PROBIOTICS IN FOODS
The market for probiotic fortified foods, beverages and dietary supplements has exploded globally in the last decade. Products range from fortified drinks to confectionary containing strains of specific bacteria and/or yeasts that are believed to confer health benefits. Some products combine probiotics with prebiotics and are therefore synbiotics. An example would be yoghurt containing live bacteria and inulin (a type of soluble fibre). In most Western countries, yoghurt is the most popular source of probiotics but beverages such as kefir, yoghurt-based drinks and probiotic juices are growing in popularity.
For people with diabetes
To those of you who count your carbohydrate intake in grams, exchanges or portions, we have included the details for each of these.
15g carbohydrate exchange – a serve containing 12-18g carbohydrate.
10g carbohydrate portion – a serve containing 7.6-12.5g carbohydrate.
Probiotic yoghurt
GI 44-52
Serving: 200g / 7 oz
| Energy | Available carbohydrate | Exchanges | Portions | Glycemic load |
| 773kJ/184Cal | 29g | 2 | 3 | 13-15 |
Probiotic yoghurt drink
GI 30-56
Serving: 200 mL / 6.8 fl oz
| Energy | Available carbohydrate | Exchanges | Portions | Glycemic load |
| 556kJ/132Cal | 22g | 1.5 | 2 | 7-12 |
Probiotic fermented drink – Yakult ™
Original GI 46, Light GI 36
Serving: 65ml /2.2 fl oz
| Energy | Available carbohydrate | Exchanges | Portions | Glycemic load |
| Yakult Original 210/50Cal | 12g | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| Yakult Light 125kJ/30Cal | 9g | 0.5 | 1 | 3 |
Sustagen® Optimum™ – a nutritionally complete supplement containing pre- and probiotics
GI 44
Serving: 55g / 2 oz
| Energy | Available carbohydrate | Exchanges | Portions | Glycemic load |
| 1050kJ/250Cal | 29g | 2 | 3 | 13 |
Symbiotics Low GI Goat Milk Drink
GI 25
Serving: 32g / 1 oz
| Energy | Available carbohydrate | Exchanges | Portions | Glycemic load |
| 480kJ/ 114Cal | 18g | 1.5 | 23 | 4.5 |
Kefir, plain, low-fat
GI 36
Serving: 200mL / 6 ¾ oz
| Energy | Available carbohydrate | Exchanges | Portions | Glycemic load |
| 504kJ/120Cal | 7g | 0.5 | 1 | 3 |
Read more:
Kaye Foster-Powell is an Accredited Practising Dietitian who has worked with people with diabetes for 30 years. She was co-author of the original series of international, best-selling books on the glycemic index. She conducts a specialized private practice for people with diabetes in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, Australia.
Contact: Via her website.
Latest Blog Post List
