Keep it great

A healthy gut for a healthy immune system




Your body is home to around 100 trillion bacteria and keeping them in balance is essential to your health and wellbeing. There are many more microbial cells than human cells and it is estimated that for every cell in your body, there are 10 microorganisms. Most of these microorganisms are bacteria and up to 95% live in your gut. In recent years, the gut microbiome has been linked to a range of conditions, including anxiety,1 diabetes,2 autism,2 and obesity.2

It is no wonder they are central to your wellbeing!

Your immune system is key to helping you stay well and feeling good. Studies have shown that 70-80% of your body’s immune cells live in the gastrointestinal tract.3 A simple way to support your immune system is by supporting your gut health. You can do this by consuming yoghurt or kefir. But not all yoghurts are created equal. With a yoghurt that has probiotics, good gut health and the immune system may be supported. The World Health Organization defines probiotics as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host”5

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Not all yogurts are created equal

Learn more

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Not all probiotics are created equal either

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What to look for in yoghurt?

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The science behind probiotics

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Are you a yoghurt producer?

If you are a yoghurt producer and would like to know how you can include some of the highly researched probiotic strains in your yoghurt, we would love to hear from you. 

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Not all yoghurts are created equal

All yoghurts contain live and active cultures. These cultures take part in the natural fermentation process, along with just the right temperature and time, to change the flavour and texture of milk and create delicious, creamy yoghurt.

 

While all yoghurts are made using live bacteria, not all yoghurts contain probiotics.

Probiotics refer to live microorganisms such as good bacteria, that are added to the yoghurt for the sole purpose of providing a specific health benefit when consumed in the right quantities. The benefits of probiotics are dependant on the specific strains used. Some yoghurts contain probiotics that support good gut health, while others support immune health.

 

Couple eating brunch

 


Not all probiotics are created equal


Bacteria with benefits

Clinical studies are carried out on specific strains of bacteria to help understand the benefits you may experience when you consume them. Probiotics may bring a health benefit when consumed in the right quantity.


Many probiotics thrive in yoghurt, which makes eating probiotic yoghurt a delicious way to get the extra benefits. Let’s take a look at a few of the best:

 

 
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LGG® maintaining natural balance


Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG® (hereafter referred to by use of the trademark LGG®) is one of the most researched probiotic strains in the world with hundreds of clinical articles supporting its effects. LGG® is highly resistant to the harsh environment of the digestive tract - it stays alive after you consume it, allowing it to take action. The clinical studies looking at LGG® have found that it can help restore and maintain the natural balance of good bacteria in the gut as well as support the immune system. LGG® is associated with promotion of the immune system and lowering the incidence of colds and flu-like symptoms. 
 
 
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L.CASEI 431® supporting immune health

 

Another probiotic to look out for in yoghurts is Lactobacillus paracasei, L. CASEI 431® (hereafter referred to by use of the trademark L. CASEI 431®). Many clinical studies have shown that L. CASEI 431® may also support your body’s natural defence system and promote good health. L. CASEI 431® is another immune-supporting probiotic.
 
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BB-12® supporting Gut Health

 

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12® (hereafter referred to by use of the trademark BB-12®) is quite a mouthful, you can see why we like to shorten it! BB-12® has also been researched in hundreds of clinical studies and is one of the world’s most studied Bifidobacterium. BB-12® has also been shown to survive the journey through the harsh environment of the gut. It has been shown to support a healthy gut by supporting regularity and good digestion.
Couple in supermarket looking at yogurt

 

What to look for in your yoghurt?

Now that we have uncovered the difference between probiotic and non-probiotic yoghurts, how can you tell what you should be looking for on the supermarket’s chiller shelf?

 

Some yoghurts in Australia and New Zealand have begun calling out the word “probiotic” on the front label and that is a great start. If you see “probiotic” you can be assured that the yoghurt contains these good and beneficial bacteria in the right amounts to support health.

What you won’t know is the benefit, or which probiotic is actually in the yoghurt.

Here are three extra things to look for:

 

 



1. A claim on the pack. This tells you exactly what benefit consuming the probiotic yoghurt has been associated with. On the pack you may see words like, “Supports Immunity” or “Supports Digestion”. 

 

2. You can also look for the specific strain of probiotic. You may recognize them being written in different ways:
LGG by Chr Hansen logo

Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG®  

BB-12 by Chr Hansen logo

Bifidobacterium or Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis or BB-12®

L. Casei 431 by Chr Hansen logo

Lactobacillus paracasei, L. CASEI 431®


3. Finally, the amount of the probiotic per serving will also be written on the pack. It may simply be “Billions of Probiotics”, or it may be written in the nutritional panel and call out the number of probiotics per serve. In this way, you can be sure you are getting enough of these good bacteria.

Fewer instances of loose and watery stools
Fewer6 and shorter episodes of loose and watery stools7, 8, 9 faster improvement in the consistency of stools,9, 10 and fewer instances of travel-related loose stools.

Reduction in hospitalization-related health conditions
Fewer hospitalization-related digestive system conditions and respiratory conditions.12

Fewer respiratory health conditions
Fewer respiratory challenges,12, 13 and significantly less days with respiratory discomfort.13

 

Support for oral health
Healthier teeth14 and oral health.15

 

Support for immune health
Significantly higher levels of antibodies (natural proteins integral to immune system function), which suggests support for immune health.16



Bifidobacterium, BB-12®

Bifidobacterium, BB-12® has been scientifically investigated in numerous clinical studies. It has been used worldwide since 1985 with no safety concerns. BB-12® has demonstrated support for the immune system and digestive system in children and adults (alone, or in combination with other probiotic strains).

 

Support for digestive health†
Softer and more frequent bowel movements,17 shorter and fewer episodes of loose stools in children,18, 19 and more regular bowel movements in adults20, 21 and the elderly.22

 

Less crying and fussing in babies*
Significantly less excessive crying and fussing in babies.23

 

Supporting respiratory health†
Fewer episodes of respiratory discomfort in children.24, 25, 26

 

Improved immune health†
Benefits for immune system function in children27 and adults.28

Less itchy, dry skin#

Fewer instances of red, dry, and scaly skin in babies.29

 

Better oral health*

Lower salivary levels of specific bacteria that contribute to poor oral health in adults.30

 

Lower cholesterol levels#

Supporting healthier levels of cholesterol in adults.31

 

*studied alone,  #studied in combination with other strains, †studied alone and in combination with other strains



Lactobacillus paracasei, L.CASEI 431®

Lactobacillus paracasei, L. CASEI 431® has been studied in depth and is one of the best documented probiotic Lactobacillus strains. L. CASEI 431® has been demonstrated beneficial effects across various areas of health. L. CASEI 431® probiotic supplementation has been associated with:


Support for the immune system
More antibodies (natural proteins that fight microorganisms including harmful bacteria) following an immune challenge,28, 32, 33 suggesting that L. CASEI 431® may support the body’s immune system.

 

Improved respiratory health
Fewer instances of colds and flu-like conditions, fewer visits to health care professionals, and a reduction in the use of some healthcare interventions.34

 

Regular and healthy digestive health
With more regular bowel movements and softer stools, in combination with the BB-12® probiotic strain.17

Woman and child eating yogurt

 


The science behind probiotics

 

Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG®

In more than 250 clinical articles, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG® from Chr. Hansen has been associated with beneficial effects across numerous health areas. Some of the best studied areas in babies, children and adults are digestive health, immune support and oral health. LGG® probiotic supplementation has been associated with:

 

This information on this page is intended for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice.

 

BB-12®, LGG®, and L. CASEI 431® are registered trademarks of Chr. Hansen A/S.

 

References

1.Durack J, Lynch SV. The gut microbiome: Relationships with disease and opportunities for therapy. The Journal of experimental medicine. 2019;216(1):20-40.

2. Clapp M, et al. Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: the gut-brain axis. Clinics and practice. 2017;7(4).

3. Vighi G, Marcucci F, Sensi L et al., Clin Exp Immunol 2008; 153(Supp 1):3-6

4.  Conlon M. & Bird A., Nutrients 2015,7, 17-44

5. Hill C, et al. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on the scope and appropriate use of the term probiotic. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;11:506. 

6. Vanderhoof JA, et al. Lactobacillus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children. The Journal of Pediatrics. 1999;135(5):564-8.

7. Isolauri E, et al. A human Lactobacillus strain (Lactobacillus casei sp strain GG) promotes recovery from acute diarrhea in children. Pediatrics. 1991;88(1):90-7.

8. Sindhu KNC, et al. Immune response and intestinal permeability in children with acute gastroenteritis treated with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clinical infectious diseases : an official publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 2014;58(8):1107-15.

9. Aggarwal S, et al. Lactobacillus GG for treatment of acute childhood diarrhoea: an open labelled, randomized controlled trial. Indian J Med Res. 2014;139(3):379-85.

10. Clapp M, et al. Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: the gut-brain axis. Clinics and practice. 2017;7(4).

11. Hilton E, et al. Efficacy of Lactobacillus GG as a Diarrheal Preventive in Travelers. J Travel Med. 1997;4(1):41-3.

12. Hojsak I, et al. Lactobacillus GG in the prevention of nosocomial gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections. Pediatrics. 2010;125(5):e1171-7.

13. Hojsak I, et al. Lactobacillus GG in the prevention of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections in children who attend day care centers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2010;29(3):312-6.

14. Nase L, et al. Effect of long-term consumption of a probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, in milk on dental caries and caries risk in children. Caries Res. 2001;35(6):412-20.

15. Glavina D, et al. Effect of LGG yoghurt on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. salivary counts in children. Coll Antropol. 2012;36(1):129-32.

16. Davidson LE, et al. Lactobacillus GG as an immune adjuvant for live-attenuated influenza vaccine in healthy adults: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2011;65(4):501-7.

17. Vlieger AM, et al. Tolerance and safety of Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei in combination with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis in a prebiotic-containing infant formula: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Nutr. 2009;102(6):869-75.

18. Weizman Z, et al. Effect of a probiotic infant formula on infections in child care centers: comparison of two probiotic agents. Pediatrics. 2005;115(1):5-9.

19. Saavedra JM, et al. Feeding of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus to infants in hospital for prevention of diarrhoea and shedding of rotavirus. Lancet. 1994;344(8929):1046-9.

20. Eskesen D, et al. Effect of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12®, on defecation frequency in healthy subjects with low defecation frequency and abdominal discomfort: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. Br J Nutr. 2015;114(10):1638-46.

21. Uchida K, et al. Effect of fermented milk containing Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 on stool frequency, defecation, fecal microbiota and safety of excessive ingestion in healthy female students. Journal of Nutritional Food. 2005;8:39-51.

22. Pitkala KH, et al. Fermented cereal with specific bifidobacteria normalizes bowel movements in elderly nursing home residents. A randomized, controlled trial. J Nutr Health Aging. 2007;11(4):305-11.

23 Nocerino R, et al. The therapeutic efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12® in infant colic: A randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2019.

24. Taipale TJ, et al. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in infancy. Br J Nutr. 2011;105(3):409-16.

25. Taipale TJ, et al. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 in reducing the risk of infections in early childhood. Pediatr Res. 2016;79(1-1):65-9.

26. Rautava S, et al. Specific probiotics in reducing the risk of acute infections in infancy--a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Br J Nutr. 2009;101(11):1722-6.

27. Holscher HD, et al. Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12 enhances intestinal antibody response in formula-fed infants: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2012;36(1 Suppl):106s-17s.

28. Rizzardini G, et al. Evaluation of the immune benefits of two probiotic strains Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis, BB-12® and Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei, L. casei 431® in an influenza vaccination model: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Br J Nutr. 2012;107(6):876-84.

29. Isolauri E, et al. Probiotics in the management of atopic eczema. Clin Exp Allergy. 2000;30(11):1604-10.

30. Caglar E, et al. Short-term effect of ice-cream containing Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 on the number of salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. Acta Odontol Scand. 2008;66(3):154-8.

31. Ejtahed HS, et al. Effect of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis on lipid profile in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Dairy Sci. 2011;94(7):3288-94.

32. Trachootham, D. et al. Drinking fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei 431 (IMULUSTM) improves immune response against H1N1 and cross-reactive H3N2 viruses after influenza vaccination: A pilot randomized triple-blinded placebo controlled trial. Journal of Functional Foods. 2017;33, 1–10.

33. De Vrese, M. et al. Probiotic bacteria stimulate virus-specific neutralizing antibodies following a booster polio vaccination. European Journal of Nutrition. 2005;44(7), 406–413.

34. Jespersen L, et al. Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, L. casei 431 on immune response to influenza vaccination and upper respiratory tract infections in healthy adult volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(6):1188-96.