Activia

Activia is a low-fat yoghurt produced by Danone (Dannon in the U.S.) and sold in pots of 125 g. Activia contains a biological culture that Danone has branded with the names Bifidus digestivum (UK), Bifidus regularis (US), Bifidobacterium Lactis (Canada), Bifidus Essensis (Germany, Austria and Czech Republic) and Bifidus Activo (Spain and Portugal). It also contains vitamin B12 and calcium.

Activia is available in strawberry, peach, coconut, vanilla, blueberry, prune, fig and rhubarb varieties.

Danone claims that the 'good bacteria' in the yoghurt can help digestive discomfort and regularity but many people criticise it for just being an advertising ploy. Indeed, there is some evidence that yoghurt cultures can improve digestion and health, but Danone has come under criticism for appearing to have invented and trademarked fake Latin names for bacterial cultures. For example, they claim the culture "Bifidus Regularis" is not available in any other yoghurt in the world.

External links

• Bifidusdigestivum.com - A deconstruction of the terms Bifidus Digestivum, Bifidus Regularis, L. Casei Imunitass and their variants, as well as the marketing strategy, and information about the potential health benefits of live yoghurts.
• Danone - The manufacturers of Activia