Properties of probiotic yogurt

Difference between probiotic yogurt and standard yogurt

What is probiotic yogurt and what are its benefits?

Probiotic yogurt yogurt is a dairy product obtained through the fermentative action of certain bacteria on milk. Bacterial fermentation causes a partial transformation of lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid, which changes the acidity of the milk and causes the coagulation of its proteins. As a result, yogurt is obtained, which has a thicker texture than milk.

Probiotic yogurt has the same nutritional composition as plain yogurt. The difference in calories may depend on whether it contains added sugar, cereals, or fruit, or whether it is fat-free.

Differences between probiotic yogurt and standard yogurt

The main characteristic of probiotic yogurt is that in addition to lactic bacteria (Lactobacillus), bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium) have also been added.

Both types of bacteria are probiotics, that is, they provide benefits for the gut and the overall health of the body.

Are all probiotic yogurts the same?

Not all probiotic yogurts are the same. There are different types of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria. Each “type” of bacteria is called a “strain”. Some brands have studied the possible beneficial effects of their strains more in depth, in order to later be able to announce their ‘scientifically proven’ properties. These properties will be discussed later.

In general, the probiotic effect of these bacteria is similar, and it could be said that all yogurts have approximately the same benefits, although each commercial brand of yogurt or fermented milk may contain different types of bacteria, some more studied than others.

Which probiotic yogurt is best or recommended to buy?

PLAIN probiotic yogurt, without sweeteners or added sugars, is recommended. Commercial fruit yogurts, yogurts with jams, or yogurts with muesli are also not recommended. It’s always preferable to add these ingredients at home.

Is fat-free probiotic yogurt good for you?

Regarding whether skimmed yogurt is better than whole or standard yogurt, the truth is that in recent years, several important studies have been published showing that people who consume skimmed dairy products do not have better weight control. This seems to indicate that consuming skimmed dairy products, although theoretically reducing energy intake, has no effect on weight loss. This may be due to the effect of fat on the decrease of the glycemic index, the high sugar content of many skimmed yogurts, or the satiating effect of fats. In short, it is not necessary to consume skimmed yogurts.

Benefits of probiotic yogurt

All the bacteria added to yogurt have a probiotic effect, meaning they present health benefits by increasing the “good” fermentative gut flora. Therefore, probiotic yogurt offers the same benefits as standard yogurt, but with the added benefits of probiotic Bifidobacterium. However, it should be clarified that each yogurt contains different probiotics (the type of bacteria varies depending on the brand).

The main benefits of probiotic yogurt include:

• Probiotic effect
• Improves gut health
• Decreases diarrhea duration
• Boosts immunity
• Constipation treatment
• Prevention of tooth decay
• Prevention and treatment of digestive diseases such as colon cancer

All these benefits are associated with the probiotic effect of yogurt, but to have proper intestinal health, a healthy lifestyle is necessary, such as a proper diet, physical exercise, avoiding stress, tobacco and alcohol.

Probiotic yogurt for gut microbiota

• Gut flora: Taking probiotic yogurt improves the composition of the gut flora (microbiota), which results in better digestive health and improved nutrient absorption. Taking probiotic yogurt prevent digestive discomfort caused by a weakened gut flora, due to antibiotics, stress, etc., such as flatulence, gas, bloating, etc.
• Diarrhea: Numerous studies have shown that probiotic yogurt and certain strains of lactobacillus help to stop diarrhea, shortening the duration of the illness. They may also have a preventative effect against traveler’s diarrhea or diarrhea associated with antibiotic use. A very suitable combination in these cases is yogurt with carob flour, which, in addition to naturally sweetening the yogurt, provides plenty of calcium and fiber, and is a traditional remedy for diarrhea.

Yogurt to boost the immune system

It has been scientifically proven that consuming yogurt has beneficial effects on boosting immunity and reducing the severity of allergic reactions. Among the strains involved are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis.

Probiotic yogurt and Candida infections

Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli prevent the proliferation of bacteria and fungi that are pathogenic when they proliferate excessively in the colon, such as Clostridium, Escherichia coli or Candida albicans.

Probiotic yogurt and disease prevention

Yogurt has been shown to have superior benefits to milk, especially in the treatment of the following diseases:

• Dental caries: Consumption of probiotic yogurts (Bifidobacterium animalis spp. lactis) significantly decreased salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium involved in the development of dental caries.
• Constipation: Probiotic yogurt increases intestinal transit time and the frequency of bowel movements. It also reduces digestive discomfort caused by the increased fiber intake recommended in a diet for constipation. Furthermore, due to its role in preventing colon and rectal cancer, it is recommended that people with constipation regularly consume fermented dairy products, for example, one to two yogurts daily.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: In a study, the effect of probiotic yogurt was evaluated for people with irritable bowel syndrome over 6 weeks. Consumption of probiotic yogurt improved symptoms of bloating and increased bowel movement frequency in people with constipation.
• Colon cancer: It has been observed that the consumption of probiotic yogurt prevents the development of different tumor parameters associated with colon and rectal cancer, which suggests that the consumption of these foods is a protective factor against colon and rectal cancer.

Yogurt to improve lactose tolerance

Some strains are able to ferment lactose and reduce the effects of digestive intolerance to milk in people with mild lactose intolerance (hypolactasic individuals). The strains or bacteria capable of breaking down lactose are: Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus casei.

Who is recommended to take probiotic yogurt?

Probiotic yogurt is recommended in any balanced diet. It is especially recommended for people with weakened gut flora.

• People with stress, flatulence, bloating, inadequate diet, dietary changes (travel, vacations, etc.), old age
• Antibiotic treatments
• Intestinal dysbiosis
• Laxative abuse
• Celiac disease or gluten allergy
• Infections, diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, gastroenteritis, candidiasis
• Intestinal diseases (pancreatitis, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome)
• Intestinal operations such as gastric bypass, stomach reduction, cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), etc.

Is it possible to take bifidobacteria without eating yogurt or dairy products?

Yes, bifidobacteria can be taken in the form of water kefir or supplements. Supplements are usually capsules, powders, or vials that withstand the stomach’s acidic environment and are released in the intestine. There are many types of probiotic supplements.

Some people need to take bifidobacteria differently than dairy products, either because of intolerance or because, due to high stomach acidity, the bacteria die in the stomach acids before they reach the intestine and can exert their beneficial effects.

Prebiotics to improve the effectiveness of yogurt

Prebiotics are recommended because they promote the colonization of healthy bacteria in the gut. The basis of the diet should be based on fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and nuts.

Not all types of fiber have a prebiotic effect; that is, not all fiber ferments, and among fermentable fibers, some are better than others. For example, wheat bran and high-fiber cereals are intestinal irritants, laxatives, and not very fermentable. So they do not harm the composition of the gut flora.

Furthermore, some foods have better prebiotic properties than others. For example, prebiotic potatoes or baked apples are excellent for the gut microbiota or intestinal flora.

More information on prebiotics and probiotics

Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

18 September, 2026