## 5. Probiotic Strains Used in Yogurt and Related Probiotic Milk Beverages and Their Health Benefits
acidophilus_ CCFM6 in yogurt was improved when yogurt was supplemented with soybean oligosaccharides, indicating that this type of yogurt would be expected to have antihyperglycemic properties. _Bifidobacterium animalis_ subsp. _lactis_ BB-12 is a probiotic that is GRAS (GRN Number 856). It is commonly studied with _L. acidophilus_ LA-5. Garrigues et al. [281] published the complete genome sequence of _B. animalis_ subsp. _lactis_ BB-12. This microorganism can survive within the gastrointestinal tract with excellent resistance to acid and bile and supports a healthy gastrointestinal microbiota. Also, it improves bowel function, protects against diarrhea in infants and children, and reduces antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Additionally, this microorganism provides protection against respiratory tract infections [282]. A potential anti-inflammatory effect was found in healthy adults upon consumption of yogurt with incorporated _B. animalis_ subsp. _lactis_ BB-12 [283]. _Bifidobacterium animalis_ subsp. _lactis_ HN019 has been patented (US patent 6379663) [284] and is GRAS (GRN Number 445). Its complete genome sequence has been described in Morovic et al. [285]. Magro et al. [286] found that the colonic transit time for constipation patients consuming yogurt containing _B. lactis_ HN019, _L. acidophilus_ NCFM, and polydex-trose was shortened compared to control yogurt. Likewise, Miller et al. [287] analyzed 15 clinical trials representing 675 subjects for determining the effectiveness of various probiotics in reducing intestinal transit times and found that _B. animalis_ subsp. _lactis_ HN019 and _Bifidobacterium animalis_ DN-173 010 were the most effective probiotic strains. Gut health benefits provided by _B. animalis_ subsp. _lactis_ HN019 have been reviewed by Cheng et al. [288]. _Bifidobacterium animalis_ subsp. _lactis_ DN-173 010/CNCM I-2494 is a probiotic that is added to various forms of the Activia brand of yogurt and drinks (Groupe Danone) that was launched in France in 1987 for relieving minor digestive discomfort. Studies have shown that consumption of fermented milk containing _B. animalis_ DN-173 010 increased stool frequency for constipationed children [289], improved health-related quality of life with increased stool frequency (in a subgroup of subjects with fewer than three bowel movements per week) and with decreased bloating in constipationed adult subjects with irritable bowel syndrome [290], and decreased gut transit times in elderly people [291]. Reducing gastrointestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and/or Crohn's Disease or preventing or treating irritable bowel syndrome by having a subject consume _B. animalis_ or Activia(r) have been patented (US patent 8,685,388 B2) [292]. _Weizmannia coagulans_ (formerly _Bacillus coagulans_) and _Bacillus subtilis_ are probiotics that can be used in yogurt. Ma et al. [57] found that _W. (B.) coagulans_-70 was a desirable strain when used as an adjunct starter culture due to its high count in yogurt during fermentation and storage, the increased in yogurt hardness and viscosity during storage, and high sensory evaluation scores of the yogurt samples. _W. (B.) coagulans_ GBI-30, 6086 (BC30 TM) has been patented [293] and has FDA GRAS status (GRN Numbers 399 and 670). _W. (B.) coagulans_ was originally called _Lactobacillus sporogenes_, but this nomenclature is not correct [294] since lactobacilli do not form spores. _Bacillus subtilis_ can be successfully added to yogurt, and peptides that are present in this yogurt have a high antioxidant potential and can improve shelf-life [295].