Yakult®

introduction

Yakult® is a probiotic yoghurt drink which is produced by the Japanese company "Yakult®" of the same name and is also sold here in Germany. Yakult® advertises, similar to its competitor Actimel®, that the drink activates the immune system and ensures a healthy intestinal flora. You can find out what Yakult® actually is and how it works in the following text.

Indications for Yakult®

Yakult® is a food and not a medical product. This means that there is no officially tested indication. Yakult® itself advertised its yogurt drink in the past with a strengthening of the immune system and the promotion of a healthy intestinal tract - after strong criticism, these properties are currently no longer mentioned. However, the fact is that Yakult® is a probiotic food. The contained strain of lactic acid bacteria can overcome the stomach and bile acids in significant proportions and thus influence the natural intestinal flora in the intestine. Yakult® is not alone in this as a product - a large number of yoghurt products have this probiotic ability. Possible indications for probiotic yoghurt products are scientifically supported, especially chronic gastrointestinal diseases or constipation. The immune-boosting effect of probiotic milk products is controversial, but dairy products can contribute to a balanced diet, which is also essential for a good immune system.

How does Yakult® work?

Yakult® contains the following ingredients: water, skimmed milk, glucose-fructose syrup, sugar, maltodextrin, flavor, Lactobacillus casei Shirota.

The glucose-fructose syrup, the sugar and the maltodextrin are sweeteners containing carbohydrates, which are needed, among other things, for the strain of lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus casei Shirota to keep alive. The main part of the drink, however, consists of skimmed milk, so Yakult® is a probiotic milk product, similar to yoghurt or its competitor Actimel®. The stomach and bile acid-resistant strain of lactic bacteria enters the intestine intact when consumed and influences the natural intestinal flora. This can lead to better digestion and utilization of the food ingested. Whether probiotic foods actually strengthen the immune system has not been conclusively clarified. However, the so-called sits in the bowel MALT system, part of the natural immune system that can be stimulated by lactic acid bacteria. However, the precise interactions between the immune system and lactic acid bacteria have not yet been sufficiently clarified. It should be noted at this point, however, that these effects are probably also mediated by other probiotic foods such as natural yoghurt, which may be significantly cheaper. A healthy and balanced diet remains crucial.

Find out all about the topic here: Probiotics.

Which dosage of Yakult® is recommended?

Yakult® recommends taking one bottle of Yakult® a day. This corresponds to 65ml.

What does "probiotic" mean?

Yakult® is a probiotic yogurt drink. Probiotic means that this product contains certain lactic acid bacteria. The trunk used by Yakult® is called Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Some lactic acid bacteria have the property of surviving numerous passages through the stomach and bile acids and thus influencing the body's own intestinal flora. By the way, intestinal flora is understood to mean the composition of the microorganisms in our digestive tract - this consists mainly of different bacterial strains, but also of types of fungus.

What side effects can Yakult® cause?

As a dairy product, Yakult® can cause certain side effects. These include gastrointestinal problems with an existing one Lactose intolerance. If consumed in excess, Yakult® also has a laxative effect. An allergic reaction to the above ingredients cannot be ruled out either. In addition, there are some medicines that cannot be properly absorbed in the intestine when dairy products are consumed at the same time and thus do not develop their full effect. This also includes some antibiotics. When prescribing a new drug, you should therefore ask a doctor or pharmacist about interactions with dairy products and, if necessary, observe the time intervals. You will often find relevant information in the instruction leaflets.

Are there any contraindications?

There are no absolute contraindications to Yakult®. Consumption is only advisable in the event of intolerance to lactose or milk proteins.

Yakult® and alcohol - are they compatible?

There are no known, medically relevant interactions between Yakult® as a dairy product and alcohol. However, if Yakult® is taken to strengthen the immune system or to treat possible gastrointestinal problems, we recommend that you consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on nutrition. He will then also explain the negative aspects of alcohol.

Yakult® or Actimel?

Actimel® is a branded probiotic drink Danone, which has been sold in Germany for a good 20 years. Danone promotes a strengthened immune system and a healthy intestinal flora. The main ingredient is yogurt, the bacterial strain it contains is similar to that of the yakult. However, from a medical point of view, none of these products can be preferred.

price

Yakult® is available over the counter in many supermarkets. Often there are value packs that lower the price per milliliter. 8 bottles (520ml) cost about 3 euros.