Thus, the milk sugar in yogurt is more easily digested, even for lactose-intolerant individuals. Many people who commonly experience gas, bloating or discomfort from dairy foods can digest yogurt more easily, thanks to the starter cultures. This is especially true if the yogurt contains live cultures. Claims regarding the usefulness of probiotics in reducing the risk of intestinal infections also seem to have some merit. Studies have shown, for example, that children suffering from chronic diarrhea recover faster when fed yogurt with probiotic cultures.
Adults suffering from traveler's diarrhea also seem to benefit.
Scientists attribute this to probiotics' apparent ability to create an acidic environment that inhibits harmful bacteria. Research results have been mixed when it comes to the relationship between yogurt cultures and immune function, yeast infections and lowered risk of certain cancers. Animal studies suggest that yogurt with active starter cultures and probiotics may enhance certain immune functions. Studies in people, however, have been inconsistent. Likewise, good evidence is lacking for the association between reduced cancer risk and probiotics.