“Yogurt with live cultures can contribute to gut health” is one of the 10 evidence-based conclusions made by the YINI board about the health effects of yogurt… learn more below
Yogurt is recommended for people with lactose maldigestion
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved the claim that yogurt improves digestion of lactose. The EFSA’s conclusions were based on 13 studies showing that consumption of live cultures in yogurt improved digestion of lactose in yogurt among people with lactose maldigestion.
To qualify for this claim, yogurt must contain at least 10 7 live bacteria (L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) per gram of yogurt, and therefore fresh yogurt is best.
Ultra-high temperature (UHT) yogurt or yogurt labelled ‘long-life’ has been heat-treated and this process kills the beneficial bacteria.
Several medical organisations recommend that people with lactose maldigestion – including those with lactose intolerance – consume yogurt as part of a balanced diet.
“… a cause and effect relationship has been established between the consumption of live yogurt cultures in yogurt and improved digestion of lactose in yogurt in individuals with lactose maldigestion.” – European Food Safety Authority
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