Yogurt

From the YapSpan Longevity Wiki · Updated 2026-10-01

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Yogurt is milk that has been fermented by lactic acid bacteria, which thicken it and give it a sour taste. It is eaten plain, sweetened or flavoured, and strained versions such as Greek yogurt contain more protein. Some yogurts contain live bacterial cultures when eaten.

A meta-analysis (a study that pools the results of earlier studies) of 12 prospective studies (studies that follow people forward in time) found that people with the highest yogurt intake had 7% lower all-cause mortality (death from any cause) than those with the lowest [1]. The evidence is observational, and yogurt eaters tend to have healthier diets overall.

  • The highest yogurt intake was associated with 7% lower all-cause mortality than the lowest across 12 studies [1].
  • Each additional daily serving of yogurt was associated with about 7% lower all-cause mortality [1].
  • There was no further reduction in risk above 0.5 serving a day [1].
  • High yogurt intake was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality but not with lower cancer mortality [1].
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YapSpan estimates are for reflection and entertainment only. They are not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a prediction of any individual outcome. Check with a doctor before making any medical decision.