Actimel

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Actimel

Actimel (also known as DanActive in the United States and Canada) is a 'probiotic' yogurt-type drink produced by the French company Danone. It was first launched in Belgium in 1994 and is claimed to contain "L. casei Danone" (also known as "L. casei Immunitas"), a specific strain of Lactobacillus casei.

Composition

Actimel contains the following ingredients: Skimmed milk, Lactobacillus casei, Sugar, Water, Whey protein, and Vitamins B6 and Vitamin D.

Health Claims

Actimel has been marketed with claims that it can boost the immune system and improve digestive health. However, these claims have been challenged by various health and advertising watchdogs, including the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the UK and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US.

Controversies

In 2009, Danone was ordered by the ASA to stop advertising that Actimel had a general health benefit and could help children's natural defences. The FTC also challenged Danone's claims about Actimel and another product, Danonino, in 2010. Danone agreed to stop making certain health claims for these products unless they were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See Also

• Probiotic
• Yogurt
• Lactobacillus
• Danone