Bifidus Regularis is a probiotic bacteria, which means its “friendly” to people and does not cause disease. The French company Groupe Danone trademarked the Bifidus Regularis bacterium, also known as Bifidobacterium lactis DN173010, and included it to their products for added health benefits. Some research supports the benefits of consuming bifidobacterium, although Bifidus Regularis is not mentioned specifically.
Bifidus Regularis is only found in Activia yogurt and similar dairy products made by companies owned by Groupe Danone, which is based in Paris, France. In the United States, Activia yogurt is sold and marketed by American companies Dannon and Stonyfield. However, similar probiotic bacteria, including other bifidobacterium or different species, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, are commonly found in other brands of yogurt, milk products, fermented soybean products and soy beverages.
Probiotics are considered friendly because they do not cause disease and, in fact, they confer health benefits. Friendly bacteria, which reside in the intestinal tract, are readily destroyed by unhealthy diets, alcoholism and the use of various medications, especially antibiotics. The premise behind consuming Bifidus Regularis and other probiotics is that doing so replenishes the population of friendly bacteria and promotes healthy intestinal function and boosts immunity.
Research has shown that bifidobacteria and other lactic acid-producing bacteria, which are collectively called probiotics, offer protection against the devastating effects of acute diarrhea caused by viral and bacterial intestinal infections. Furthermore, bifidobacteria have been shown to reduce the incidence and duration of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. However, the bifidobacteria examined in these studies were not specifically Bifidus Regularis, but they were similar organisms.
Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, are thought to be partially caused by disrupted intestinal microflora, which is another way of saying a reduced number of friendly bacteria. Studies suggest that bifidobacterium may exert a beneficial effect in therapy and prevention of inflammatory bowel disease, likely by protecting the intestinal mucosa from injury. A healthy intestinal mucosa is able to effectively absorb nutrients. Again, Bifidus Regularis was not specifically identified in the research.
Reducing Blood Cholesterol
Some preliminary evidence suggests that bifidobacteria may play a role in reducing blood cholesterol levels, although the exact mechanism is not completely understood. Researchers speculate that it may be related to the bacteria’s ability to produce enzymes that take cholesterol out of circulation. However, more research is needed before a specific health recommendation related to bifidobacteria can be made.