Study Type
Pooled-analysis of two studies
A pooled analysis of two studies to determine whether Activia improves gastrointestinal discomfort and wellbeing in healthy adults.
Waitzberg et al., 2015[1]
Intervention
Daily consumption of 2 x 125g of Activia
Length
4 weeks + 4 weeks washout period
Control
Daily consumption of 2 units of a non-fermented dairy product
Population
538 healthy women
Key results
- Significant improvement reported in gastrointestinal well-being in the Activia group**
- Significantly higher percentage of responders* and positive effect on the promotion of gastrointestinal well-being observed in the Activia group
Conclusion
Daily consumption of 2 x 125g servings of Activia® was associated with an improvement in gastrointestinal well-being and a decrease in the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms in healthy populations with minor gastrointestinal discomfort.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of three studies to determine whether Activia improves gastrointestinal discomfort in healthy adults.
Eales et al., 2016[2]
Study Type
Meta-analysis of three double-blind randomised controlled trials
Population
598 healthy adults
Length
At least 4 weeks
Intervention
Daily consumption of 2 x125g of Activia®
Control
Daily consumption of a fermented or non fermented dairy product without probiotics
Key results
- Modest but consistently and significantly improved GI discomfort / well-being observed in the Activia® groups
Conclusion
Daily consumption of 2 x 125g servings of Activia® over 4 weeks may improve gastrointestinal discomfort / well-being in healthy adults.
*A responder was defined as a subject having an improvement in their gastrointestinal well-being, i.e. answering ‘improved’ on a 3-point Likert scale on at least 2 weeks out of the 4 week double-blind period of product consumption
** GI wellbeing was assessed by using a a 3-point Likert scale (improved, no change, worsened) on a weekly basis. Each participant was classified as responder or as a non-responder to assess the magnitude of the effect. A responder was defined as a subject having an improvement in their gastrointestinal well-being, i.e. answering ‘improved’ on the three-point Likert scale, on at least 2 weeks over the 4-week double-blind period of product consumption.
Frequency of digestive symptoms was measured using a 5-point Likert scale that ranged from 0 (never) to 4 (every day of the week). The composite score for these 4 symptoms ranged from 0 (none of the symptoms) to 16 (all symptoms, every day).
Bowel function: Participants were also asked to report daily bowel movements according to the Bristol stool scale.
Health-related quality of life: The Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed by self-administration of two questionnaires: the Food and Benefits Assessment (FBA) and the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) at three time points: baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8weeks
[1] Waitzberg D.L., et al. The effect of probiotic fermented milk that includes Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-2494 on the reduction of gastrointestinal discomfort and symptoms in adults: a narrative review. Nutricion Hospitalaria. 2015 Aug 1;32(n02):501-509
[2] Eales J., et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis: the effects of fermented milk with Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-2494 and lactic acid bacteria on gastrointestinal discomfort in the general adult population. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2016. First published on October 9, 2016.
This information is intended to provide health professionals with scientific and educational content on gut health and nutrition.