In recent years, growing of evidence has suggested probiotics have a range of digestive health benefits, and the food industry appears to be catching up with researchers by offering an increasing variety of probiotics-enhanced products.
Scientists believe these live bacterial cultures regulate the work of the digestive tract, balance its microbial composition and may contribute to relieving symptoms ranging from stomach discomfort to acid reflux to bloating due to indigestion. However, they are also believed to have benefits that go beyond that.
For example, a Finnish study recently found that women who start taking probiotics in the first trimester of their pregnancy are less likely to develop obesity within the first year of giving birth.
Among the companies offering probiotics-strengthened foods is YoCream International which has unveiled a new line of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM.
“[NCFM] is the worlds best documented Lactobacillus acidophilus and the only L. acidophilus with its genome fully sequenced,” says Peggy Steele, Danisco Global Business Director.
“Studies began on this strain in the early 1970s, so there are many years of proven safety and efficacy,” she adds.
Those who would like to control their weight or improve their digestive health may also consider nutritional supplements containing probiotics.
