REGULAR consumption of yogurt with added probiotic bacteria may help to boost the immune system and reduce gastrointestinal problems of people suffering with HIV or AIDS, according to the results of a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.

Dr Judith Bryans, director of The Dairy Council, said: "Sadly, many HIV sufferers throughout the world are unable to obtain the antiretroviral drugs they need to help control their disease.

"It is, therefore, very encouraging to see that recent scientific studies have suggested that probiotic yogurts may help to alleviate some of the side effects of HIV. However, probiotic yogurts are by no means a cure for HIV/AIDS."

The study, conducted by a Nigerian research group, aimed to determine whether probiotic yogurt could help to alleviate some of the most common side effects of HIV infection in women from sub-Saharan Africa.

Rife with extreme poverty and widespread malnutrition, sub-Saharan Africa is now engulfed by an HIV/AIDS epidemic. The HIV virus attacks the body's immune system and eventually leads to AIDS, the point at which the immune system stops working altogether.

The results of the study found that the probiotic yogurt significantly improved the strength of the immune system and resolved gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhoea, nausea and flatulence in all participants within two days of eating the yogurt.

This effect lasted for the duration of the treatment, as well as throughout the follow-up period.

The researchers concluded that while further research is needed, these results suggest that probiotic yogurts could provide invaluable (if only temporary) relief for sufferers of HIV in poorer countries.

For further information relating to dairy research or for nutrition advice relating to dairy, visit www.milk.co.uk or contact the Dairy Council, at info@dairycouncil.org.uk or on 020 7395 4030.

The Dairy Council is a non-profit making organisation, jointly funded by processors and farmers via Dairy UK and the Milk Development Council. It provides evidence-based nutrition information on the role of dairy foods in a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle.