Study Links Probiotic Yogurt to Slower Biological Aging
A Japanese study found that daily consumption of plain probiotic yogurt, combined with a healthier diet and exercise, slowed biological aging in older men by 2.2 percent.
Japanese researchers have found that consuming plain probiotic yogurt daily may help slow the aging process. A 12-week clinical trial involving 48 overweight Japanese men indicated that those who ate 100 grams of yogurt daily experienced a 2.2 percent slowing of their biological aging rate compared to a control group.
The study participants who consumed the yogurt ingested a strain known as Bifidobacterium longum BB536. This group also received dietary counseling focused on reducing overeating and sugary drinks, alongside recommendations for moderate exercise at least three times a week.
Using the DunedinPACE measurement tool, researchers observed a statistically significant reduction in the pace of aging among the yogurt consumers. This effect was noted to be independent of weight loss or the exact number of exercise sessions completed. The study also reported an improvement in a DNA marker associated with kidney function.
The findings, published in the journal Aging, suggest a potential benefit of probiotics for healthy aging. Further research is warranted to explore these effects in broader populations.