Is Activia good for you? Unveiling Facts & Benefits

Yogurt has been a staple of healthy eating for years, with many people turning to it as a great source of protein, probiotics, and other nutrients. One popular brand of yogurt is Activia, which claims to offer a range of health benefits beyond those of regular yogurt. 

But is Activia really good for you? In this article, we will take a closer look at Activia, examining its ingredients, nutritional facts, health benefits, what medical experts say, and ultimately determining whether or not Activia is a healthy addition to your diet.

What is Activia?

Activia is a brand of yogurt that is marketed as a probiotic yogurt that promotes digestive health. It is made by the company Danone and was first introduced in France in 1987. 

Activia is made with live and active cultures, specifically the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis DN-173 010, which is believed to aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut microbiome. It is available in a variety of flavors and styles, including low-fat, non-fat, and Greek yogurt.

Nutrition Facts of Activia 

Activia is a brand of yogurt that is marketed as a probiotic product. Here are the nutritional facts and ingredients of Activia vanilla yogurt per serving (150g):

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 7g

The ingredients of Activia vanilla yogurt include: cultured grade A non-fat milk, water, sugar, modified food starch, contains less than 1% of: natural vanilla flavor, kosher gelatin, citric acid, malic acid, vitamin D3, sodium citrate.

Cultured grade A non-fat milk is the main ingredient, and the yogurt also contains sugar and modified food starch to give it a smooth texture. Natural vanilla flavor, kosher gelatin, and citric and malic acid are added for flavor and consistency. 

Vitamin D3 is added for its potential health benefits, and sodium citrate is used as a preservative.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Contains probiotics that may improve gut health and digestion.
• Low in calories and fat, making it a good option for those watching their weight.
• Contains calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
• Available in various flavors and forms, such as yogurt drinks and Greek yogurt.

Cons:

• Contains added sugars, which can be harmful to overall health if consumed in excess.
• Some people may be sensitive to lactose or dairy products, and may experience discomfort or digestive issues.
• Some studies have found no significant difference in gut health or digestive function between those who consume probiotics and those who do not.
• The effectiveness of Activia’s probiotics has been called into question by some experts.

Overall, while Activia may have some potential health benefits, it is important to balance its consumption with a well-rounded diet and to be mindful of added sugars. It may be a good option for those looking to improve their gut health, but should not be relied on as a sole source of probiotics.

Health Benefits of Activia 

Activia is a probiotic yogurt that claims to have numerous health benefits, such as improving gut health, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. Some studies suggest that probiotics, such as those found in Activia, may have a positive impact on digestive health and immune function.

A study published in the journal Nutrients found that consuming probiotics can improve gut microbiota diversity, which is associated with better overall health outcomes.

Another study published in the National Library of Medicine found that consuming yogurt can help reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

It is also important to note that not all individuals may benefit from consuming Activia, and some people may even experience negative side effects such as bloating or gas. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding a new food or supplement to your diet.

Overall, while there is some evidence to suggest that consuming Activia may have certain health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on the body.

What Do Medical Experts Say About Activia?

According to an article published on Healthline, registered dietitian and nutritionist, Eliza Savage, RD, says that “Activia contains probiotics, which can help support a healthy gut microbiome and potentially improve digestive health.” 

However, Savage notes that more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of probiotics for overall health.

Registered dietitian, Lisa Valente, MS, RD, also notes on EatingWell that “While there’s no doubt that the probiotics in Activia can be beneficial for gut health, keep in mind that you can get probiotics from a variety of other sources, such as other yogurts, kefir, kombucha, and fermented vegetables like sauerkraut.”

According to Dr. Melissa Conrad Stöppler, a board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology, “The potential health benefits of probiotics have been widely promoted and studied, but not all probiotics are created equal. The effectiveness of probiotics like those in Activia yogurt depend on the specific strain and how much of it is in the product. For those who tolerate dairy products, incorporating Activia into the diet may be a way to obtain beneficial probiotics.”

Other Scientific Studies on Activia 

1. Constipation can be caused by several medications, such as opioids, iron pills, antidepressants, and certain cancer treatments, but probiotic yogurt can offer relief.
2. A recent review of well-designed studies suggests that probiotics can aid in weight loss and decrease body fat percentage in people with overweight and obesity.

Note: These studies may not necessarily provide conclusive evidence of the health benefits of Activia, and further research is needed to validate their findings.

Who Should Avoid Activia?

Most people can consume Activia without any adverse effects, but certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid it altogether. Some people with lactose intolerance may experience discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea, from consuming dairy products like yogurt.

Additionally, individuals with a dairy allergy should avoid Activia or any dairy product that contains milk proteins.

In some cases, individuals with compromised immune systems may also need to avoid Activia. The bacterial strains used in Activia may not be safe for individuals with weakened immune systems, as the bacteria could potentially cause infections.

It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about whether or not a particular food is safe for you to consume.

Alternatives to Activia 

Some alternatives to Activia for promoting gut health include:

1. Chobani Greek Yogurt: Chobani’s Greek Yogurt is a probiotic-rich option that is made with live and active cultures. It is available in a variety of flavors and contains no artificial preservatives, sweeteners, or flavors.
2. Kefir: Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is made by adding kefir grains to milk. It is a good source of probiotics and is believed to promote gut health, boost immunity, and improve digestion.
3. Kimchi: Kimchi is a spicy Korean fermented vegetable dish that is made with cabbage, radish, and other vegetables. It is a good source of probiotics and is believed to promote gut health and improve digestion.

It’s important to note that while these alternatives may have similar health benefits to Activia, they may have different nutritional profiles and should be chosen based on personal preferences and dietary needs.

FAQs

What is the best time to eat Activia?

Answer: Activia can be consumed at any time of the day. However, it is recommended to consume it in the morning on an empty stomach to get maximum benefits.

Is Activia good for weight loss?

Answer: Activia is not specifically designed for weight loss, but it can be included in a healthy diet as a source of probiotics, which may help with weight management.

Can I eat Activia if I’m lactose intolerant?

Answer: Activia contains lactose, so it may not be suitable for people with lactose intolerance. However, there are lactose-free and dairy-free options available that can be consumed by people with lactose intolerance.

How long does it take for Activia to work?

Answer: The time it takes for Activia to work can vary from person to person, but some people may start experiencing digestive improvements in as little as two weeks.

Is Activia suitable for children?

Answer: Activia can be consumed by children as part of a balanced diet. However, it is always recommended to consult a pediatrician before introducing any new food or supplement to a child’s diet.

Can Activia cause any side effects?

Answer: In general, Activia is considered safe for most people. However, some individuals may experience side effects such as bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort. If you experience any adverse effects, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

Conclusion: Is Activia good for you?

Activia is a probiotic yogurt that has potential health benefits such as improving digestive health and strengthening the immune system. The probiotic strains in Activia have been studied and found to be effective in promoting gut health. 

However, there are also some potential downsides such as added sugars and the fact that not all individuals may benefit from probiotics. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating Activia or any other probiotic into your diet. 

Ultimately, whether or not Activia is good for you will depend on your individual health needs and preferences.

References: 

1. R;, K. C. R. H. (n.d.). Yogurt and other fermented foods as sources of health-promoting bacteria. Nutrition reviews. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30452699/.
2. Yang, Y.-X., He, M., Hu, G., Wei, J., Pages, P., Yang, X.-H., & Bourdu-Naturel, S. (2008, October 28). Effect of a fermented milk containing bifidobacterium lactis DN-173010 on Chinese constipated women. World journal of gastroenterology. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2761588/. 
3. Two keys to strong bones: Calcium and vitamin D. Harvard Health. (2017, July 28). Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health. 
4. Lactose intolerance. Lactose Intolerance | Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/. 
5. Author links open overlay panelPablo Christiano B. Lollo, Highlights•Quality of health benefits from probiotic products may depend on the food matrix.•Probiotic yogurt offers higher immune-protection than probiotic whey beverage.•A simple rat bioassay to test enhancement of the immune system by probiotics, & AbstractThe probiotics can be useful to improve the immune response in experimental challenges. (2013, June 12). Probiotic yogurt offers higher immune-protection than probiotic whey beverage. Food Research International. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096399691300330X. 
6. K;, G. S. M. D. G. M. P. (n.d.). Randomised clinical trial: Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBB75 significantly alleviates irritable bowel syndrome and improves quality of life–a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21418261/. 
7. McQuade, R. M., Stojanovska, V., Abalo, R., Bornstein, J. C., & Nurgali, K. (2016, November 3). Chemotherapy-induced constipation and diarrhea: Pathophysiology, current and emerging treatments. Frontiers in pharmacology. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5093116/. 
8. Effects of probiotics on body weight, body mass … – Wiley Online Library. (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/obr.12626. 
9. Author links open overlay panelDamini Kothari a, a, b, Highlights•Probiotics plausibly restore gut microflora as dietary and therapeutic supplements.•Probiotics display varying efficacies and risk factors in at-risk population groups.•Probiotics may affect certain infections, & AbstractLast few decades have witnessed the unprecedented growth in the application of probiotics for promoting the general gut health as well as their inception as biotherapeutics to alleviate certain clinical disorders related to dysbiosis. While numero. (2018, December 28). Probiotic supplements might not be universally-effective and safe: A Review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332218345657. 
10. Bourrie, B. C. T., Willing, B. P., & Cotter, P. D. (2016, May 4). The microbiota and health promoting characteristics of the fermented beverage kefir. Frontiers in microbiology. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4854945/. 
11. NT;, W. (n.d.). Probiotics. American journal of health-system pharmacy : AJHP : official journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20208051/. 

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