Activia® is the first of a new generation of yogurts with a probiotic culture.

This new yogurt contains a exclusive bifidobacteria called (Bifidobacterium animalis lactis) (BL Regularis^TM). BL Regularis^TM is a probiotic bacteria that has undergone clinical studies and is scientifically proven for its ability to survive in the digestive system and for its effects on intestinal transit. It's also a delicious way to help make sure your digestive system functions well.

Yes. Activia^® is a yogurt because it is fermented, not only by (Bifidobacterium animalis lactis) BL Regularis^TM, but also by the two bacteria used traditionally in yogurt: Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus.

Bifidobacterium (animalis) lactis is a gram-positive anaerobic bacteria belonging to the same category as lactic species, as it produces lactic acid during the fermentation process. This bacterium is part of the same family as bifidobacteria. Certain species of bifidobacteria have been identified as naturally populating the human intestine - they are part of the intestinal flora.

The intestinal flora includes all of the various bacteria (around 10¹⁴ CFU/g) which inhabit the human digestive tract and that we all live with in harmony. This flora plays a primary role in the metabolism of undigested nutrients in the small intestine. It also helps protect against pathogen infections throughout the digestive tract. We distinguish dominant bacteria populations (bifidobacteria) with concentrations of 10⁸ to 10¹¹ CFU/g from sub-dominant bacteria populations with concentrations between 10⁴ to 10⁸ CFU/g. Among the 400 to 500 species of bacteria present in the human body, the majority have a beneficial role, such as bifidobacteria, while others are potential pathogens (like clostridium), notably in cases of intestinal flora imbalance. This imbalance can result from stress, antibiotic treatment, etc.

Researchers for Danone have chosen to use BL Regularis^TM in Activia^® for its beneficial properties pertaining to the digestive system. BL Regularis^TM has been shown to play a role in intestinal transit. Slow intestinal transit, principally due to bad dietary habits and stress, is a source of discomfort (bloating, heaviness, aches). As a dairy product, Activia^® from Danone also contains high-quality proteins, minerals, calcium and vitamins.

The word probiotic literally means "for life." Essentially, a probiotic is a living micro-organism that, if eaten in sufficient quantities, provides a positive health benefit for the host that goes beyond primary nutritional effects. A food is considered probiotic if it contains a sufficient quantity of probiotics and if all probiotic properties are maintained throughout the life of the product (alive in sufficient quantities and providing beneficial health effects).

Yes, Activia^® contains an exclusive, active culture (BL Regularis^TM) that is a probiotic. In fact, each 100-g portion of Activia^® yogurt contains more than 1 billion active and live BL Regularis^TM bacteria.

Having as much BL Regularis^TM in each portion helps to make the most of their beneficial effects and also assures that a sufficient amount of them survive so that they can play a role in the digestive system.

Studies on intestinal transit time have shown the "effectiveness of Activia^®" when one portion was eaten daily. These same studies have also demonstrated that the dosage influenced the results, with greater efficacy when up to three portions a day were consumed.

In addition, Bifidobacterium (animalis) lactis does not stay in the colon and is eliminated in the stools along with other bacteria. The positive effects of taking Activia^® on a regular basis will cease after a few weeks once you stop eating it. We therefore recommend consuming at least one portion of Activia^® each day to renew the good bacteria in the digestive system. Studies show that these beneficial effects will start appearing after eating Activia^® for 12 days. (Source: Meance S, et al. Recent advance in the use of functional foods: Effect of the commercial fermented milk with Bifidobacteriumanimalis strain DN-173 010 and yoghurt strains on gut transit time in the elderly. Microb Ecol Health Dis, 2003. 15: 15-22)

It is suitable for the whole family, including children who are looking to eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Activia^® from Danone is the only yogurt in Canada with the probiotic culture BL Regularis^TM. It was specially selected to remain active and alive in the yogurt, giving Activia^® its exclusive properties.

Activia^® from Danone is the only yogurt in Canada with probiotic BL Regularis^TM culture. It was specially formulated to multiply and survive in the yogurt, giving Activia^® its exclusive beneficial properties. Activia is the only yogurt scientifically proven to aid your regularity by reducing long transit time.

Bifidobacterium (animalis) lactis is a gram-positive anaerobic bacteria belonging to the same category as lactic bacteria, as it produces lactic acid during the fermentation process. This bacterium is part of the bifidobacteria family.

In summary, Bifidobacterium (animalis) lactis is a exclusive strain of bifidobacteria known in Canada under the name BL Regularis^TM, and was specially selected by Danone Vitapole (Daniel Carasso Research Centre). BL Regularis^TM is an active, living culture used only by Danone. BL Regularis^TM contributes to the proper functioning of the digestive system.

We say that BL Regularis^TM is active as it is alive in the yogurt, and once ingested, it survives the passage through the digestive system and remains in sufficient quantities once it reaches the large intestine.

The intestine is like a garden. If we neglect our garden, weeds will grow and take over the flowers. Before long, the weeds take up more and more space, leaving less room for healthy flowers. The intestine works in a similar way. If we don't take care of it, helpful bacteria eventually diminish.

Danone researchers have specifically chosen to use BL Regularis^TM in Activia^® for its effects on the digestive system. BL Regularis^TM improves intestinal transit time.

As a dairy product, Activia^® from Danone also contains high-quality proteins, minerals, calcium and vitamins.

No. These types of bacteria have a long and safe history of use.

Danone Vitapole researchers isolated BL Regularis^TM, Bifidobacterium (animalis) lactis DN 173-010, in 1985. They were looking for a Bifidobacterium capable of remaining active and alive in milk.

BL Regularis^TM comes from fermented milk and was specially selected for its ability to grow and survive in Activia^®. BL Regularis^TM is a probiotic culture that has been the subject of clinical studies and is scientifically proven to survive through the digestive system tract as it penetrates the large intestine in the form of a live, active culture.

No.

Clinical studies were performed with healthy volunteers to verify the survival of,BL Regularis^TM at different locations in the gastrointestinal tract following the consumption of Activia^® in defined quantities. Results show that BL Regularis^TM survives upon passage to the stomach and all along the small intestine until finally reaching the large intestine/colon. It can then be found alive and in sufficient quantities (10⁷ CFU/g) in stools. It can then be said that (Bifidobacterium animalis lactis), or BL Regularis^TM , survives its entire journey through the gastrointestinal tract.

Studies show that BL Regularis^TM can survive in the intestine for 10 days following the last ingestion and that it does, in fact, populate the digestive tract. This delay simply represents the time it takes to eliminate BL Regularis^TM. That is why only a regular daily intake of Activia^® guarantees its effectiveness on intestinal transit time.

We have no specific information on over-consumption of Activia^® because fermented milks are regular consumption food. However, throughout our clinical studies, certain subjects had to ingest three portions per day for 15 days, and we noted no particular complaints - even from elderly people who were not used to ingesting such quantities of yogurt.

All over-consumption can alter the dietary routine, so it is important to ingest foods from all necessary groups every day.

Counter-indication: Allergies to milk.

No. A laxative is a medication formulated to treat constipation. Activia^® is not a medication - it is a food.

Activia^® was studied in adults presenting slower, but more or less normal, intestinal transit times, and not in the pathological context of constipation. Activia^® from Danone is not a medication - it is a food. Through regular consumption it contributes to a regular transit time.

Activia^® is a food product. However, it is recommended that you read the instructions for taking your medication.

Activia^® is suitable for everyone.

Activia^® is available in twelve delicious flavours: vanilla, strawberry, prune, peach, apple and raisins, pears, raspberry, sweetened plain, peach and cereals, red fruits and cereals, apple-müesli and nuts and also available in seven flavours of Activia Fat Free: vanilla, strawberry, peach, raspberry, prune, red fruits and cereals, apple and müesli.

Yes. Activia^® is available in twelve delicious flavours: vanilla, strawberry, prune, peach, apple and raisins, pears, raspberry, sweetened plain, peach and cereals, red fruits and cereals, apple-müesli and nuts and also available in seven flavours of Activia Fat Free: vanilla, strawberry, peach, raspberry, prune, red fruits and cereals, apple and müesli. Its active culture, BL Regularis^TM, contributes to the pleasing taste, smoothness and rich texture of Activia^®. Results from Danone's taste tests show that consumers classified Activia^® among the best yogurts, thanks to its taste and creamy texture. (Source: Cintech. July 2003)

Activia^® comes in 100-g and 650-g portions, and can be found in regular packaging throughout stores.

The suggested retail price is $4.99 for a pack of eight containers, $6.99 for a pack of 12 containers, $7.99 for a pack of 16 containers and $3.69 for a 650-g container.

Activia^® from Danone has a exclusive culture that is active, alive and known by the name of BL Regularis^TM. Activia^® from Danone is the result of many years of research.

Like all fermented milk products, it must ideally be consumed before the expiry date. However, if it is only slightly past the expiry date, there is no danger. The product will simply contain fewer living bacteria and the taste could be slightly more acidic.

The gelatine in Activia^® is from a bovine source.

Activia^® is a regular food product, containing the two bacteria used traditionally in yogurt as well as a third: BL Regularis^TM. Activia^® can therefore be consumed by the whole family as part of a healthy diet.

Trans fatty acids (TFA) found in food have two principal origins: industrial or animal. Animal-based TFA originate from the bacterial transformation of unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen (stomach) of ruminants. Industrial-based TFA are linked to the partial hydrogenation of oils and edible fats, as well as the deodorization of oils. Milk and milk products contain small quantities (5%) of TFA naturally. TFA can also be found in products that originate from ruminants (cows, sheep, goats, etc.), but only in small quantities.

Bifidobacteria were on Earth before animals and vegetables. They are neither animal nor vegetable - they are bacteria. (Bifidobacterium animalis lactis) has been extracted from fermented milk.