What is Bifidus Regularis?

I had an extended treatment with antibiotics. I was doing better with Activia, but my stomach hurt and I got a fever and diarrhea when I tried DanActive. I think I’m going to go back to plain ol’ yogurt and call it a day.

Posted by Annie on 18th September 2007

I first had the prune yogurt they make while in Portugal. I thought it tasted great. Then When I came back to the states I bought the same stuff and it was horrible, they did not use the same ingredients. I know about probiotics, go to the health food store and get the live cultures in capsules works great Look for Kyo-Dophilus it has L.Acidophilus-B.Bifidum-B Longum 1.5 Billion live cells per capsule. Its free of preservatives, sugar, sodium, milk, yeast, soy, gluten, artificial colors and flavors. I had been in the hospital for 3 weeks with a serious intestional infection almost killed me. They cut out a foot of my colon and I came out in better shape, luckily they cut out my IBS too lol. But I had after 3 weeks of antibiotics a bad yeast infection through and thru… Dannon ‘claims’ it ‘can help’ does not mean Dannon will. My Kyo-Dophilus did the trick. http://www.kyolic.com

Posted by tybeejill on 16th September 2007

First of all, I believe that Activia is simply marketing. It’s good, no doubt about it. Yogurt is good for you. Activia is yogurt. I have been eating an 8-ounce yogurt every day since the late 1980s. My current brand, ‘Great Value’, is made by our local milk bottling plant. They also make ‘Weight Watchers’ (according to their recipe, of course), as well as many other well-known brands. My yogurt contains the cultures: L Acidophilus and Bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium Longum, and S. Thermophilus. These are active cultures, similar to those placed into most yogurts. I don’t see the difference between Activia and other yogurts. I purchased eight 4-ounce Activia yogurts, ate one each day (instead of my regular yogurt). It tastes great, but I can tell no difference. For those who are getting all these horrible symptoms, like I simply don’t get it. It’s just yogurt. Are you allergic to milk? Have you been on a junk-food diet, and rarely eat anything healthy. If Activia makes you have a BM, well, give your body time to adjust to healthy food. People say: ‘loose bowels’. What does that mean? Does that mean having a BM without straining? People say: ‘I have regular BMs’. What does that mean? I have a sister who has BMs every four days, and her doctor tells her ‘That is normal for you’. Baloney!! I say that is a candidate for colon cancer. Sounds to me like her doctor’s brain has ‘cellsus loosus’. So, what does ‘regular BMs’ mean? I say we need some specificity and interpretation here, because a lot of those comments just don’t really mean much of anything, that you can really hang your hat on.

Posted by GKinOKC on 16th September 2007

I’ve been on ACTIVIA for two weeks now and i love it. I haven’t had any pain’s or cramp’s.The releif is wonderful everyday instead of 3to5 day’s.GO DANNON!

Posted by trixiemc on 13th September 2007

re: robert’s comment: ‘I don’t buy this stuff from Danon. Its a big corporation trying to make money. I eat yogurt and my brand is Brown Cow.’… from more than a decade in the natural food industry, i can assure you that even brown cow has a business plan and is likely watching the bottom line far more than your well-being. in fact, smaller producers are often less-regulated leading to more lax standards than folks like danon are held to.

Posted by healthfoodie on 9th September 2007

‘Bifidus Regularis’ sounds like a bit of ‘equinus crappus’ but had to relate my experience. I started eating Activia daily for breakfast a little over a week ago. About a week ago I began experiencing nausea, slight dizziness and two or three times daily ‘bowelsus loosus.’ I thought I had picked up some sort of bug. Yesterday morning, after researching ‘bifidus regularis’ and learning that other folks have had similar experiences, I decided to discontinue using Activia for a while. My last consumption of Activia was early Friday morning, none on Saturday. By Saturday night I felt much better and today even better still. My ‘bowelsus loosus’ seem to be returning to ‘normalus.’ Coincidence or not? Not sure, but I replaced my yogurt today.

Posted by C.G. on 9th September 2007

Tried Activia two weeks ago (one per day for one or two days) and developed chest pains and cramps by the next day, but did not make the connection. The following weekend I did the same routine, not expecting the symptoms to return, but they did and it took me several days to figure out the connection, during which time I was concerned that I might be having a heart attack. After searching the internet and finding hundreds of similar complaints I am much relieved and will never use Activia again. I will also try to get my wife and two young children to stop using it because of potential problems (they have had no problems and have used it for months). I am 54 years old and not a hypochondriac. Haven’t taken any sick time in over 5 years. I have regular bm’s and just ate the yogurt because it was handy. The pain was significant and lasted for days. This stuff is not safe.

Posted by Kurt on 5th September 2007

C’mon naysayers! I’m pretty sure I saw this term in a Road Runner cartoon: Road Runner= Runnerus Rapidus Wile E. Coyote= Hungrius Maximus Dumbass consumer=Bifudus Regularis

Posted by Teresa on 4th September 2007

The points presented here are on point. As a microbiologist I get irked at the naming of bacteria purely for marketing purposes. It is an attempt by parent companies and advertising agencies to give their products credibility by tossing around ‘scientific’ sounding terms. For those of us in this field we see it for what it is, a weak attempt by unscientific people to sound educated in areas of which they have no knowledge.

Posted by Scott on 4th September 2007

I would like to know who sponsors this website. it must be Danon affiliated. just because their special strain of bifidabacteria is based on naturally occuring bacteria, does not mean that Danon has not done something artificial to it to make it behave as a laxative. Further proof that the FDA is useless. This site is a joke.

Posted by Steph on 4th September 2007

Who sponsors this website? Could only be a Danon company. Some of your comments are a bit suprising! Yes yogurt is good for you – yogurt drowning in sugar is not. Two of the first three ingredients in Activia are ‘fructose syrup’ and ‘sugar’. And if they haven’t added a laxative, I couldn’t tell you what else their special strain of bifidabacterium is. What else could induce regularity without the consumers actually switching to a healthful diet? Another example of the poor excuse for a regulating agency that is the FDA.

Posted by Starry on 4th September 2007

especially to On The Bog/13.8.07: I am so sorry you have had so many problems but you do not have to give up your HRT. If you can get natural HRT rather than manmade hormones, you will not have these problems. they contain no lactose. they are much easier to tolerate and are much more effective provided you have someone who knows how to prescribe them and monitor your hormones with regular testing. also, you do not have to use any particular yoghurt so long as it has ‘live culture’ in it. you can also take regular OTC acidophilus that can be obtained in any pharmacy (at least it can in the USA). I take it regularly but especially when I am on antibiotics at least four times a year for bronchitis. I also use fresh bananas for recurrent bowel problems along with the yoghurt, a great combination. good luck to you and I hope you are on the mend.

Posted by blizotte on 30th August 2007

This is only my first week, but I seem, so far, to be having good regularity. Because I use Activia Light, the one problem that I have are with the added sugars or sugar substitutes like Sucralose. Sucralose doesn’t agree with me, like with many people, causing cramps and flatulence. It seems that Dannon could increase it’s base by including a plain Activia without added sugars or sugar substitutes.

Posted by Wally on 28th August 2007

Regarding the post about gluten intolerance, the quoted rate looks very similar to currently accepted autism prevalence in highly industrialized nations. It is well known that autism and gluten intolerance are closely related. Because of this, parents should be aware that their children who may experience learning and/or social difficulties along with digestive distress, could benefit from further diagnosis for autism. Learning about autism as soon as possible is the best way to live with it. cureautismnow

Posted by James on 21st August 2007

After reading all the comments, I’m so confused. A respected college president suggested Activia as a dietary supplement that will aid in digestion and expedite the passage of food in the digestive system with greater regularity. Sounded good to me. I tried Dannon Light/Activia, loved the taste, texture and small size. What’s more, I love the way it makes me feel – regular, more alive and with no side effects after two weeks. I will continue to monitor any possible side effects after reading with alarm many of the comments that appear on this page. I am a youthful 64 who works every day, eats a healthy diet, works out at the gym plus rejoys regular exercise and have lived with irregularity all of my life (lazy bowel). I have been blessed with no health issues, take no medications for anything. Nothing ever produced the normal regularity that I have enjoyed lately. Thank you Dannon!!!

Posted by Cindy Donaldson on 20th August 2007

About 10 years ago I was diagosed lactose intolerant (age 48) I also had a colon polyp removed and have to have colonoscopies every 5 years as there is history of Colon cancer in the family. Previously my GP’s kept prescribing medication for IBS – great! Virtually all medication contains Lactose as a filler so continued use makes the symptoms worse – in my case bouts of diarrhoea at least twice a week ended up going 4 to 5 times a day when on medication. Specialist report after colonoscopy stated NO IBS NO Diverticulitis NO Carcinoma and NO inflamation of bowel. My problems thankfully would seem to be totally diet/stress related. I now eat only goats or sheeps milk/cheese products, and to help with the acid reflux I also have I avoid tomatoes, citrus fruit, chocolate,peppermints (previously ate lots of them to help with indigestion!!) and limit my alcohol intake. All of the above has evolved over last 9 – 10 years and now age 57 I am better but still not as healthy as I would like. I get fed up restricting my diet but its better than the alternative option. Why can’t the huge pharmecutical companies realise that Lactose is so intolerant and causes misery for millions of sufferers. I cant use any HRT products because they all contain Lactose. Most arthritis relief also contain Lactose. Actimel made my symptoms far worse. It was lovely to drink but I ended up on the toilet with diarrhoea far worse than before and bad pains. It must be great for those with constipation but does not suit everyone. Personally I think Danone should be fined huge amounts of money for ‘inventing’ so called scientific names like ‘digestivum’ and ‘Imunitass’ to make its products sound more professional. Incredible how they get away with it.

Posted by On The Bog-UK on 13th August 2007

So many of you have been complaining about intestinal problems. You should check with your doctor or allergist for a blood test that would show an intolerance to gluten–wheat, barley, rye and oat products. Symptoms are the same, and 1 in 133 people have this and many are not dagnosed. The bloating, cramping, pain and diarrhea are symptoms and it is often misdiagnosed as IBS. Haven’t tried Activia yet, since it is recommended for constipation, not diarrhea.

Posted by JRose on 7th August 2007

Bottom Line I love Dannon’s Activia…I’m 59 and work out at the gym a lot. It’s a wonderful refreshing snack that’s good for me! What an exciting product as an alternative to all that fiber!

Posted by Linda on 3rd August 2007

I have IBS and my Dr reccommended Actimel. However, since taking it i’ve had extremely bad cramps, fever and the ‘runs’ when going to the toilet. could be coincedental, but gonna stop taking it for a bit 🙁

Posted by Sarah on 2nd August 2007

I don’t buy this stuff from Danon. Its a big corporation trying to make money. I eat yogurt and my brand is Brown Cow. It is sweetened with fruit juice not sugar. All natural. My primary care doctor also suggested I eat yogurt and his comment to me was ‘I’m not talking about Yoplait or Danon, they are not yogurt’. Try Nancy’s natural plain yogurt. Its been around for years.

Posted by Robert / San Francisco on 2nd August 2007

I want to comment on this submission ‘She (my doctor) wouldn’t take a stand on douching with yogurt 🙂 Go figure. whereby the yogurt manages to affect bacterial balance in the vagina.’ Well my doctor did prescribe douching with yogart regularly to maintain a health balance in the vagina. I was suffering from bouts of a bacterial vaginal infection that smells fishy brought on by a number of things, for me it was stress and hormonal imbalance during pre-menopause. It works great!

Posted by Kelli on 31st July 2007

I believe today is my 14th day and the reason I started to eat Activia is I have been addicted to laxatives for at least 25years. I am hoping that I will find that I will not have to take as many laxatives. I have not suffered any side effects. I have noticed that my belly has gone down (usually very bloated). I enjoy the flavor and it leaves you feeling full so I don’t crave junk food. So far so good.

Posted by T. Redmon on 24th July 2007

The (TM) after the name on the label tells us it’s a commercially invented name for something 🙂 That said: the benefits of eating yogurt with live active cultures of the usual sorts are well proven. However, they aren’t for everyone because, surprise surprise, everyone with constipation or irregularity or whatever other problem you have doesn’t have the same problem I’m mildly lactose intolerant, and eating yogurt before eating/drinking milk products helps me avoid the painful gas and bloating I used to get. As I learned from ‘Good Eats’ on FoodTV, the cultures in yogurt sort of ‘predigest’ the lactose my body doesn’t like. Cheese, especially the harder, more ‘seasoned’ cheese (like cheddar) causes issues for some people and not others. Why? Because there’s byproducts to the aging process for cheeses – they are, after all, often cultured… which means something being grown in them to flavor them. Constipation can result from a lack of fiber, inadequate hydration/hard stools, a lack of muscle fiber tone in the colon, and, I’m certain, many other causes. Those different causes aren’t going to *all* be solved by one treatment. If you develop constipation as a result of eating yogurt, named cultures or not, clearly your problem can’t be solved by adjusting the balance of your gut bacteria. BTW I asked my doctor years ago about eating yogurt and vaginal yeast infections. She observed that she couldn’t think of any mechanism whereby the yogurt manages to affect bacterial balance in the vagina when it’s confined to the intestinal tract, unless of course, you douche with it. She wouldn’t take a stand on douching with yogurt 🙂 Go figure. Moral of the story: believe nothing you see in an advertisement and check with your doctor if you’re having such horrible issues on such a long term basis. These could be symptoms of a variety of serious, as well as benign, intestinal problems. In my case, the urgent diarrhea shortly following meals heavy in cheese turned out not to have anything to do with lactose at all: it was my gall bladder malfunctioning. I’d eaten so much fat in the meal that my gall bladder simply couldn’t produce enough bile to digest it all. And sure enough, limiting fat intake over time has alleviated almost all of that problem. Without ‘bifidus regularis TM’ or ‘L casei immunitas TM’. Go figure.

Posted by Heather on 18th July 2007

I have a medical condition that causes me to have a complete lack of urgency as far as bowel movements go. I have no sense of needing to go and no ability to ‘push’ anything out. Bulk fibers just built up pressure. Laxatives caused me to faint. I’ve had 6 surgeries directly related to prolapses and hernias from straining. The doctor put me on Zelnorm when it came out and it was like a miracle for me. I didn’t take it twice a day, just once every three days, and had a bowel movement within two hours. Now it has been taken off the market. I decided to start on Activia before my prescription ran out. After 5 days I started having a bowel movement everyday with no side effects. It has been less effective as time goes on, about two months now, and I am thinking about adding a couple extra a week. This product could have saved me worlds of pain if I had it years ago. As far as the naming conventions go, I always ate yogurt and it never helped my bowels, so I think this is a trade-marked (but stupid) name for a different strain of bacteria than is normally found in yogurt. I would be happy with less sugar, as others have mentioned. I just pray this doesn’t get taken off the market. Too those who are taking it on as a cause, mind your own business!! Some people can’t eat shell fish, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be in the supermarket. I think if you have a problem it helps. If your bowels are normal, leave them alone and stick to regular yogurt.

Posted by Ex-zelnorm user on 11th July 2007

Most of the’friendly good bacteria’ in these adverts is just bullshit, dont fall for it. These adverts just target stupid middle aged women that think they are doing themselves a favour. They think we are stupid, but then again most of these people are.

Posted by notrub on 19th February 2007

I was diagnosted with IBS, Acid reflux and I’m lactose intolerant. After going to an allergy specialist and finding out what was causing alot of my problems I changed my diet and changed to lactose free products. As long as I eat the right foods for me I can control the acid which causes the IBS. I have always been regular and hardly ever had constipation like some people with IBS. I have been eating activia for a little over two weeks and at the end of two weeks I started haveing the worst gas pains and bloating I’d ever had. You can experience severe pain with IBS, but this pain was much worse. I also experience a lot of diaherra and bloating. I was puzzled as to what was causing me these problems until I started researching the web. I was shocked to hear of so many other people experincing the same side effects as I was. Everyone’s system is different. My do not experience the same effects others do with IBS. Most people have constipation; I do not. I have diaherra and bad stomach pains. Just like taking activia. I helps some people and some if does not. Like the other people who have felt like me…the side effects are to painful to continue eating this. Best of luck to the ones it helps. I will continue eating regular yogart.

Posted by patticake from georgia on 16th February 2007

The Brazilian site for the Activia product line: http://www.danone.com.br/activia/

Posted by Pedro on 15th February 2007

I have suffered from IBS and other problems for over 10 years. The Activia has definitely improved bowel function for me. It does seem that when you stop using it the issues return. Advertising is in its nature always going to present the best case, not necessarily full disclosure. To think otherwise is naive at best.

Posted by Paul on 14th February 2007

I have been eating the Dannon Activia and drinking their yogurt drink almost daily for the past few months. I have not experienced any of the dizziness, nausea, or stomach cramping (so far) that some people have apparenlty experienced after consuming this product. Nor have I noticed any unusual increase in diarrhea or yeast infections. I normally eat yorgurt anyway, I just switched to the Dannon Activia hoping it would help relieve the discomfort of bloating I have recently been experienceing. So far, it seems to have been very effective. That, however, was just one of my recent diet changes, so my result may just be a combination of all of the changes I have made recently. I have begun to pay more attention to product ingredients on packaging now, buying products with the least amount of artifical ingredients and eating more raw fruits and vegetables, opting for poultry, fish or seafood more often than red meat. I ditched the fast food, only consuming fast food once (or less) per month. I also switched back to whole grain bread instead of processsed wheat or flour. I now avoid using refined suguar or artifical sweeteners of any kind. If I use sugar at all, I use a natural, raw sugar. I also gave up all diet sodas because they all contain some type of an artificial sweetener. After consuming a diet soda of any kind, or a product that contained an artificial sweetener, I found that I would become horribly and uncomfortably bloated. I have to describe the feeling as that same kind of bloated feeling one gets after a big Thanksgiving dinner but without an ability to belch to relieve the pressure. I found that it didn’t matter which brand of soda I drank, all diet soda would cause this same effect. I went through all of the major brands of diet soda and tested each, trying all of the various types with different types of artificial sweetners. I allowed several days of non-consumption of soda in between each brand to return to a normal, non-bloated state. All had the same effect and it would take over 24 hours for the uncomfortablness of the bloating to go away after I quit consuming the soda. Regular soda did not seem to have the same bloating effect!, but switching to regular soda was not an option for me due to the hugh amount of sugar in regular soda. (A single can of regular soda has about 35 grams of sugar, twice the sugar in the Dannon yogurt).

Posted by feeling better these days on 11th February 2007

I didn’t research this yogurt, but felt I’d give it a try as I know yogurt is good for you. Most I don’t find tasty and I cannot eat a lot of it. When I saw this on the shelves in the store, I thought I’d give it a try. I have never had constipation, and go regularly, however, I’ve always had a soft stool, so I thought this might help. Well after 2 days of bloating and gas pains and pooping my brains out, I think it was too much for me and not for my problem. I do think it would work wonders for those who are constipated. It tastes great. I’ll have to go on a quest for a good tasting yogurt that doesn’t kill me.

Posted by Carol on 9th February 2007

Try Kefir by Lifeway… I’m doing research for a project- it’s much better stuff.

Posted by linds on 7th February 2007

I’ve had softer bowel movements with more regularity since starting Activia, and it tastes good!

Posted by Carla on 6th February 2007

The activa has worked for my daughter who has never been regular and always constipated since a small child. For my IBS with numerous diarrheal movements a day, digestive advantage for IBS works.

Posted by Michelle on 3rd February 2007

I took a half a bottle one day and a second half bottle the second day one hour after the second half i got dizzy and the stomach pain was horrible i called the number after hours on the back of the box at the end of the message it said if this is a true medical emergency call this number dannon is aware there is a problem otherwise they would not say that at the end of there recorded message this is the type of recording you get when you reach a doctor after hours not a yougurt company this is some bad sh*t dont take it I litteraly feel like I might die take at your own risk hear call the number yourself after hours if you dont believe me 1877danactive

Posted by James Patrick on 31st January 2007

After eating Activia for a few days, my 11-year-old daughter developed flu-like symptoms, including vomiting and fever. When she started feeling well enough to eat yogurt again, a week later, she ate two yogurts and then became very ill with vomiting and fever that evening. The symptoms she has experienced since then (in the last four days) have been facial swelling, very red cheeks, and a rash — all symptoms she has never experienced before — and also fever and diarreah. We went to the emergency room last night and she was diagnosed as having a flu virus. None of her school friends are sick like this, and since the Activia is the only change in her diet, and she ate it right before becoming ill, I am inclined to conclude that Activia is the cause. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced anything similar with their children. Thank you.

Posted by Seattle on 29th January 2007

I’m 34 weeks pregnant and have a slight bladder infection and my doctor recommended I eat Activia. any thoughts on ths? will it cure a bladder infection? how many should I have a day? I’m thinking just one. Thanks.

Posted by Jenny on 23rd December 2006

With a history of digestive discomfort, I gave Activia a try. I’m not normally very consistent with anything, but it worked pretty well. HOWEVER, after being diligent about eating my Activia daily (about 4-5 days in a row after a few weeks of about 2x/week), I had what felt like and looked like a yeast infection. Then I realized I had vaginal dryness and irritation on and off for the past few weeks as well. I have a theory(and I really do have a PhD in the sciences): because Activia contains bifidus regularis, NOT lactobacillus, which is the bacteria found in ‘regular’ yogurts and deemed to fight yeast infections / keep the vaginal flora happy. I’ve written to Dannon with no response. My educated guess is that the bifidus regularis disturbs vaginal flora (although it does improve digestion) and makes it easier for yeast infections to thrive. So ladies, watch out for these symptoms! I’d rather be constipated than have a yeast infection any day.

Posted by Elizabeth PhD on 18th December 2006

I’ve tried Activia on two separate occations, and have experienced cramping and bloating after eating the stuff for a few days. It happened both times, so I’m just gonna stick to Danone’s regular yogurt.

Posted by Z on 3rd December 2006

HOORAY for those it has helped. Keep seeking, and good luck to you, for those it hasn’t helped. I’m liking it! I think it’s helping. If the name bothers you–then I’ll bet there are a TON of other things that bother you too. Tough BMs!

Posted by Sedona Arizona opinion on 25th November 2006

i tried this product for about one week and during that time i experienced flu like sypmtoms. i was lethargic, dizzy and fatigued. it did help as far as my bowel movements were concerned, but the bad far outweighed the good. i stopped eating it and won’t go back. needless to say i was very disappointed.

Posted by janie on 24th November 2006

This stuff is awesome. When I was a teenager I was so constipated that I would only go about 3 times a month. We used to joke that the only reason I did go was because it had no place else to go but out. Over the years I have tried everything, fiber, high fiber veggies, hot coffee in the morning and then eventually laxatives. Vegetable laxative a coupld of times a week and massive doses of ga-ex type of chewables. Now with the Activia I am never constipated. Sometimes I’ll eat two in one day. I eat one first thing in the morning on a empty stomach and YAHOO…!!! I may go more than once a day. I eat one as a snack at night sometimes. Strawberry flavor over a sliced banana…very tasty. I am just glad you stopped that commercial with those dirty looking colleg women. The one who recommends it to her friend looks miserable and looks like she is horribly constipated (actually I am being quite nice as to what I think about that commercial). But I am just glad it is done with. At least have the person doing the recommending not look like she just bit a lemon.

Posted by Karen on 16th November 2006

my mom recommended I try this for 2 weeks to see if it helped me. I’m desperate. I started yesterday 10-20-06. I don’t care what they call it as long as it works. If it works I’ll eat it every day. Cramps or not.

Posted by janet on 21st October 2006

yea, right. This is a made up concoction by the yogurt industry.

Posted by joe blow on 29th August 2006

i’ve been eating Activa for 3 days and the results are fantastic for me. due to blood pressure meds that i take everyday, i’ve had constipation, now i’m back to normal. we’ll see how the next 11 days go on the stuff. i’ve read everything from top to bottom and can’t find a problem with the naming convention. *shrugs* i’m with others, if you don’t have a problem with bm’s, don’t use it.

Posted by a nony mouse on 10th August 2006

I have had problems for years; am supposed to be taking fiber suppliments because of diverticulosis. However, I can’t seem to digest and metabolize these suppliments. So, I thought I’d try Activia. I have had wonderful results. After years of having one or two very hard bowl movements a week I am now going daily without straining. I have not had any of the side effects mentioned by other people and am just grateful to have found a product that works. Of course it’s a made up name to hype a new product, but if it does the job who cares?

Posted by Eileen on 10th August 2006

I had started eating the yogurt at the start of 2006. At first it was ok , but after a while i had stomah cramp . Gradually the cramps stopped but then i got uncontrollable bowel movements . I like the taste of the yogurt especially the straberry flavour, but have decided to give it a miss for a while.

Posted by Paul Dunn on 24th July 2006

I have had irritable bowel syndrome for several years and fruits and veggies and whole grains just don’t solve the problem. I had grown used to just suffering stomach pain several times a month. This Dannon product, used every other day, works for me. (Daily was a little too effective.) However, since my problem involves a sluggish intestine, I can imagine that someone with normal digestion would easily develop diarrhea from it. For those doubting that the organism exists, check Wikipedia definition–Dannon apparently renamed a bacteria with a less appealing name, but it is real.

Posted by Jennifer on 24th July 2006

All interesting information, and all anecdotal. It would be useful to know the sort of diet the people complaining of diarrhea, etc. were eating BEFORE they tried this product and if they changed anything in their diets AFTER they tried it. Did these folks typically eat other types of yogurt before using this product? Additionally, some of these symptoms sound psychosomatic. For instance, a sore throat is NOT a symptom of lactose intolerance, no food or bacteria causes intestinal bleeding, and there is no way on God’s green earth that eating anything is going to *cause* diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is an indication that the sufferer has diverticulosis – a weakening of areas of the colon tissue that takes a long time to develop; the consensus is that its cause is a lack of fiber in the diet.

Posted by ramona on 21st July 2006

After four days taking Activia, I had severe diarrhea and cramping. Will not be taking this product again!

Posted by Nancy on 18th July 2006

Like many of you, I bought my Dannon Actvivia with the hoping of regulating my bowels. And, like many of you, after eating it for a day, I began to experience abdominal discomfort (which has gone for three days now—each day that I ate one) and wondered if there was a connection between the yogurt and the discomfort. Well, looking at these comments, that does indeed appear to be the case. I’m willing to stick it out as the results for me have been amazing. I’m just hoping that this pain doesn’t go beyond a week or two. So, has anyone been able to eat through this pain and get past it? I’m just hoping that whatever has been causing my irregularity is being cleansed from system by this. So, if you kept going with the yogurt and fought through the pain, please post to let me know it’s possible as this really seems to be the first thing that has worked for me. By the way, for all of you bitching and moaning about the marketing ploy regarding the name that Dannon gave to the bacteria, who cares? The stuff works, no doubt, albeit with side effects. They could call this ‘Fartus Maximus’ for all I care as long as I take a dump every morning.

Posted by Chris on 14th July 2006