Probiotic drinks don't promote health, says EU study

Products such as Yakult, which are sold at a premium over standard yogurts, cannot be proved to either boost the immune system or aid digestive health.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has examined more than 800 health claims from food companies, including those submitted by the multi-billion pound probiotic industry.

EFSA's independent panel of scientists found that the claims that these products could strengthen the body's defences and reduce gut problems were either so general as to be inadmissible, or could not be shown to have the claimed effect.

In a separate ruling, the panel examined a dossier of 12 studies submitted by Yakult for its own strain of probiotic bacteria, Lactobacillus casei shirota, reports the Telegraph.  It found that all were inadequate to support the company's claim that its products maintained immune defences against the common cold.

EFSA's ruling is being challenged by the industry, but if these appeals fail the companies will no longer be allowed to market the foods as aiding digestion or helping the immune system in future.

Yakult in its most recent TV advertisement asserts: "Yakult's billions of friendly bacteria help keep your gut healthy and a healthy gut helps make for better digestion and stronger natural defences."

Danone, Britain's biggest manufacturer of probiotic drinks and yogurts, said none of its products was subject to the ruling as it had withdrawn its claims that Actimel and Activia boosted the immune system and aided digestive health.  Nearly 60 percent of British households regularly buy probiotic drinks.