Yakult is a popular probiotic drink that contains beneficial live bacteria. It is a yogurt-like drink that is consumed daily by many people for improved digestive and immune health. With its tasty flavor and portable bottle size, it can be easy to want to drink more than one Yakult per day. But is it safe and advisable to have more than one bottle daily? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Yakult?
Yakult is a probiotic drink that originated in Japan in 1935. It is made by fermenting a mixture of skimmed milk with a special strain of bacteria called Lactobacillus casei Shirota. This good bacteria is known to reach the gut alive and colonize there, providing health benefits.
Some key facts about Yakult:
- Comes in small 65ml bottles
- Contains a minimum of 6.5 billion live L. casei Shirota bacteria in each bottle
- Has a sweet, tangy flavor due to added sugar
- Provides 38 calories per bottle
- Also contains vitamins B6 and B12
The live bacteria in Yakult promote gut health by improving digestion, enhancing immunity, and providing defense against harmful pathogens. The probiotics may also improve constipation, diarrhea, IBS symptoms, infections, and allergy symptoms.
Recommended Intake of Yakult
The manufacturer recommends drinking one 65ml bottle of Yakult per day. This provides an adequate dose of probiotics for most healthy adults along with the added vitamins.
Consuming one Yakult daily helps maintain a balance of good and bad bacteria in the intestines. It replenishes the gut with 6.5 billion live cultures to optimize digestive and immune function.
Is it Safe to Drink 2 Yakult Per Day?
Drinking two bottles of Yakult in one day would double your probiotic intake to 13 billion live cultures. For most healthy people, this dose is still considered safe and beneficial.
There are currently no set upper limits for daily probiotic intake. Experts suggest that up to 100 billion cultures can be safely consumed. So having two Yakult per day would supply well below this recommended threshold.
Potential benefits of having two Yakult daily include:
- Maximizing the replenishment of good bacteria
- Providing a greater defense against gastrointestinal issues
- Enhancing immune function even further
Very few side effects have been reported even with higher intakes of Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Only some mild digestive discomfort has occasionally occurred.
Therefore, for generally healthy people, having two bottles of Yakult a day can be safe and advantageous. But there are some caveats to keep in mind.
Considerations and Precautions
There are some factors that should be considered before consuming two Yakult daily:
- Sugar content – Each bottle contains 7g of sugar. Two bottles would provide 14g or about 3 teaspoons worth. Consuming this amount long-term may not be suitable for people with diabetes or those limiting sugar.
- Probiotic sensitivity – A small number of people may experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea when suddenly increasing probiotic intake. Those with underlying gut issues should introduce a second Yakult gradually.
- Medications – Probiotics could potentially interact with some drugs like immunosuppressants, antibiotics, chemotherapy, etc. Those on regular medications should consult their doctor before doubling their probiotic dosage.
- Children – Yakult is not recommended for children under 3 years old. Older kids should not consume more than one bottle daily without medical advice.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – Double-check with your doctor about having two Yakults if you are pregnant or nursing.
- Existing health conditions – Those with severe digestive disorders, compromised immunity, chronic infections, etc. should get personalized guidance regarding probiotic intake.
So in summary, having two Yakult a day can be safe for most people but may not suit everyone. It’s best to start with one bottle daily then gradually increase to two if well tolerated. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Benefits of Two Yakult Per Day
Consuming two bottles of Yakult daily can provide enhancements in:
Digestive Health
With double the probiotic cultures, having two Yakult can help relieve several gastrointestinal woes. Benefits for the digestive system include:
- Boosts healthy gut bacteria to improve digestion and nutrient absorption
- Reduces bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and discomfort
- Can help treat acute infectious diarrhea
- May alleviate IBS, IBD symptoms
- Lessens antibiotic-associated diarrhea
- Relieves constipation and promotes regularity
The 13 billion live cultures in two Yakult can optimize the microflora balance in the intestines. This enhances motility, digestion, and overall gut function.
Immune Function
The probiotics in Yakult support the immune system in several ways:
- Increases secretion of IgA antibodies for better pathogen defense
- Boosts numbers and activity of natural killer cells
- Can reduce incidence and duration of viral illnesses like cold and flu
- May help prevent and recover from infections
- Decreases inflammatory markers
Having two Yakult provides extra immune-enhancing probiotics to guard against infections and improve antibody responses. This can benefit immunity in both children and adults.
Allergy Alleviation
Probiotic supplements are gaining interest for managing allergies. Regular intake of Yakult may provide benefits for allergy sufferers, such as:
- Can reduce risk of developing allergies in children
- Lessens severity of eczema symptoms
- May lower production of allergy antibodies like IgE
- Decreases nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing from seasonal allergies
The anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics are thought to calm overactive immune responses that cause allergies. Consuming two Yakult bottles daily can further help control allergy symptoms.
Other Benefits
Some additional advantages linked to having two Yakult every day include:
- Improves mineral absorption, especially calcium and magnesium
- May support heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure
- Helps managing weight by enhancing fat breakdown and curbing appetite
- Can reduce risk of diabetes according to some studies
- Boosts mood and alleviates anxiety, stress
- May have anticancer effects, improves chemotherapy response
Research on probiotics is evolving steadily. Taking two Yakult daily seems to provide protection against myriad conditions beyond just gut and immune issues.
Potential Side Effects of Two Yakult Per Day
Doubling one’s daily probiotic dosage with a second Yakult is well tolerated without adverse effects by most people. But some individuals may experience:
- Mild stomach upset, gas, bloating, cramping
- Soft stools or constipation
- Bloating
- Increased thirst
- Headaches
These symptoms are usually temporary and subside with continued use as the body adjusts. They tend to be more common in those starting probiotics for the first time or with underlying gastrointestinal issues.
Rarely, more serious side effects can occur like dangerous heart infections or sepsis in those with weakened immunity. But such cases are very unusual with just double the recommended dose of Yakult.
Those on probiotic-restricted diets for specific medical reasons should avoid having two Yakult without their doctor’s consent. This includes people with short bowel syndrome, immunosuppression, central venous catheters, and heart valve defects or disease.
If any persistent or concerning side effects develop with two Yakult daily, discontinue use and speak to your healthcare provider.
Tips for Incorporating Two Yakult Daily
Here are some simple tips to help you add a second Yakult to your daily routine:
- Consume one bottle with breakfast and the other with lunch or dinner
- Drink each Yakult separately rather than together to spread out intake
- Alternate having two Yakult one day then just one bottle the next day
- Store unopened bottles in the fridge; consume opened bottles within 12 hours
- Set reminders on your phone, calendar, or with voice assistants to remember both doses
- Buy Yakult in multi-packs or bundles to always have enough supply
Gradually increase from one to two Yakult over a few weeks to allow your body to adjust. Avoid taking both bottles at once. Instead, space them out by several hours.
Also remember to replace your Yakult stash regularly to ensure the cultures remain viable. Proper storage and timely consumption will guarantee you get the stated probiotic benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I drink Yakult in the morning or night?
Most experts recommend taking probiotics in the morning, ideally before breakfast. This allows maximum time for the live cultures to reach the intestines while they are most active metabolizing your food and nutrients. But Yakult can be consumed anytime that fits your schedule and is easiest to remember.
Can I drink 2 Yakult together?
It’s preferable to space out your two daily Yakult, such as one with breakfast and another with lunch or dinner. Taking them together delivers a larger bolus of probiotics that could cause more digestive side effects. Separating the doses maximizes the benefits while minimizing potential for discomfort.
Is it safe to drink 2 Yakult when pregnant?
Pregnant women should exercise caution and consult their obstetrician before consuming double the recommended amount of Yakult or other probiotics. There is insufficient safety data regarding higher supplemental probiotic intakes during pregnancy.
Can children drink 2 Yakult a day?
Children over 3 years can safely have one Yakult daily with medical guidance. But the manufacturer advises against having two per day for kids. Large probiotic doses are unstudied in young children and could cause adverse effects. Parents should consult a pediatrician first.
Should I take a probiotic break after drinking 2 Yakult daily?
Healthy individuals do not need a break when consuming just two Yakult per day. But those taking higher therapeutic probiotic doses for a specific health condition should cycle on and off after a treatment course. This may help prevent side effects and maintain probiotic benefits.
The Bottom Line
Having two bottles of Yakult daily generally seems to be safe and provides enhanced benefits for most healthy adults. The extra 6.5 billion probiotic cultures can optimize digestive and immune function.
But some precautions are warranted, especially for those with underlying health issues, young children, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Additionally, the doubled sugar content may not suit people limiting sugar.
To implement two Yakult per day, start slowly then separate the doses by several hours for best tolerance. Also, ensure you regularly replace bottles to guarantee viable probiotic counts.
For most individuals, incorporating a second daily Yakult provides amplified advantages. But personalized medical advice may be prudent to determine if doubling one’s intake is appropriate on an ongoing basis.
