What are probiotics? Does Actimel work? Is Actimel healthy? |

In this article you will learn, among others:

• What are probiotics?

• Which bacteria are good?

• Do probiotics work?

• Will probiotics fight allergies?

• Does Actimel work?

• Is Actimel worth drinking?

What are probiotics?

The name itself is taken from the Greek ‘pro bios’ meaning ‘for life’ and its meaning has changed over the years. Ultimately, we are talking about probiotics in the context of preparations or products that contain live microorganisms. Once introduced into the host’s organism, they improve the microbiological balance, thus positively affecting its health.

Which bacteria are good?

Probiotic bacteria can be bacterial strains that can be found in the natural intestinal flora of humans. Examples are lactic acid bacteria, such as those of the genus Lactobacillus (L. casei, L. acidophilus, L. plantarum) and also Bifidobacterium (B. catenulatum, B. bifidum, B. adolescentis). The latter make up the majority of the human colon. In addition to bacteria, the probiotic microorganisms also include the non-pathogenic strain of the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.

Do probiotics work?

It has been shown that in order to obtain clear therapeutic effects one should consume10⁸ – 10.⁹ cells of living organisms found in fermented milk drinks daily. However, it should be remembered that many factors influence the beneficial effects of probiotics. The research showed the greatest effectiveness of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Sacharomyces boulardii. Their beneficial effect has been proven in the treatment of acute infectious diarrhea. They are also important when taken simultaneously with antibiotics, as they reduce the risk of post-antibiotic diarrhea. Among the products available on the market, Sacharomyces boulardii can be found, among others, in dietary supplements such as:, Dierol ‘and’ Lacidoenter ‘, as well as in the medicinal product’ Enterol ‘, while the Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain is present in the dietary supplement’ Dicoflor ‘and the slimming supplement ‘Prolavia’.

We asked Dr. Alina Kanikowska, MD, PhD to dispel the most common doubts about taking probiotics.

Will probiotics fight allergies?

Research is inconclusive as to whether probiotics are effective in treating allergic diseases. Some studies show that they can reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis in children and adults, while the results in terms of reducing the risk of developing food allergies are inconclusive and currently probiotics are not routinely recommended for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.

Does consuming probiotics in children with cow’s milk allergy help to get rid of this allergy?

It has been proven that the use of casein hydrolyzate with the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG accelerates the acquisition of tolerance to cow’s milk protein compared to the use of casein hydrolyzate without probiotic, rice hydrolyzate, soy or amino acid preparation. After 12 months of using the preparation with a probiotic, 79 percent. children developed tolerance to cow’s milk protein.

Will the implementation of probiotic products into the diet of a pregnant woman from an atopic family help to avoid allergies in her child?

Despite numerous studies, it is still unknown what probiotics, for what period of time and in what dose should be used in order to prevent the occurrence of allergic diseases. Several studies have confirmed the beneficial effects of probiotics, in particular Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, used during pregnancy and infancy, reducing the incidence of atopic dermatitis in children in the first years of life by about 20-24%. However, not all studies confirm this effect. Probably the protective effect of probiotics is greater in children born by caesarean section. A similar effect of reducing the risk of atopic dermatitis in infants is observed with the use of prebiotics (galacto and fructo-oligosaccharides).

Does Actimel work?

There are constantly increasing numbers of products containing probiotics on the Polish market, but let’s take a closer look at the well-known yoghurt drink – Actimel.

Actimel is one of the probiotic-enriched dairy products available on the market. As a food product, it can be an addition to our daily diet, but why is it worth using and is it really? It contains bacteria Lactobacillus casei DN 114 001. Studies have shown that this strain reduces the risk of side effects and diarrhea in the case of Helicobacter pylori infection. It can therefore be used as an adjunct to treatment. However, can it be said that Actimel strengthens immunity, as the manufacturer assures in numerous advertisements? There is no scientific research that would conclusively confirm this. Yes, the use of probiotics supports our intestinal flora by replenishing it with ‘healthy’ bacteria, but it does not protect us against disease. So it can be considered as nothing more than an advertising gimmick.

Is Actimel worth drinking?

Probiotics are still a mystery to us. Numerous studies have ambiguously confirmed their effectiveness. When reaching for probiotic products, however, it should be remembered that they contain those probiotics that have a documented effect in a specific clinical case. The properties of probiotics are strain-dependent, so even related strains may not work.

Do you think that it is worth reaching for probiotic preparations? Do you give your children Actimel? What are your opinions on whether Actimel works?

You might also be interested in: Kefir – heals and prevents?

The author of the article is a dietitian Martyna Przybyłko

Photo from: HealthGauge / IWoman / CC BY