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Activia is a yogurt brand owned by the French Groupe Danone. This yogurt is high in Bifidobacterium lactis, a probiotic culture that helps regulate the digestive system’s function. If you are craving yogurt, you might be wondering if it’s safe to consume Activia in pregnancy. Pregnancy is a critical time in your life when you have to take care of your health and that of your unborn child. Therefore, you should be particularly cautious about healthy eating and your prenatal nutrition, including the consumption of probiotic yogurt such as Activia. Read on to learn more about the safety and health benefits of consuming Activia in pregnancy.
Key Pointers
- Activia is a brand of probiotic yogurt high in active Bifidobacterium lactis, a probiotic bacteria.
- It can be a great snack option as it provides fiber and low-fat proteins.
- Moderate consumption of Activia helps with digestion, improves immunity and bone health, and prevents complications in expectant mothers.
- Pregnant women should be mindful of the ingredients and check if the yogurt contains any allergen before consuming it.
What Is Activia?
Dannon Activia is a popular brand of yogurt that contains the goodness of probioticsiSubstances containing live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the body . It is replete with the Bifidus Regularis bacteria and can prevent bloating, gas, discomfort, and rumbling along with other symptoms of indigestion. If you are dealing with digestive issues, Activia could be an ideal choice for probiotics during pregnancy. A regular intake of this superfood can even safeguard you against health issues like bacterial vaginosisiDisease caused by an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the vagina during pregnancy and promote digestive health.
Experts sayHealth Benefits Of Consuming Activia During Pregnancy
Eating Activia yogurt during pregnancy can work wonders for your health in the following ways:
1. Boosts digestion
Bacteria present in the human intestine aid in boosting metabolism and improving digestion. Eating Activia, which comprises probiotics, aids in increasing the levels of healthy bacteria in your intestine during pregnancy. The increasing population of healthy bacteria prevents harmful microbes from thriving in your digestive system and causing stomach infections, gas, constipation, and bloating. Thus, it prevents the risk of indigestion during pregnancy and helps cure constipation, atopic eczema, etc. Probiotic bacteria aid in breaking and processing the ingested food in the intestine and support the synthesis of certain fatty acids, which help minimize inflammation and promote good health during pregnancy (1).
Research finds2. Helps prevent complications during pregnancy
Eating probiotic food like Activia while pregnant helps to prevent the occurrence of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is a harmful health condition caused by the harmful bacteria that thrive in your vagina. Even though females suffering from bacterial vaginosis do not exhibit any symptoms, they are more susceptible to many health complications during their pregnancy. They are likely to suffer from preterm labor and postpartum endometriosisiCondition in which tissue that lines a female uterus begins to develop outside the organ leading to pelvic pain and bleeding . Eating Activia helps eliminate the harmful bacteria from your vagina, improve your immunity, and minimize the risk of various complications during pregnancy (2). Studies show that consuming probiotics may help reduce inflammation and infections, which could lower the risk of preterm birth (10). Another possible complication that probiotic supplements like Activia might help reduce during pregnancy is gestational diabetes. An observational study showed that consuming probiotic yogurt during pregnancy may help reduce the risks of gestational diabetes mellitus by altering gut microbiota, which helps lower the likelihood of metabolic syndrome (3).
Point to consider3. Improves immunity
Eating Activia helps in strengthening your immune system, regulates bowel movement and minimizes inflammation in the digestive system. The probiotic food provides relief to individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndromeiA gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating and ulcerative colitisiA chronic autoimmune disorder that causes pain, inflammation, and bleeding in the rectal region . Activia contains omega-3 fatty acids that improve heart health. It also increases your immunity during pregnancy and prevents diarrhea.
4. Promotes bone health
You need to have strong and healthy bones during your pregnancy. Activia contains good amounts of calcium, a mineral that is essential for bone health. Eating Activia yogurt while pregnant helps you enjoy good bone health, fights the mineral loss, and aids your muscles and nerves to function effectively (4).
5. Offers low-fat proteins
Activia is a good option to have as a light yet healthy snack. The yogurt contains a good amount of proteins that you need to consume to have healthy muscles and a good metabolism. Activia Greek claims to offer you double the protein content than regular low-fat yogurt. Activia Fiber can help increase your intake of dietary fiber in a delicious way.
6. Enhances nutrient absorption
Besides improving gut health, probiotics are also known to improve the absorption of nutrients in the human body. The probiotics in Activia may help in enhancing the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The body needs SCFAs for physiological functions that can help improve the gut lining, decrease inflammation, increase the production of some essential digestive enzymes, and help maintain intestinal barrier integrity, all of which help in proper nutrient absorption in the gut (5).
Is It Safe To Eat Activia Yogurt While Pregnant?
Yes, it is safe to eat Activia yogurt during pregnancy, but make sure you eat it in moderate quantities (6). According to a study published in the Canadian Family Physician journal, probiotics, including those with Bifidobacterium species (like Activia), are unlikely to have any adverse affects on the fetal growth or development and are usually not linked to any pregnancy or delivery complications (11).
Eating anything in excess can spell danger for you while expecting. Remember, it is advisable to consult your doctor before you add Activia to your pregnancy diet.
Talking about eating probiotics like yogurt during pregnancy, certified nurse-midwife Catherine Ruhl says, “Clearly read ingredients and choose supplements from brands known to test for consistent potency and safety. Talk with your nurse about pre- and probiotics, especially if you’re considering pregnancy or are pregnant (i).”
Caution
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Activia yogurt pasteurized?
Yes, Activa is made with pasteurized milk (7). The probiotic is added to the milk after the pasteurization process to ensure that the bacteria is alive and active.
2. When should I not eat Activia when pregnant?
Since it is pasteurized, Activia is generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, it might be unsuitable for those with dairy allergy or lactose intolerance. Speak to your healthcare provider to ensure Activia’s safety for you (7).
3. How long does Activia take to work?
The manufacturer claims that regular consumption of Activia for approximately two weeks is needed to show conclusive results (7).
4. When is the best time to take Activia probiotic yogurt?
The best time to take Activia may vary depending on the individual and their specific needs. For instance, taking Activia with a meal or shortly after a meal is often advised, as the probiotics in the yogurt may have better survival rates when taken with food. However, you may also take it on an empty stomach to eliminate unwanted bacteria, allowing the probiotics to better colonize the gut.
5. Can I eat Activia probiotic yogurt daily during pregnancy?
For most women, consuming Activia yogurt during pregnancy in moderate amounts daily may not cause any issues. However, if you have gas trouble or a weakened immunity, you may be at an increased risk of side effects such as digestive issues or infections (12). It is best to seek medical advice to learn how much yogurt is right for you, depending on your health and stage of pregnancy.
6. How to incorporate Activia yogurt in my pregnancy diet?
You may begin with a small serving, like a few tablespoons, by incorporating this yogurt in your lunch or smoothies to see if it suits you. Choose a plain, low-fat, low-sugar variety, and check the ingredients for potential allergens (13). Consult your doctor to confirm its safety, especially if you are consuming it for the first time during pregnancy.
Consuming Activia during pregnancy can help with digestive problems and provide nutritional benefits and also contribute to your dietary requirements. It is a brand of yogurt that improves immunity and bone health. It is a low-fat protein, enriched with minerals and vitamins and can be an excellent snack whenever you have any food cravings. Therefore, it is safe to consume Activia provided you take it in a moderate quantity. However, if you are not comfortable consuming something that hasn’t been mentioned in your diet, you may consult your doctor.
Infographic: Benefits Of Eating Activia During Pregnancy
Probiotic yogurts such as Activia are generally safe for expecting mothers; they are health-benefiting and can potentially reduce certain pregnancy-related complications. The infographic below presents the advantages of this yogurt. However, it is ideal to consult a healthcare provider before starting a new dietary regimen during pregnancy. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Amazing Health Benefits Of Consuming Activia During Pregnancy
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Probiotics and Your Health During Pregnancy;https://www.health4mom.org/probiotics-health-pregnancy/
References
- Gut Microbiome
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25201-gut-microbiome - Gregor Reid and Pirkka Kirjaivanen.; (2005); Taking probiotics during pregnancy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1479476/ - Xiaoqian CHEN et al.; (2019); Association between Probiotic Yogurt Intake and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6708537/ - Nutrition Support
http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/clinical/departments/medicine/divisions/digestive-health/nutrition-support-team/nutrition-articles/Parrish_Feb_14.pdf - Pro-Biotics, Gut Microbiome and Nutrient Absorption.
https://internationalprobiotics.org/home/pro-biotics-gut-microbiome-and-nutrient-absorption/ - Jackie Elias et al.; (2011); Are probiotics safe for use during pregnancy and lactation?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3056676/ - Activia. Frequently Asked Questions.
https://www.danoneactivia.co.uk/frequently-asked-questions/# - Probiotics During Pregnancy.
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/probiotics-during-pregnancy/ - Mojgan Mirghafourvand et al., (2016); The Effect of Probiotic Yogurt on Constipation in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/80f2/b548c2c7bd8651451935ab85dc6ff32beb3c.pdf - Andy He et al., (2020); Benefits of Probiotic Yogurt Consumption on Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7449615/ - Jackie Elias et al., (2011); Are probiotics safe for use during pregnancy and lactation?
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3056676/ - Probiotics.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Probiotics-HealthProfessional/ - 5 Snack Foods to Eat While Pregnant.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-snack-foods-to-eat-while-pregnant
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