October 24, 2006 – A new product has just entered the functional food market. It is a milk to which two active probiotic bacteria have been added, the bifidobacterium lactis BB12 and the lactobacilius rhamnosus (Lb IMMUNI-T).
Marketed by Agropur, this new drink called Natrel Pro has recently been offered in Quebec and Ontario. Yogurts containing probiotic bacteria were already on the market.
Health professionals recognize that probiotics play an important role in digestive, immune and respiratory functions. It is even believed that they could help reduce infectious diseases in children.1.
Expert in natural health products, pharmacist Jean-Yves Dionne emphasizes the virtues of these probiotics. “They reduce the permeability of the intestine and keep the intestinal flora in good condition. By settling there, they block access to undesirable elements, such as fragments of poorly digested proteins that cause intolerance and allergies, ”he explains.
He also recalls that studies have shown that certain probiotic bacteria prevent allergies in children, but also eczema and asthma.
“We admit more that we need these good bacteria on a daily basis since our sanitized food is devoid of them”, continues Jean-Yves Dionne.
But should we favor milk or yogurt? It doesn’t matter, he says. However, care should be taken not to heat the milk, which would thus lose its probiotic properties.
At a time when probiotic products are multiplying, Jean-Yves Dionne recognizes that it can be difficult for consumers to navigate. You have to know how to recognize the different probiotic bacteria2 -properties of consortia- since they are not all supported by conclusive data.
Claudia Morissette –HealthPassport.net
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1. On this subject, consult the website of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: www.fao.org [consulté le 24 octobre 2006]
2. For more information, see our Probiotics sheet, www.passeportsante.net