Effects of Consumptionof a Milk Fermented by the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 on Colonic Transit Times in Healthy Humans

The aim of our study was to ascertain whether the specific Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 fermented milk could modulate colonic transit time in humans. Bifidobacteria are a major component of the gut microflora and may interact with gut transit. Methods: The trial compared in a parallel double blind study in seventy two healthy volunteers the effect of a Bifidobacterium animalis fermented milk containing 2.6×108 CFU/g living bifidobacteria versus heat-treated Bifidobacterium fermented milk on colonic transit times. The main marker was the total colonic transit time (CTT) measured with radio-opaque pellets. Segmental colonic transit times were also calculated. Results: A 11-day-consumption of this Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 fermented milk significantly reduced the total CTT (-20.6%) comparatively to the initial CTT and to the control group where no significant change were recorded. The effect was more pronounced in women than in men. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the consumption of the fermented milk containing living Bifidobacterium animalis DN-173 010 was able to improve CTT in humans.