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: 9 In addition, findings from a cohort study of middle-aged women living in France indicate that milk products are a protein source that does not increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. 10
Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea
Evidence demonstrates that probiotics are associated with reduced antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In a meta-analysis of 82 randomized controlled trials, a statistically significant association was found between the administration of probiotics and the reduction of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Various studies included in the meta-analysis consisted of interventions with probiotic milk products, which showed that probiotic milk products may be efficacious in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. 11
Constipation
A 2013 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicated that short-term probiotic supplementation reduces intestinal transit time. 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.