Probiotics in Greek Yogurt vs. Activia: Which Is Better?

Greek yogurt and Activia, a type of yogurt marketed to aid with digestion, both contain probiotics with possible beneficial effects on the digestive system. But which is more beneficial for consumers?

Activia yogurt is marketed on the premise that it contains probiotics that will help regulate the digestive system. Activia contains three probiotic strains, according to Power of Probiotics. Two strains are required for all yogurts: L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus. The third, Bifidobacterium animalis, has been trademarked by Activia maker Dannon as “bifidus regularis.” There can be billions of live bacteria in each 4-ounce container of Activia.

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Activia comes in fruit flavors like cherry, strawberry banana, peach, mixed berry, blueberry, and vanilla. Other ingredients include sugar, corn starch, gelatin, and guar gum. Activia Light contains aspartame and sucralose in place of sugar.

LiveStrong reports many anecdotal reports of digestive problems after eating Activia, including severe abdominal cramping, nausea, bloating, irregularity, burning diarrhea, and acid reflux. Forum discussions also included reports of headaches, muscle pain, metabolic problems, sleep irregularities, and anxiety.

However, gas, bloating, and stomach pain are sometimes reported as temporary side effects of starting a probiotic regimen, yogurt or not.

Dannon was sued in 2008 for its claims about Activia yogurt but the issue was resolved after the company agreed to more clearly state the digestive benefits are based on three servings per day.

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Greek yogurt is made by straining out the whey, which makes the yogurt rich and creamy, and offers consumers less sugar and sodium than typical yogurt. However, it's important to read the labels, because those things can be easily added. Some Greek yogurts can have up to 6 different probiotic strains in them, according to review site Viewpoints.com.

Greek yogurt should not have added ingredients like cornstarch, gelatin and guar gum, but some brands do contain these ingredients. According to Prevention, Greek yogurt typically has about two to three times as much protein as regular yogurt.

Greek yogurt is also available in fruit flavors and vanilla. Some brands have added sugar, up to 25 grams per serving, while others do not.

Since bodies respond differently to different types of probiotics, the best course of action to decide between Activia and Greek yogurt is to try both at separate times and see which one works best for you.

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