper respiratory tract infections compared to the control group. This suggests that probiotic yogurt can enhance immune function, potentially through the modulation of T-cell-mediated immune responses 10.
Enhancing Probiotic Yogurt with Functional Ingredients
Siraitia grosvenorii Fruit Extract
Supplementing probiotic yogurt with functional ingredients like Siraitia grosvenorii fruit extract can further enhance its health benefits. This extract has been shown to improve the chemical and microbial properties of yogurt, increase antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and enhance sensory attributes. Probiotic yogurt with 2% Siraitia grosvenorii extract exhibited the highest bioactivity, making it a promising option for developing novel, health-promoting dairy products 2.
Viability and Stability of Probiotics in Yogurt
The viability of probiotic bacteria in yogurt is crucial for ensuring its health benefits. Studies have shown that different probiotic strains exhibit varying levels of stability during storage. For instance, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis maintain high viability in yogurt, while the addition of fruit juice can further support the survival of these probiotics 59. Ensuring that probiotic counts remain above the therapeutic minimum throughout the product's shelf life is essential for delivering the intended health benefits 48.
Conclusion
Probiotic yogurt offers a range of health benefits, including improved glycemic control, enhanced antioxidant status, better lipid profiles, and strengthened immune function. Supplementing yogurt with functional ingredients like Siraitia grosvenorii extract can further enhance its bioactivity and sensory appeal. Ensuring the viability of probiotic strains during storage is crucial for maintaining these benefits. As research continues to evolve, probiotic yogurt remains a promising functional food for promoting health and well-being.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Probiotic 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.
RCT
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 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 CitedInvited 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 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 CitedThe 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-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEffect of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis on lipid profile in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Probiotic yogurt improves total cholesterol and LDL-C levels in type 2 diabetic individuals, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.
RCTHighly 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.
Probiotic viability and storage stability of yogurts and fermented milks prepared with several mixtures of lactic acid bacteria.
Probiotic yogurts and fermented milks with Lactobacillus casei show better acceptance and longer storage stability, but all strains lose viability during storage.
Rigorous JournalHighly 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.
RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited