Yogurt is widely recognized as a healthy, nutritious food, but one brand—Activia—specifically claims it can improve digestive health. So, can Activia yogurt really help alleviate gas, bloating, and other digestive discomforts as advertised?
According to Activia's website, eating Activia yogurt twice daily for two weeks may help relieve bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort, and "rumbling." Dannon, the company behind Activia, explains that while all yogurts contain live active cultures, Activia stands out because it contains a unique probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010/CNCM I-2494. This strain of beneficial bacteria is a probiotic, which supports the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, potentially aiding in digestion and relieving discomfort.
If you experience irritable bowel syndrome or other gastrointestinal issues, could Activia yogurt be the solution for a healthier, happier digestive system? Keep reading to learn more about whether Activia is a good choice for your digestive health. And after that, don’t miss our guide to the 6 Healthiest Greek Yogurts, as recommended by dietitians.
Activia Yogurt Nutrition:
Nutrition (Per serving of vanilla yogurt):
Calories: 90
Fat: 1.5 g (Saturated Fat: 1 g)
Sodium: 55 mg
Carbs: 15 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 12 g)
Protein: 4 g
Varieties of Activia yogurt
Activia yogurt comes in several different varieties to suit different dietary preferences and needs:
- Probiotic Yogurt with Fruit
- Probiotic Yogurt with Fiber
- Probiotic Yogurt with 60 Calories
- Probiotic "Dailies" Drinkable Yogurt
- Probiotic "Dailies" Drinkable Yogurt with 45 Calories
All these products contain the unique probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis lactis DN-173 010/CNCM I-2494. Most Activia varieties are made with cow's milk and sweetened with sugar, except for the 60-calorie version, which uses two alternative sweeteners—sucralose and acesulfame potassium—instead of added sugar.
Is There Research Supporting Activia's Claims?
A 2021 study found that Bifidobacterium animalis lactis supplementation "appeared to exert major beneficial effects" in some individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Activia's website mentions that over 18 studies have been conducted during 20 years of clinical research on their product, but details about these studies aren’t provided directly on the site, making it challenging to assess the extent of the research.
Who Should Consider Trying Activia?
Activia is aimed at individuals who frequently experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Abdominal "rumbling"
- General abdominal discomfort
How to Incorporate Activia
If you decide to try Activia, it’s recommended to consume two servings per day for at least two weeks before assessing its impact on your symptoms. Eating Activia occasionally or sporadically may not provide a sufficient dose of probiotics to make a noticeable difference in your digestive health.
Choosing the Right Activia Product for You
As mentioned earlier, all Activia products contain cow’s milk. If you are allergic to cow’s milk or follow a vegan diet, Activia may not be suitable for you. In that case, consider looking for a soy-based or lactose-free yogurt alternative.
If you can tolerate cow’s milk, the next consideration is whether you prefer real sugar or alternative sweeteners. Regular Activia products contain real sugar, which adds calories and increases the carbohydrate content. If you’re not concerned about calories or carbs, the regular versions may offer the best flavor.
However, if you're watching your weight, or if you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, the 60-calorie version with artificial sweeteners like sucralose may be a better option. This version won't cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. Keep in mind, though, that some research suggests that non-nutritive sweeteners, such as sucralose, may increase sugar cravings and contribute to weight gain. If you have concerns about blood sugar, a plain yogurt (possibly with added fruit) from another brand may be a better fit, even if it doesn’t include Activia’s specific probiotic strain.
Does Activia Help with Constipation?
Activia products that contain added fiber might be helpful if you struggle with constipation. The fiber source used in Activia is inulin, a plant-based fiber that, while digestible in the gut, cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream. Like any fiber, consuming large amounts of inulin may cause excess gas, so it’s a good idea to start slowly and gradually work up to two servings per day.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Gastrointestinal Pain
If you experience severe abdominal pain that makes it difficult to stand upright or take a deep breath—especially if it’s accompanied by chest pain—seek emergency medical care immediately.
Additionally, if your abdominal pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, it's important to contact your physician, as probiotics like Activia are unlikely to resolve the issue:
- Fever
- Bloody stools
- Pain when pressing on your abdomen
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea or vomiting
Is Activia Yogurt Good for You?
Activia offers a range of flavors and products, but unfortunately, there is no plain, unsweetened version available. If there were, I would fully endorse it as a registered dietitian.
Nevertheless, for those dealing with gas, bloating, or other mild digestive discomfort, there is research supporting Activia’s claims that it can help alleviate those symptoms. If you decide to try it, choose the product that aligns with your health goals, and give it the recommended two-week trial before determining whether Activia can benefit your digestive health.