BIFIDUS DIGESTIVUM / BIFIDUS REGULARIS / BIFIDOBACTERIUM LACTIS / L. CASEI IMUNITASS / L. CASEI DEFENSIS

"Bifidobacteria are normal inhabitants of the human and animal colon. Newborns, especially those that are breast-fed, are colonized with bifidobacteria within days after birth. Bifidobacteria were first isolated from the feces of breast-fed infants. The population of these bacteria in the colon appears to be relatively stable until advanced age when it appears to decline. The bifidobacteria population is influenced by a number of factors, including diet, antibiotics and stress.

"Bifidobacteria are gram-positive anaerobes. They are non-motile, non-spore forming and catalase-negative. They have various shapes, including short, curved rods, club-shaped rods and bifurcated Y-shaped rods. Their name is derived from the observation that they often exist in a Y-shaped or bifid form. The guanine and cytosine content of their DNA is between 54 mol% and 67mol%. They are saccharolytic organisms that produce acetic and lactic acids without generation of CO2, except during degradation of gluconate. They are also classified as lactic acid bacteria (LAB).

"To date, 30 species of bifidobacteria have been isolated. Bifidobacteria used as probiotics include Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium thermophilum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium lactis. Specific strains of bifidobacteria used as probiotics include Bifidobacterium breve strain Yakult, Bifidobacterium breve RO7O, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12, Bifidobacterium longum RO23, Bifidobacterium bifidum RO71, Bifidobacterium infantis RO33, Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and Bifidobacterium longum SBT-2928." [emphasis added]

Dear Dannon,
Bifidus Bologna!!!!!!
WendyColson | 11.05.2008

I was at this restaurant in upper Windsor, England and I kept eating until I felt bloated beyond imagination. I kept eating and asked for more. Finally the waiter brought me one thin mint and I exploded. I guess I should have had Dannon for dessert instead.
Max Spinckter | 11.05.2008

Dannon is sellin baloney. Its Activa yogurts have so much other bad food junk in it. The 0 percent fat free Fage yogurts plain with two live bacteria - now that is healthy yogurt. This Dannon effort should be good governmetn controlled - good for Hungaray - and all ads, including poor Jamie Lee Curtis looking ill I don't know what happened to her, should be revoked. The article here is good.
stop | 10.05.2008

THANKFUL - is the only word I have for Dannon yogurt with Bifidus Regularis. For 24 years I've had nightly acid stomach when sleeping in bed. Distrusting medical doctors, drugs and surgery, I tried about 15 different natural cures. They all worked well. But nothing worked fully as well as Dannon's yogurt. I would rate Dannon's yogurt with Bifidus Regularis an "A+." Both my wife and I Thank You, Dannon! You are working for the public's good.
Mark LaMoure | 05.05.2008

I have regular BMs and no real digestive problems, but felt that Activia sounded healthy. First day I took it I was fine, second day I was hungry and took 2 containers for lunch. Bad Idea! In a few hours I started having chills, a fever and later horrible bloating and lower bowel cramping, but no real diarrhea. It was enough. I have never gone back to the Activia. The next day felt somewhat better and no longer any fever/chills, but still some bloating and cramping. The third day out I was back to normal. It's not for everyone. I was scared that the good bacteria in my gut may have been affected permanently, but everything now seems back to normal.
Ginny C. | 03.05.2008

Sounds like someone has been watching too many Roadrunner cartoons & Buying too many ACME products
Anonymous | 28.04.2008

I am very familiar with the benefits of acidophilus.....so decided to try Activia. On day two I began to have those horrible cramps and nausea that many others have experienced. Like others, I thought since my stomach was bothering me, I should have another yogurt. I was just scraping my third container (in three days) clean while reading online about the bad effects that other people have experienced. That was about 6 weeks ago.....and guess what? I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS! My stomach is queasy every single day, with some cramping and discomfort. I have not had a day without diarrhea, and my stools are a dark green color no matter what I eat. I am very disturbed that this product is on the market without warnings of the possible bad side effects that MANY have had. BE CAREFUL!!!!!
Stephanie | 27.04.2008

I think Dannon need to say, "Eating bifidus regularies helps your poop-a-dare-us...."
Sam | 27.04.2008

I have had problems with IBS for a few years, comes and goes.. I have always eaten yogurts before and never had problems. But every time now I noticed that when I eat a probiotic yogurt, like Olympia..even that one within a day gave me more gas, burping, extreme stomach pain, heartburn, and diarrhea. This was about four days ago, and still having mild gas. I will never touch probiotics again. Stick with pure natural yogurt! and add your own fruit. I am convinced now it is the Probiotics.
Raquel | 23.04.2008

I am glad I found this page. I too have had serious stomach problems since starting DanActive. I thought I had some kind of female problem, even went to the OB for an exam - yuck! I'm glad it turned out that nothing was wrong down there but then I couldn't imagine what else it could have been...until I thought, "wow, the pain did start after I started eating DanActive." I stopped eating it just a couple of days ago and am feeling MUCH better...not perfect yet but better. I am sure it was the DanActive now. I won't touch the stuff again. Thanks for all the other notes. -E
Elissa | 21.04.2008

Stonyfield Farm ORGANIC yogurt also contains the Bifidus culture, and NO artificial sweeteners and/or pesticides/hormones/chemicals....just all-natural organic yogurt with probiotics. Dannon is simply fooling their consumers...nearly all yogurts contain "good" yeasts for your body..which is why they are called YOGURTS and not puddings!!!
Linda | 21.04.2008

Anyone realize Danones big claim to fame is they have added a LAXATIVE to yogurt?
bob kulesa | 17.04.2008

I could not stand it when Jamie Lee Curtis said on a national TV commercial, Dannon Yoghurt had the ingredient "Bifidus Regularis". I knew it was a made up substance. It sounds phony. I looked it up and sure enough I was right. It disgusts me when marketers try to make fools of the public. It is such an insult to our intelligence.
Krey | 15.04.2008

Howus canus so-us manyus peopleus be-us wrong-us?
Logus Incredimus | 14.04.2008

First of all I would like to say that I started eating Dannon yougurt as an extra because I was always regular. THIS IS THE WORST THING HUMANS INVENTED. I ate it for 4 days. Immed. after the first day, I felt a little gassy with a little cramping. I took it for 3 more days and I have to say that I have NEVER experienced such pain in my life. All across the bottom of my whole stomach. Severe pain and the feeling to go, and nothing! Not only that, when yopu do go, it is darker in some areas than normal. This is horrible. I started thinking that I had a bacterial infection or a SEVERE trac infection. Then I realized that this all started 4 days ago when I started the Dannon yogurt. God bless you if it worked, but God help us that it didnt becasue this pain is HORRIBLE...like nothing I have ever had before. If you are regular , STAY AWAY FROM THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!! I stopped taking it and in 1 day I feel better, not completely normal yet, still a little pain, but MUCH better tha!
Tina | 13.04.2008

I'm trying to get over a bout of diarroea (squits) and have stomach cramps and started looking into probiotics; it looks like some people find this is a good way to get what I already have! Screw that for a laugh, I've got a sore enough ringpiece as it is. Good bye and much love, Jim.
Rim Job | 11.04.2008

I had been eating Activia for about two weeks when I began experiencing stomach cramping and expelling an unusual mucous-like substance when passing an incredible amount of gas. The only new food in my diet recently was the Activia. So here I am today, trying to research side effects that Activia may cause. I had no idea I was eating anything that could be so detrimental to my health!! I sit here with abdominal pain and a sensation of needing to have a bowel movement, not to mention the rectal discomfort and tenderness!!! Gee whiz, thanks alot Dannon!!!!!!!!
Cookie | 06.04.2008

I want the manufacturers of this product to know that this product is totally disappointing to say the least. I would not recommend it to my friends.
Margaret Murray | 05.04.2008

Warning! I began eating Activia on March 16, 2008 and, after a few hours, became extremely sick with uncontrollable belching, bloating, severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, weakness and nausea. I thought I was going to die! Thinking I had a stomach bug or the like, I kept eating Activia, thinking it would help the problem. However, the symptoms kept getting worse. I took Activia for 11 days and was still sick. On the twelfth day, for some reason it dawned on me to Google Activia and found the blogs on the adverse affects. I immediately stopped eating it and the next day I was almost back to normal with just a few gas pains remaining. In the next few days after that, I was completely normal again! If you eat Activia and experience these symptoms, please stop immediately! It only gets WORSE!
Andrea | 03.04.2008

NEVER AGAIN!!! ATE ACTIVIA FOR 3DAYS HAD SEVERE STOMACH PAINS, TOILET ALOT AND ENDED UP OF WORK SICK! NOT GOOD!!!!
Donna | 02.04.2008

I am a disabled arthritic with reactive arthritis. I have been on prednisone (20mg a day) for about 5 years now. I have a repressed immune system from the prednisone which I must take because my arthritis attacked me everywhere, not just in my joints. I have lost 60% of the macula in my right eye.

As little as reducing my prednisone dosage to 15 mg a day results in the macula in both eyes flaring up with edemas. I've been told that I have a "soft tissue" arthritis. I am also HLB-B27 positive. That is a gene that indicates my skin type.

For pain, I‘ve been put on opiates because my kidneys and liver have sustained too much damage from NSAIDS.

A big side effect of opiates is constipation…SO - to get away from Metamucil everyday...

I studied the package carefully; there is no warning on the package for persons with impaired immunity. I started Activia on Feb 4th and consumed one serving a day, as directed, until Feb 9th 2006. That evening I had a case of diarrhea that smelled worse than anything I ever smelled before. I couldn't wait to get out of the bathroom! (Since then, I have learned that this smell is a known side effect.)

The next morning, Feb 10th,, 5:30 AM, I had severe pain across the bottom of my abdomen. I was convinced I had a bladder infection.

I called my primary physician, talked to his nurse who refused to give me antibiotics. Her words; “You need to go to the emergency room, you could have appendicitis.”

Up to that point (about 9:00 AM) I had NO INTENTION to go to a doctor, let alone a hospital! But the pain kept increasing.

So I called my wife (11 AM) to come home and drive me. I knew I couldn’t drive myself; I was too nauseated and dizzy. She got home from work about 12:30. We made up our collective mind that we’d put up with the wait in the emergency room instead of the walk in clinic and we drove to St Vincent’s in Bridgeport.

We didn’t leave right away; I’m still convinced it is a bladder infection. We left at about 1:30 pm.

Because we drove, not taking an ambulance, we got placed in the waiting room instead of going straight into the Emergency Room. After about 20 minutes I told my wife to tell the reception desk that if I didn’t get a place to lie down in the next 5 minutes, I would have to lie down on the floor, and I meant it.

SO… Five minutes later (about 2:30pm) the intern is checking me over and they were taking my vitals. My temperature was 100, blood pressure 100/60. Pushing and poking, looking in every nook and cranny, the intern says “Mr. P, we really can’t see anything wrong with you.”

…….The nurse takes my blood pressure one more time: 60/30! Bingo

My little room was invaded by 10 people. They started an IV. I am about passed out from the pain even though I am on an opiate patch for my arthritis. My temp went to 102 to 97 to 101 to 99. Blood pressure was as low as 50 / 20.

They RAN me down to a CAT scan, called the Chief Surgeon, pumped me up with antibiotics and something to increase my blood pressure, inserted a catheter. As soon as the got my BP over 100, they RAN me to the operating room.

I woke up at 1 AM with the last 8 inches of colon removed. The official diagnosis was diverticulitis. The doctors don’t believe that the yogurt did it. If you read the Activia web sites downloadable document for medical professional, it tells you that the lactic acid level increase by 29% and fecal matter flow increases by 100%.

They were very clear to me that if my wife got me there 20 minutes later I would probably have been dead from the bacteremia. The stool had also leaked into my pericardium. One of the interns said to me that a large percentage of people they see with my condition arrive to the emergency room already dead.

The Chief Surgeon tells my wife and daughter I'm in really bad shape and he can't promise anything. They had to wait 5 hour of surgery to find out I was going to be ok. They had a big section of my intestines pulled out of me so that they could get to the bottom section.

I wear a colostomy bag and will require 2 surgeries to be put back together again.

I believe that this is happening to other people who have impaired immune systems and try Activia. I keep reading about people that have tried Activia having extreme nausea and dizziness.

It makes me shake in memory of that day!

(I woke up in the ICU at 1:00 am of Feb 11th to a nurse saying “Happy Birthday, we gave you a nice bag to wear!”)

Dannon has created a product that may be fine for the vast majority of people. I would NOT have tried it if there was a warning about problems in people who have impaired immune systems.

Well, either I’m right and there will be a class action suit against Dannon, or I’m wrong and it was a coincidence. I really believe that my colon has a hole in it because I ate Activia yogurt. I really hate the fact that if I’m right I have to wait until other people lose their lives to be proved right. This is a case where I would get a hefty chunk of money if I’m right but very much hope I’m wrong because of the suffering being right would cause.

If anyone else has gone through an "Adverse Event",of any type, please post a comment or start a new blog.

This blog site should become a repository of information regarding any problems people have with Activia. I will try to post as much information as I can.

Make sure, if you have surgery like I did that they preserve the pieces taken out. My colon was about to be disposed of when I called and asked them to preserve it.

Tom

ps: I sent that nurse flowers AND candy.

Tom Partridge | 28.03.2008

I have had serveral sinus infections and ear infections, due to the antibiotics I was taking it gave me colitis. Now when I take an antibiotic I eat activia to help put good bacteria back into my colon. I also eat activia as a snack sometimes, I have never felt better.
tray | 24.03.2008

I do not know too much about the probiotic health claims, but I do make my own yoghurt at home. I found that Activa is a great starter/innoculant to use; it makes a firm, quick setting yoghurt and the whey doesn't separate. I highly reccomend it for these reasons. If there's any health benefits, even better.
Gavin | 24.03.2008

I've had IBS for many years, some times I don't go for four days ar a time. I just took my first cup of Activa. I will get back to you after my first week of use.
Lilljo6 | 21.03.2008

I have had many of the symptoms listed here, my gastroenterologist put me on a probiotic called Align with Bifantis, and I have had improvement. I have found the following tips very useful to manage a challenging gut and you have probably heard of many of them: use whole grain breads, very little raw vegetables – the roughage can exasperate some symptoms, increase fiber (very important – it balances and makes hard things soft and soft things firm), 1-2 Citrucel (or generic) with meals and a few Trisket wheat crackers after lunch or dinner (this also absorbs fat from the meal) Note that roughage and fiber are two different things. Use soy instead of milk products; reduce items that fill your stomach with air i.e. carbonated drinks (or let the beverage go flat before drinking), chewing gum, and straws. Let your stomach acids do their job – don’t drink a lot of liquids with meals to dilute the acid. Reduce fatty and spicy meals. Take a multi vitamin every other day with a meal. Get on a schedule i.e. get up earlier to evacuate your gut, eat around the same time every day, eat medium size portions, don’t graze on junk all day or night, or eat too late. Get enough sleep, exercise, and get a hobby. I know this one sounds weird – think loving thoughts and rub your tummy clockwise, this is where many people hold their stress and emotions, or resent their body for not acting right - and it reacts like a rebellious child. Look into some of the medications you are taking – many do not advertise that they cause GI problems – such as Alieve or synthroid. Good luck.
Ann | 18.03.2008

I have all the sympteoms of I.B.S. but my dr. says I don't have I.B.S.. I've tried everything out there, they work at first, then my body would get used to them, then I would have to look for something else. 2 weeks ago I had my first 8 pack of ACTIVA and the second day the systoms of I.B.S. had gone completly away. I am a 55 year old disabled man. Now I'm feeling like I was 15 year old kid. I'm sorry that it don't work for everyone, its really a wonderful feeling to be normal again!
Robert | 07.03.2008

I have constant diarrhea up 10 times per or more. I've been put on all kinds of medication to help or stop this, none have worked. I have used DanActive for one week & I cannot believe the results.
Donna Cowan | 05.03.2008

Bifidus Regularis is a marketing ploy but, not much changed from its real name Bifidobacterium infantis 35624. How do you expect to sell yogurt or any other food product with bactirium in it's name? You have to market your product and give it a catchy name. I think you guys are ignorant ones for recognizing good marketing. Also, If you have enough time to add your comment you have enough time to google Bifidus and probiotics read for your self that it is very real and has been used for many years. Do your research before you make remarks that make yourself look stupid and not the product you were aiming at. Think about that when you get sucked into buying your hyped up shampoo products or anything else for that matter. Give me a break with your hypicritical accusations just because you can't take a few minutes to realize everything we buy today has a marketing stategy. It's packeged to catch your eye. If it was'nt, everything would be generic wrapped in white with back letters.
Katy | 03.03.2008

Anyone know what is the difference in taking Activia and taking just pills (probiotics and acidofilus?) I think I have IBS, but I have been not really screaned, because: no insurance, no money, no time. I am trying Activia. I hope it make my life less miserable, or perhaps it will make me worse?
Bill | 26.02.2008

Just to let you know, there is also a UK website www.danoneactivia.co.uk
Helen | 22.02.2008

Just started Activia today, I am a once a day BM person, usually about 20 minutes after my 1st morning coffee. I do not follow the 3 meals a day diet, so I don't think once a day is abnormal for me. I generally eat no breakfast, a light lunch and a full meal at dinner. if I get hungry between I will snack on some empty carbs, usually corn chips. Lately though I have been having days where my stomach is painful even to the touch and when this occurs I spend the majority of the a.m. on the Can. I don't have health insurance so I am hoping that it is something Proboitics can repair. I would rather try a Logical organic approach before pharmacology, the only thing worse then illegal drugs is legal drugs, and who can afford medical care in this country without insurance.

43 yr old
white male
5"9" 165lbs
good general health
regular excersize
occasional stomach cramping and urgent painful BM's

I will Repost with my results in 4 days
when I finish my 1st pack of activia

Thanks
Jack G | 15.02.2008

I have tried Activia and it works for me with no side effects except that my stomach feels numb sometimes after I have "released". I love it and have recommended it to all of my friends. I have also noticed that I am not as "fluffy" as before. I know that I have lost inches. I wonder if I keep eating this and lose more weight if I could get rich like Subway Jared......
Boss Lady | 11.02.2008

Has anyone noticed darker stools since taking Activia?
Bill | 10.02.2008

I don't know why some people have bad reactions with Activia. I started using it daily starting spring 2007. I have had fibromyalgia for over 40 years and have battled irregularity. After taking Activia daily I became very regular. I felt relatively functional all summer to my amazement. Then in the fall I reduced the frequency of taking the product. I was confused as to why I was back to my old fibromyalgia symptoms. I tried to figure out what I had been doing last summer. After several experiments I finally realized that the Activia made the difference. I assume that because it made me regular that toxins were being eliminated. So I have started back on a daily serving of Activia.
Anita Roman | 09.02.2008

For those who are concerned about the sugar content, there is an Activa Light that is sweetened with sucrolose. All those bad symptoms, that everybody is complaining about, can be caused by the sugar content not necessarilly the probiotics. Sugar is poison to the body in even the tiniest amounts. I just tried Activia a few days ago with no problems, but I use the Light as I don't eat sugar. By the way, I also think that the phrase "bifidus regularus" is a load of crap, made up to seperate the more ignorant from their money....i.e. a marketing ploy, simple as that. Whether it works or not....solely depends on the individual.
Kathy | 08.02.2008

The negativity surrounding this product is not about whether or not it works. It clearly works for some people. The negativity is because of the intentionally misleading statements jam-packed into every advertisement and official company website from people like Dannon. It infuriates me that they can legally invent such loaded alternate names for bacteria and inject them so deep into society that quite likely a majority of people are used to hearing them.

Irrelevant to whether the product works or not, they're going over the line to get you to use it -- because if you believe them, and/or if it ends up improving your digestive tract in any way, you'll become a permanent customer. It's actually a very similar sort of slavery that cigarette companies count on; the difference is Dannon has less suggestive imagery and zero government regulation of the methods by which it can advertise its product. The wording and imagery they use is as stealthy as Marlboro's, so please don't let them fool you into thinking that any yoghurt, but especially _their_ brands of yoghurt, are necessarily of any use to you other than a tasty snack. If you find yoghurt improves your body's function, then by all means eat it regularly, but for your own good try a variety of brands and types.
Dennis | 03.02.2008

Thanks for the biology low-down on yogurt...

People need to read the labels of things they put into their bodies... and understand them. Any high school graduate (with a computer) can figger it out. Start at McDonalds and work your way up.

It never ceases to amaze me how colonically dysfunctional most people are. I can't imagine living with a 3-4 day time span between bowel movements. If you have pain after eating cultured yogurt .. NO WONDER!

Like my kitties you should go out and munch on the grasses...till you feel better. I go 3-4 times a day.

Make sure the main ingredient in your yogurt is primarily cultured low fat milk. Say NO to high fructose corn syrup, anywhere. Or anything partially or otherwise hydrogenated. The less amount of ingredients the better. Cultured milk, honey, fruit.. everyday. No pain in digestion...gelatin is ok.. great for the hair and nails.

If you get sick and feel the need to go to the doctor? Anti-biotics should be used only if your prognosis is a life or death situation...(such as bacterial pneumonia, staph, strep, or auto-immune deficiant persons).

Be healthy people, take control of your inner-space....love~n~light...p
patty | 01.02.2008

I had extensive surgery in '96 due to Crohn's disease. I no longer have a terminal ileum and my stomach outlet has been bypassed. Without the sphincters of those areas it is a real challenge to maintain any type of regularity. I have tried a number of probiotics and while regular yogurt provides some benefit I notice a distinct improvment with Activia. I know it is marketed as helping motility but for me the effect is more one of calming things down and providing a more solid stool. If I discontinue using it my gut is much more easily knocked out of balance. It's fairly expensive as yogurt goes but if you have a Costco nearby you can get a much better deal. I don't expect it has the same effect on everyone but some of the vehement comments seem excessive. It works for me and I would recommend trying it as an alternative to medications which are certainly not in keeping with a natural balance.
Mark Schneider | 28.01.2008

Strange, I had no problems using The Dannon Avtivia, I am 40 year of male, I was semi regular before I used it, Now I am Super Regular, so much so I think I clogged the toilet once or twice.. I get I am just one of the luck ones that this products works.
Richard | 25.01.2008

About 4 months ago I tried Activia and it made me constipated and bloated. I thought it may have been something else I had eaten at the time but decided not to eat them anymore just in case. I returned to regular bm's again and forgot all about it. Last weekend I went shopping and was looking for some yoghurts picked a pack of Activia up and guess what, I am constipated and very bloated again! It has to be the Activia as it is the only thing different that I have had compared to normal over the course of the last few months. My advice is IF YOU ARE REGULAR DON'T EAT ACTIVIA.
Mandy | 22.01.2008

In Michel Pollan's book "In Defense of Eating," he says, "Avoid food products that make health claims." He also suggests that the way that the food industry makes money is by further processing what we eat to make it more expensive. Yogurt is wonderful; you can make it yourself. Don't be fooled into buying these expensive derivations.
Ann | 20.01.2008

I've had terrible watery diareaha for three days, plus terrible pain and bloating. I imagine this product created what I didn't have--illness. I had a c diff (neg) and culture (neg) done ($) at the hospital plus missed days of work ($). This product needs a "use at your own risk" warning.
Theresa C | 13.01.2008

I am one of those people that isn't constipated, but wanted to do the right thing for my intestines. I have had about six containers of this product, and today, and yesterday, I have experienced horrible bloating, frequent bowl movements, and chronic cramping. As I type I am in horrible discomfort.The product is good for those who need it, but this is a lesson on "leave well enough alone..." BTW, anyone else have this, and when will this Stop...
Mary Lewis | 07.01.2008

Looked up the name bifidus regularis - what crap! 86'd mine.
J Carroll | 03.01.2008

I love Activa, and have been taking it every day and it makes me poop hella harder then before, and I can eat the college diet I usually eat and not get the runs all the time.
Sibe | 27.12.2007

I have been using Activia for 2 weeks and cannot believe the difference it has made. I am now going to the bathroom once a day where before it was 3 or 4 days before a bow movement. I will eat it once a day. Thank You
Cynthia Dore | 13.12.2007

What most here are forgetting is that all bodys react diferently to anything and evrything! Those who are having adverse affects need to stop using these types of products and consult a Dr. if they haven't already. For those that it is working for, continue using it. It's as simple as that!

Anyone who thinks this is hype are obviously negative thinkers (including myself on most products, but not this one). This is coming from a guy who is very pesimistic about everything out there that are health related "remedies". I have noticed, as I get older (38), that the body just doesn't work the same way it did back when I was 20 and so far I have been drinking 1-2 probiotic yogurts a day and my digestive(regularity)system has been better than it has in the last year or so.

All I can say is this, probiotics is not some miracle cure. It is something the body naturally needs and L'Casei diminishes as you get older due to our diets. If there is something out there that helps replace it, then it is good! No matter what though, we all need to monitor our diets, do our best to stay away from high fructose anything and try to go as organic as you can, it is without a doubt the wave of the future!
Jamie | 06.12.2007

i started activa about 2 weeks ago and i love it! i have always had trouble with constipation on and off throughout my life and this product really works! i'm so glad it's on the market!
angela37 | 05.12.2007

I started this after being on antibiotics for 3 years. I had a breast lump and Dr. had to put drains in to relieve fluid after surgery. I ended up with a Staph infection, the one that has been talked about all over the news. Well the infection was so bad it ate right through my skin and caused me to lose my right breast with complications. Now several surgeries later, reconstruction and staph infection again, I am due for one more reconstructive surgery once more... I am free of staph but I started taking this because sometimes you just need to believe in something and want it enough that hey who knows if it is helping but I feel good and if it is just coincidence or fact, I am happy I got on this site because after all I have been through, I research it all, I haven’t seen anything bad so far...
alissa | 29.11.2007

Fructose syrup and sugar the 3rd and 4th ingredient---no wonder so many of you have had problems! Let's reduce the sugar content and see if your customers get better results, all these people cannot be wrong.
linda | 29.11.2007

I started Activa a month ago. Like what Heather wrote, I experienced the exact reaction. Don't get me wrong though, I really like the product. It has really helped me. I have IBS and when I eat one a day in the morning before breakfast it has really helped. I didn't buy it because of the advertisement. I am going to continue eating one each day.
Christine | 26.11.2007

I am with the nurse just below. After a bout with idiomatic pancreatitis I was having trouble getting back to my old self. After killing all the bacteria in my gut with liquid antibiotics(through my veins in the hospital) I had energy to do only light work with(4 weeks from hospitalization) until 11am each morning.

When I started with just 2 Tablespoons of Activia a day I was able to work ALL day Every Day and have been so able ever since. SO, I am saying, right on Chanda, It is for those who need it. If you don't need it of course it has no special effect, duh!
Kathy | 21.11.2007

Okay here is the deal. Eating "live" yogurt or probiotics can have a noticeable positive effect for people who have shortages of that certain strain of bacteria in their digestive system. The scam is that these "branded" versions are no friggin' different than any other yogurt containing live cultures. If you use them, and they help you, then great, just don't be surprised if the cheap store brands of regular yogurt work just as well for a lot less money.
B | 09.11.2007

THINKS THIS IS A LOAD OF CRAP :]

thanks for reading haha
LOTTE :D | 13.11.2007

Sugar is bad. Probiotics are good - go to the healthfood store and pick up some high quality pills ( in the refrigerated section). I take 2 every night, more if I am having an issue and would never ever travel without them. If someone is having a reaction I dont think it is to the probiotics its to the sugar and other ingredients. I have had IBS and Ulcers, plus I have lots of food allergies - these have cured (or at least calmed) them all.
June | 08.11.2007

Wow! I'm amazed at all of the negativity surrounding this product. Every single thing is not for every single person! How can Mr. Brooker claim that we are gullible in this society when there are so many people who have tried this product, including me, and have found it to have AMAZING benefits! I am a nurse who is very sceptical about a lot of things and I have to do hours upon hours of research on just about everything I consider trying, but this Activa yogurt is a blessing. At 31 years old, after having 6 children, the last two being twins, I found myself slightly stressed to say the least. Among other things, this caused severe constipation. I was taking Super dieters tea daily at one point just to have a so called "normal" bm. Let me tell you people who are taking laxatives and struggling with constipation, TRY ACTIVA. I could care less about marketing stratigies and so-called false claims made by the company so long as once I try it, it works! I don't even have to eat! one every day and I still find myself having a BM (bowel movement), after each meal, WHICH IS WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING PEOPLE!!! If you notice babies go in their diapers afer each meal because that is the intended action for our digestive systems that start at birth! It is not healthy to go only once a day if you are eating more than one time a day! I could go on and on about this subject but I'm going to close with this...If you have suffered with constipation like I have for months now, then give this a try. Yes, a small side effect is being gassy at times, but then again, a healthy digestive system will produce that kind of flatulence anyway! Do the research. Have a blessed day.
Chanda | 08.11.2007

Bifidious bull shit. It's all in your head.
johnny come lately | 04.11.2007

I tried it and it's the best thing I have ever done. No hype as far as I am concerned. I am a 55 yr old male in good health, with a slight indication of diverticulitis. This, along with the other healthy items in my diet (fruit, nuts, vegatables) has been great.
Big Ed | 06.11.2007

Try the following for best results:-- early morning, empty stomach, drink 1tsp ghee (clarified butter) with 1/2 cup of hot water or tea. make a paste of 2tsp cumin seed powder, 2tsp corriander seed powder, 2tsp fennel seed powder, 20/25 rose flower pettals & 20 black current(munakka), mix in two glasses of water & drink morning & night each one glass will give great relief.
pramod | 03.11.2007

I'm a female of 45 yrs of age, and about 3 weeks ago I was feeling nauseated and had mayor cramping and dizziness. The doctor found out that I had a bacteria infection, so I was prescribed antibiotics for 10 days. Needless to say, that my poor intestine was bloated and hardened, and I wasn't even constipated. So, I researched the best I could in the internet for a healthy diet: low acidic and high alkaline and started to implement my new acquired knowledge about dieting. And, I wanted to know more about how to restore health to my digestive tract, since I had taken medications regularly to control my acid reflux GERD and antibiotics for H Pylori. I found out that L Acidophilus is the best natural defense I could find aside from the medications of course. I am buying all the different products I can find in the market, trying to make a balance in what I am taking. I buy activia for my large intestine, the probiotic drinks, the smoothies and yogurt that provide the L acidophilus. I notice a change in each one in the acidity. I began taking one in the morning before breakfast and a different product during the day. So far, it's the 2nd week and my bloating had dissapeared and my bowls had slowly returned to normal. I also, read that probiotics are goog for a healthy immune system. I am also trying the probiotics so I can get rid of rhinitis, allergies and the changes of hormone levels that I'm suffering with my age. I know I made a goog decision by changing my eating habits, and I'm going to include a probiotic drink or a yogurt everyday along with fruits, veggies and whole grain breads.
Doris | 31.10.2007

So I tried Activia two weeks ago today just to see what all the hype was about. I've never been too regular and fell for the hype, I suppose. I only ate one, but ever since I have been bloated, gassy, and unable to have a regular bm without the help of laxatives. I'm wishing that I never tried it... and hoping that my system returns to normal soon. My intestines have never been in so much distress!
Mandy | 25.10.2007

I, too, experienced adverse symptoms in my lower GI tract of pain, distention, urgency without result. No more yogurt of any kind for me!
Faith | 26.10.2007

Pardon my French (and the double entendre), but Activia's marketing is execrable cr*p in my opinion. Surely some marketing person was paid good money to invent the fake name for the company's strain of Bifidobacterium...perhaps they should have put that money into their product.

As far as L. casei product goes, the company just went totally overboard with totally unsubstantiated and misleading inferences. "Restoring natural balance" might be marginally desirable, although that does not sound like a real medical claim; then why do the ads make the product seem like some new fountain of youth. The "70%" of immune system in gut--really...by what measure? (Oh, wait a minute...that explains the thick lining that we would call our intestines.)

What the company does not explain is that the acid byproducts might do harm than good in some customers, or that their product does not address any of the underlying causes. Why did this company choose to tarnish its respectable reputation and a perfectly acceptable product with over-hyped pseudo-scientific claims (more characteristic of snake oil salesmen and other charlatans)?
Pete | 23.10.2007

I tried Activia for the bloating issue that they advertised as I had been told several years ago that I have IBS. I was already regular, but still had some bloating and fullness issues. Well, only 2 days of the yogurt, eaten once daily and I was just a little TOO regular. That was Monday and Tuesday and today is Saturday, and I'm still experiencing an imbalance, I guess of the bacterial flora in the lower digestive tract. I, like Starry, couldn't help but notice all the "sugars", which is the reason I stopped buying regular yogurt in the first place - many containing the high fructose corn syrup, which I don't like to consume. I am extremely thankful for those of you that have been helped by this product, but the manufacturer, if not FDA [which is almost laughable at times], should be forewarned that at the very least, this product should carry more "detailed" information for all and that their ads should do likewise.
Susan | 13.10.2007

After just having a baby i have had stomache aches daily and thought this might help - this is my 3rd day - first had bad gas, currently having extreme diarrhea and today started having stomache cramps. I am going to try another couple of days but not sure if its worth it
Dee | 12.10.2007

Activia has made a big difference for me. I have IBS which makes me feel bad physically. The yogurt has eased all symptoms such as bloating and irregularity. I hope it continues to work so well.
Dee | 09.10.2007

I tried the activia for the 14 days as recommeded.I wasn't sure what I was using it for. I only know that the advertisment said it would regulate the digestive tract. I believe that I fall under that category as I have been experiencing a lot of gas and bloating the last year or so.I have tried Probiotics and I can honestly say I believe they helped MY symtoms. Well after the two weeks, I wasn't sure if it helped me or not, until about three days after I stopped, the gas and bloating came back with vengence. I am again going to take it daily and see if it subsides and I will better be able to give a fairer judgement. As for me, I am happy with the results to date.
Marsha | 08.10.2007

I have moderate cramping as I am writing this, likely due to the Activia. My guess is that it works for those who are constipated - but if you are regular, like I am then it may not be a good idea. I started using Activia simply because I wanted to have some "good bacteria" to help boost my immune system.

I've used DanActive for about two years, sometimes drinking two at one time and had no negative effects, also though - no overt positive effects so I continued to use it as a treat or snack. The regular tastes great. So, I tried Activia thinking that it would be the same experience. There are definite side effects to Activia. I had one a day for three days and noticed nothing but some gas on the third day, and then I had two at once today (they taste really good) and that's when the issues arose.

Three hours later I had major cramping and diarrhea! Now I'm bloated and still cramping.

I am glad that this product helps some people, but at the same token, Dannon probably needs to be fair to those who experience its negative side effects, as the comments on this web site evidences - there are quite a few of us. I bought yogurt to eat as a snack and to help my immune system - one thinks great they can feed their body and be healthy at the same time! Not yes - give me a food that is different for everyone and causes sick symptoms!

They need to redo their campaign or at least tell people not to consume more than one a day - at least!!
Christina | 08.10.2007

i just bought activa today and thought it would be good for regularity since i just finished a colon cleanse. i have eaten one so far and will return the unused portion to the store tomorrow after reading so many negatives on Activa. I'd rather be safe than sorry. God Bless.
poppy | 07.10.2007

I ate Activia for two weeks straight. The gas is horrible and I can't even leave the house! Yesterday I went to the bathroom six times. Not worth it to me anymore.
diane | 03.10.2007

I have always been constipated, and had become reliant on laxatives for 1, sometimes 2, BMs a week. Greens, bran, regular yoghurt don't seem to help particularly. Two polyps in recent colonoscopy. Activia seems to produce daily BMs, and I have discontinued the laxatives. Wish BMs were unaccompanied by a little less gas, but I am otherwise unexpectedly pleased to have something that finally prods my GIT into some semblance of normality!
54 YO Female | 01.10.2007

I started eating Activia rather than regular yogurt because I heard from coworkers of all the great effects. I ate one a day for 10 days. Everything fine while on it. As soon as I missed a day or two of eating Activia, I started experiencing back stomach cramps, intense nausea, bloating, gas, headaches, etc. Start again - one a day for a few days - and miss a day or two and I am back in pain. Almost sounds like a drug withdrawal. 13-year old stepdaughter having same experience, so it is not biology or age. From my experience, and reading the comments, it seems that either you have to be on it or never touch it. Doesn't sound natural to me. We are going back to regular yogurt. Where is the FDA on this? More and more of these products are hitting the shelves and marketed as medical breakthroughs.
Heather | 29.09.2007

Hey, if you have digestive distress, give this product a chance... it truly works for me. I have been eating Activia for four days now and I have not needed any stomach meds at all! No more acid reflux, gas, or bloating! May not be for everyone (maybe everyone doesn't need it) but for those of us with a history of digestive maladies, eating yogurt is better than eating antacids and taking prescription drugs for relief!
Jan | 26.09.2007

My 3 year old has very bad constipation eventhough she eats enough fiber and drinks enough water per day. The first week I had to give her Activia 3 times in the week to get her to go #2(yes, that is how bad her constipation was). Now it only takes half a yogurt to get her to go #2. I'm starting to wonder if there is either a laxative or stool softener in this product and not the "good bacteria" which the company is touting as the helpful agent. Any comments on this??
ConcernedMom | 23.09.2007

Dannon keeps coming up with such stupid stuff. What companies do for a buck. They could at least come up with names that don't sound completely juvenile... Imunitass???? Oh... I see... jumping on the Harry Potter success.
Ibelieveanthingstupidus | 21.09.2007

I had Activia for breakfast for three weeks minus the weekends and i noticed that the first 3 or 4 days i had intensive gases, but that went away. I had problems with gases and since i started with Activia that problem went away which is all i hoped for, no miracles or somthing =). I'm 30 and been consuming cheese, yogurt and milk intensively all my life coz the doctors suggested they where good for bones as i have broken my arms 3 times when i was a child ;)
jas | 20.09.2007

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.
Annie | 18.09.2007

I've generally always been pretty regular, but I've started eating Activia and now I'm having almost pure liquid bowel movements in addition to a more "normal" movement. Looks like I'm not the only one who has suffered such symptoms... I thought it might just be a transitional thing, but perhaps not.
Erica | 18.09.2007

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.
GKinOKC | 16.09.2007

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. www.kyolic.com
tybeejill | 16.09.2007

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!
trixiemc | 13.09.2007

"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.
C.G. | 09.09.2007

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.
healthfoodie | 09.09.2007

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.
Kurt | 05.09.2007

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.
Starry | 04.09.2007

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.
Steph | 04.09.2007

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.
Scott | 04.09.2007

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
Teresa | 04.09.2007

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.
blizotte | 30.08.2007

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.
Wally | 28.08.2007

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
James | 21.08.2007

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!!!
Cindy Donaldson | 20.08.2007

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.
On The Bog-UK | 13.08.2007

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.
JRose | 07.08.2007

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!
Linda | 03.08.2007

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.
Robert / San Francisco | 02.08.2007

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 :-(
Sarah | 02.08.2007

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!
Kelli | 31.07.2007

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.
T. Redmon | 24.07.2007

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.
Heather | 18.07.2007

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.
Ex-zelnorm user | 11.07.2007

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.
notrub | 19.02.2007

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.
patticake from georgia | 16.02.2007

The Brazilian site for the Activia product line: http://www.danone.com.br/activia/activia.php
Pedro | 15.02.2007

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.
Paul | 14.02.2007

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).
feeling better these days | 11.02.2007

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.
Carol | 09.02.2007

Try Kefir by Lifeway... I'm doing research for a project- it's much better stuff.
linds | 07.02.2007

I've had softer bowel movements with more regularity since starting Activia, and it tastes good!
Carla | 06.02.2007

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.
Michelle | 03.02.2007

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
James Patrick | 31.01.2007

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.
Seattle | 29.01.2007

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.
Jenny | 23.12.2006

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.
Elizabeth PhD | 18.12.2006

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.
Z | 03.12.2006

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!
Sedona Arizona opinion | 25.11.2006

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.
janie | 24.11.2006

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.
Karen | 16.11.2006

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.
janet | 21.10.2006

yea, right. This is a made up concoction by the yogurt industry.
joe blow | 29.08.2006

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?
Eileen | 10.08.2006

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.
a nony mouse | 10.08.2006

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.
Jennifer | 24.07.2006

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.
Paul Dunn | 24.07.2006

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.
ramona | 21.07.2006

After four days taking Activia, I had severe diarrhea and cramping. Will not be taking this product again!
Nancy | 18.07.2006

BIFIDOBACTERIUM
Bifidobacteria are normal inhabitants of the human and animal colon. Newborns, especially those that are breast-fed, are colonized with bifidobacteria within days after birth. Bifidobacteria were first isolated from the feces of breast-fed infants. The population of these bacteria in the colon appears to be relatively stable until advanced age when it appears to decline. The bifidobacteria population is influenced by a number of factors, including diet, antibiotics and stress. Bifidobacteria are gram-positive anaerobes. They are non-motile, non-spore forming and catalase-negative. They have various shapes, including short, curved rods, club-shaped rods and bifurcated Y-shaped rods. Their name is derived from the observation that they often exist in a Y-shaped or bifid form. The guanine and cytosine content of their DNA is between 54 mol% and 67mol%. They are saccharolytic organisms that produce acetic and lactic acids without generation of CO2, except during degradation of gluconate. They are also classified as lactic acid bacteria (LAB). To date, 30 species of bifidobacteria have been isolated. Bifidobacteria used as probiotics include Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium thermophilum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium lactis. Specific strains of bifidobacteria used as probiotics include Bifidobacterium breve strain Yakult, Bifidobacterium breve RO7O, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb12, Bifidobacterium longum RO23, Bifidobacterium bifidum RO71, Bifidobacterium infantis RO33, Bifidobacterium longum BB536 and Bifidobacterium longum SBT-2928.
Barbie | 14.07.2006

I have IBS. I didn't want to take Zelnorm as it interfered with another medication that I take. I started with Activia, eat one everyday and altho I feel something moving around in my tummy after eating it, I feel it helps to pass gas and it helps elimination. No bloating, no inability to poop.....almost a dream come true.

Those people who do NOT have IBS really shouldn't eat this. Why would you if you have normal BM's? You don't need this. Eat their regular yogurt instead. For those of us with IBS, it is like a Godsend.
Barbie | 14.07.2006

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.
Chris | 14.07.2006

Wow! I can't believe the range of results people are getting. Do you all remember when that "new" chip came out that was cooked in a different type of cooking oil. I remember little about it except the horrible cramps and trips to the bathroom. What a nightmare! Most of my family did not have this affect so I simply stayed away from it. Easy enough. Why do others have such a problem grasping this? I do have a question for those that feel that "slight cramping" and immediately go off of it. Is it possible that your system is so messed up from all of the additives and junk we put into our systems that it is actually the product working to "clear" things out? I do not think this product is right for everybody, but for people who have never been "regular" it may take a bit of discomfort to "clean" everything out at first. Just a thought. I have been using it for 7 days now and am feeling quite regular. There is no better feeling than that for someone with IBS.
thankfulsofar | 11.07.2006

I HAVE BEEN EATING ACTIVIA FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS ALMOST EVERY DAY. I HAVEN'T NOTICED ALL THE SIDE EFFECTS THAT I JUST READ, BUT I AM SURE I WILL PAY ATTENTION AS I EAT THE OTHER TWELVE. I HAVE HAD TROUBLE FOR YEARS, AND I DON'T REALLY THINK THIS PRODUCT WORKS FOR ME. I DRINK A SPECIAL TEA MOST NIGHTS AND THAT WORKS. I HAVE TRIED THE YOGURT ALONE, AND AM THINKING IT DOES NOT WORK FOR ME. I HAVEN'T HAD ALL THE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS, BUT I WILL PAY CLOSE ATTENTION NOW. THE TEA THAT I HAVE DRANK FOR THE PAST TWENTY YEARS IS WHAT WORKS, BUT YOU HAVE TO HAVE TIME IN THE MORNING FOR IT TO WORK, AND IT CAN OCCASIONALLY CAUSE CRAMPING
trish | 11.07.2006

My thought as I read through the previous entries was this: perhaps some of the cramping that has been experienced has to do with the initial problem...IBS or basic constipation. The Activia is probably working through the constipation thus cramping occurring.
Sally | 07.07.2006

These negative people are idiots. If i had to guess i would say the majority of them are hypochondriacs. This is the best stuff i've ever tried. Way to go Dannon.
DG | 07.07.2006

I have had problems with bloating and constipation all of my life. I have tried everything out there natural or not and nothing worked until I tried Activia. If you read beyond the crap about special strains of bacteria and just try the product you'll see. It works. Don't let hysterical put you off trying the product. Some peope will always find fault with everything.
J. Christie | 05.07.2006

bloating...gone, constipation...almost gone. me...much more comfy. thanks bunches Dannon, keep up the good work. I could care less if you call it the purple pooping elephant bacteria, as long as it works i'm happy!
lisa | 04.07.2006

I wanted to try this product so I've read what I could find before putting anything in my body that I could not define. There isn't much reading to find. The reason I thought this would be safe, is because it was Dannon. However, a bacteria is nothing to play with, we have so many in our bodies now as it is. I've read so much on this page and decided that my body is used to the bacteria in the yogurt I currently make. Maybe we should all review and change our diets and possibly check out the the old fashioned enemas before trying to find a quick fix in a product that we know nothing about. Dannon may have created this but what about the stores that sell this bacteria-how long is it on the shelves. How was this bacteria created/discovered? There are so many unanswered questions and Dannon (being a huge corporation) should not be expected to find a quick fix for every body type and ailment. There should not be quick fixes. We should all eat better and exercise more! I am victim of wanting a quick fix too but this one leaves too many open questions.
Jan | 04.07.2006

Those of you who've had a yeast infection after trying Activia may be responding to the sugar. The label shows that second and third ingredients after milk are fructose syrup and sugar. Candidas (gyn yeast) reproduce rapidly in presence of sugar. That said, hope it works for me!
cj | 30.06.2006

I'm very scared about taking differnet types of meds and stuff but I looked all over the label, website and there was nothing that said anything about side effects so I thought what the heck! I had been under allot of stress and been feeling bloated and stuff. Well Today was day 2 and day LAST. There seriously should be a warning label on this stuff. I took my first one last night right before dinner and everything was fine, well this morning for breakfast I ate my second at 6:30am and by 9am I had to leave work and come home. I got sweats, shakes, and felt like i had to go bad it was not even funny! Its not worth the side effects and the last 2 will be going in the TRASH!!
not happy | 28.06.2006

I have eaten the product for two weeks now and have had good results. The dizziness, abd cramping and other side effects have never been a problem for me. I have regular bms and feel much better since I been on this product. Way to go Dannon!!
JP | 22.06.2006

I've suffered from ulcerative colitis for 1-1/2 years. Bleeding only subsided when I took large doses of Asacol prescription. I've been on Activa 3 weeks and feel cured, normal BM each morning. Stopped taking Asacol completely, and so far, so good. Occasionally, I felt nauseous within an hour of eating Activa, but not severe. Has anyone else had improvement of their ulcerative colitis with Activa? (I laughed at the name, too, when I saw it, but who cares if it works.)
Finally feeling normal | 19.06.2006

I've been taking this product for a couple of months now. I've had problems for over 5 years now where I would only "go" a small amount about once every 2 weeks! The first week on this yogurt was the worst. Horrible stomach cramping, sweating, chills, ect. But I think once your body gets used to it, most of the symptoms go away. The only symptom I get now is moderate stomach cramping and nausea right before I have to go. Once I'm cleaned out (and this product does a VERY good job of that) I feel great! I'm glad I found a more natural and great tasting way to feel better, and the occasional stomach cramp even though uncomfortable is better than how I felt after 2 weeks of not going!
2 months and "going" | 18.06.2006

I have always been constipated. About 15 years ago; a Dr. Told me I needed an operation to remove internal and external hemmoriods. Also the main reason I was not able to use the bathroom was because my spinicher muscle needed clipping; as it was not opening up; so I have had to actually remove my feces (if I wanted it to come out). The only time I don't have to do this is when I have a severe case of diaherrah. I rely on Fleet enemas etc. I bought the yoghurt and have eaten 5 of them so far; nothing has happened! I can not say anything positive or negative about it yet. Some of these stories I have been reading are scary! Maybe it will work in a positive way for me; and a lot of others.
Linda | 16.06.2006

I got hives. Not sure if it is from the yourt or not. It is the only new product I have used so it is very possible. Dizzy, ep. Poop? No. It's not bad tasting but if it is causing the hives, not orth it. I understand from the company that it stays in your system for up to 10 dsys.
Scratchin Away | 14.06.2006

I think I'll try it. So far nobody has died from it yet! I wish it didn't contain so much sugar, however. DanActive also was beneficial and used to come in "light" but Dannon no longer offers that option. I am concerned about all the sugar intake from such a small portion, but it's worth a shot. By the way, anyone here who is thought for a moment that there really was such a strain of bacteria needs to get a better education. Danon isn't being dishonest, just smart. If you purchase something called Terminator, Schwarzanegger won't show up at your door either. They took the bifidus strain and patented it. Is it different? Only your poop will know!
Nancy | 14.06.2006

My friend Karen has been eating Activia for several months now, and she says it helps with her IBS. She has bouts with contipation and bloating all the time, and Activia has been helping her out tremendously.

Personally, I've tried it, not every day. I've had a day or two where I felt a little nausea and dizziness, but I'm not convinced it was from Activia. Other than that, I've had no bad experiences. I don't have any health problems or anything, so I'm eating the Activia as sort of a healthier choice type thing. I've read info about the many ways probiotics are beneficial to the body. I am, however, considering trying Stonyfield instead.
Julia | 13.06.2006

I agree with Ruth that limited time has been spent progressing towards a cohesive acceptance of general delivery methods that should yield positive effects similar to the hightened sense of where most thoughts of several comments are stored and later become somewhat meaningful to the overpowering feeling of what some may call clever substitutes.
Strega Nona | 08.06.2006

So what's the difference between Activa and the regular organic yogurt I have been eating for years now?
what's the difference? | 06.06.2006

I ate the acitva yogurt two consecutive days, skipped a day and had another serving. The fourth night after beginning the two-week suggested regimen, I was awakened with the most severe stomach cramps I have ever had. I had a bought of diarrhea and my throat was sore. Perhaps activa is not for me. I considered trying it again but do not want to experience that pain like that ever again.
rl | 05.06.2006

I am a disabled arthritic with reactive .arthritis. I have been on prednisone (20mg a day) for about 5 years now. I have a repressed immune system from the prednisone, this is because my arthritis attacked me everywhere, not just in my joints. I have lost 60% of my right macula in my tight eye.

For pain, I have been put on opiates because my kidneys and liver have sustained too much damage from NSAIDS. A big side effect of opiates is constipation.

SO - to get away from Metamucil everyday...

I studied the package carefully; there is no warning on the package for persons with impaired immunity. I started Activia on Feb 4th and ate one serving a day until Feb 9th 2006. That evening I had a case of diarrhea that smelled worse than anything I ever smelled before. I couldn't wait to get out of the bathroom! (Since then, I have learned that this smell is a known side effect.)

The next morning, Feb 10th,, 5:30 AM, I had severe pain across the bottom of my abdomen. I was convinced I had bladder infection, so I called my primary physician, talked to his nurse who refused to give me antibiotics. Her words; " You need to go to the emergency room, you could have appendicitis."

Up to that point (about 9:00 AM) I had NO INTENTION to go to a doctor, let alone a hospital!

So I called my wife (11 AM) to come home and drive me. She got home from work about 12:30. We made up our collective mind that we'd put up with the wait in the emergency room instead of the walk in clinic and we drove to St Vincent's in Bridgeport.

We didn't leave right away; we left at about 1:30 pm. Because we drove, not taking an ambulance, we got placed in the waiting room instead of going straight in. After about 20 minutes I told my wife to tell the reception desk that if I didn't get a place to lie down in the next 5 minutes, I would have to lie down on the floor, and I meant it.

SO... Five minutes later (about 2:30pm) the intern is checking me over and they were taking my vitals. Temp 100, BP 100/60. Pushing and poking, looking in every knook and cranny, the intern says "Mr. P, we really can't see anything wrong with you."

The nurse takes my blood pressure one more time: 60/30! Bingo

My little room was invaded by 10 people. They started an IV. I am about passed out from the pain even though I am on an opiate patch for my arthritis. My temp went to 102 to 97 to 101 to 99. Blood pressure was as low as 50 / 20.

They RAN me down to a cat scan, called the Chief Surgeon, pumped me up with antibiotics and something to increase my blood pressure, inserted a catheter. As soon as the got my BP over 100, they RAN me to the operating room. I woke up at 1 AM with the last 8 inches of colon removed. The official diagnosis was diverticulitis. The doctors don't believe that the yogurt did it. If you read the web sites downloadable document for medical professional, it tells you that the lactic acid level increase by 29% and fecal matter flow increases by 100%.

They were very clear to me that if my wife got me there 20 minutes later I would have been dead from the bacteremia. The stool had also leaked into my pericardium. One of the interns said to me that a large percentage of people they see with my condition arrive to the emergency room already dead.

I wear a colostomy bag and will require 2 surgeries to be put back together again.

I believe that this is happening to other people who have impaired immune systems and try Activia. The people that list extreme nausea and dizziness make me shake in memory of that day! (I woke up in the ICU at 1:00 am of Feb 11th to a nurse saying "happy Birthday, we gave you a nice bag to wear!")

Dannon has created a product that may be fine for the vast majority of people. I would NOT have tried it if there was a warning about problems in people who have impaired immune systems.

Well, either I'm right and there will be a class action suit against Dannon, or I'm wrong and it was a coincidence. I really believe that my colon has a hole in it because I ate Acrivia yogurt. I really hate the fact that if I'm right I have to wait until other people lose their lives to be proved right. This is a case where I would get a hefty chunk of money if I'm right but very much hope I'm wrong because of the suffering being right would cause.

If anyone else has gone through major surgery to the colon, please write me at tompart@gmail.com.

ps: I sent flowers AND candy to the nurse who told me to go the the ER!
Tom | 05.06.2006

have severe IBS, all my life OMG. I have learned to accept it, not happy about it...Eat only soft food, avoid most veggies that are gassy, nuts, legumes, the list goes on forever. Tried the activia yogurt, didn't consult my doc, seemed to make me feel like I had to constantly keep going, that was 2 months ago. Am now tryind it again, I do believe, and know for a fact, the bacteria in yogurt, and this yogurt helps.

I have had every test their is to have, and so tired of the traditional doctors, am now seeing an IBS specialit who is traditional and also non traditional, I also have a lot of info from Engalnd, it's amazing....

Watch what you eat, stress is a huge factor, don't get depressed, learn to accept it. Heather von vorous has a great site, check it out...I personally stay away from herbal meds, they did not help me.

Well good luck, stop complaining, give it your best shot, just started the yogurt 3 days ago, we shall see, if I feel any gas, bloating, or constant urge to go, I will stop it. I am used to pain, and bloat. Only stops when I keep to my bland diet, no red meat, legumes etc.....no white sugar, no imitation sugar, the worst......

IBS sufferers should all go to heaven, AMEN
steevynix | 05.06.2006

From a news story: "[Bifidus Regularis] is a proprietary strain," Michael Neuwirth, Dannon director of public relations in White Plains, said. "[Activia has] been successful in many countries, particularly Europe."

There are billions of strains of healthy bacteria. Dannon specifically developed this one to aid folks with constipation. They gave it a simple name consumers could relate to. I say, more power to them. If it helps some consumers, fine. If it gives you the runs, stop eating it. Simple as that.
Widget | 31.05.2006

Dizzy as hell and have almost passed out twice. 6 days in and stopping this crap, don't know what in it works on digestive tract but awful side effects.
amanda rowland | 31.05.2006

all i really wish to share with you people that are as crazy as me..........haven`t had a regular bowel movement in months>>>>>>>>>>.. happy that the stuff is good for ya and all>>>>>>>>>>>.but i`m just excitcted about poopin......LOL keep up the good work Dannon
kathy | 30.05.2006

Like many others, I found the first few days WAY too "productive." But then I found that skipping a day worked for me. I should note that I AM lactose-intolerant, but since the live cultures in yogurt convert the lactose into lactase (or something like that, LOL), I've always been able to handle yougurts, home-made or store-bought. A bonus: my elder dog, who suffers from chronic, undiagnosable, sometimes bloddy diarrhea, has improved dramatically by (1) switching to Pro-Plan [corn-free] Sensitive Stomach kibble, and licking out my Activia cup after I'm done. This every-other-day Activia regime seems to be working for both of us!
impressed |