Title: Probiotic Milk Products and Digestive Health | Dairy Nutrition
Headings: Probiotic Milk Products and Digestive Health
Probiotic Milk Products and Digestive Health
Highlights
The Evidence
Potential Mechanisms
Conclusion
References
Keywords

Content: Greater effects were observed among adults who were older or constipated. Certain probiotic strains, such as strains of Bifidobacterium lactis, appear to be more efficacious. 12
Lactose Intolerance
In an evidence-based report on lactose intolerance and health published in 2010, a systematic review of the literature indicated that there was insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of yogurt and probiotics in alleviating the symptoms of lactose intolerance. 13 However, many people who have difficulty digesting milk find that they can digest yogurt. This is because beneficial bacteria in yogurt have lactase activity and thus help in lactose digestion. 14
Gastric Cancer
It has been postulated that probiotics may help in gastric cancer prevention, but the evidence so far is mainly based on experimental in-vitro data. For instance, a study was conducted on fermented milk containing Propionibacterium freudenreichii as microbiota, and it was demonstrated that this probiotic fermented milk had pro-apoptotic effects on human gastric cancer cells. 15
Potential Mechanisms
Probiotics, such as lactic acid bacteria, are active bacterial cultures with unique characteristics that allow them to survive in the gastrointestinal tract and compete with other enteric microorganisms. Thus, they help to maintain the natural balance of the microbiota and overall health. 2,3
Additionally, probiotics may promote immunomodulation by attaching to gut epithelial tissue, interacting with the immune system and producing antimicrobial substances.