In the range of dairy products that we all consume (and that you probably have in your fridge), a yogurt popular for its immunity-boosting properties also has significant flaws, announces the UFC-Que Choisir association in its latest issue.
As part of a balanced diet, dairy products are expected on a daily basis, whether to strengthen our bones or provide good bacteria to our body. However, one of the flagship products in our dairy aisles may not be so "healthy" after all, according to the latest publication of UFC Que Choisir.
Actimel, a new formula that does not appeal UFC Que Choisir
This dairy product is Actimel drinkable yogurt, a new version of which is coming this fall, which nevertheless promises a host of benefits: a formula rich in vitamin D to support the immune system, vitamin C , and magnesium which " helps reduce fatigue". This new version is also said to contain " 20 billion L. casei bacteria", compared to 10 billion previously. But beneath the marketing arguments, a less healthy reality is hidden in dairy products.
Benefits of Actimel that remain to be proven
First of all, the association targets the brand's "health" arguments. Daily ingestion of these bacteria ( L. casei ) " could reduce the risk of common infectious diseases," writes Danone, which says it relies on " 145 scientific studies." "But a large number of these are funded by the company itself, which raises questions about the credibility of their conclusions," the magazine says.
The studies, for their part, were carried out mainly on animals. Out of 145 studies, only 9, including 6 funded by the brand, were carried out on humans. " The benefit for human health of consuming yogurts with L. casei is not clearly demonstrated today," the magazine concludes.
Moreover, if there are benefits, they are not even necessarily due to L. casei. Why? Because Actimel was never compared to a classic drinking yogurt, but only to unfermented milk. We therefore do not know whether the health effects of L. casei patented by Danone diverge from other bacteria such as L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus , found in other drinking yogurts.
On the other hand, the association admits that the high levels of magnesium and vitamins C and D are indeed a source of benefits.
A product that is far too high in calories
But another concern also tarnishes Actimel 's reputation as a superfood : its sugar content. Because Actimel triple action turns out to be excessively sweet, " and almost twice as caloric as Coca-Cola" points out UFC Que choisir.
A defect that has earned it a Nutri-Score D today (it escapes the E thanks to the presence of proteins), and presents a list of ingredients that are not very recommendable according to the survey (oligofructose, dextrose, modified starch, citric acid, sodium citrate, etc.). Its B score is now a distant memory (in 2016, the poorly calibrated algorithm produced excessively favorable scores for dairy drinks, the magazine tells us).
What can I replace this drinking yogurt with?
There are, however, other habits that can replace what you were looking for with this product. To benefit in particular from sufficient vitamins D and C and magnesium:
Expose yourself to the sun for about twenty minutes every day and eat two dairy products (three for children and adolescents), at least five fruits and vegetables , whole grains and a handful of nuts, the association advises.
Every week, eat oily fish, at least two portions of legumes (lentils, chickpeas, red beans, soya, etc.), seafood and eggs, recommends the National Nutrition and Health Plan.
And if you want to stock up on "good bacteria", other foods will provide you with the right dose: " natural yogurts and fermented milks, fresh and soft cheeses, kimchi, miso, kombucha or even fruit kefir".