Effect of Lactobacillus-Bifidobacterium Probiotic Yogurt on Oral Candida Levels in Older Adults

Pinyo Kerdpolwattana, Thararat Chitov, Chatsri Kuansuwan, Surawut Pongsiriwet, Kanyarat Korwanich, Jitjiroj Itthichaicharoen

Published Online: Aug 7, 2026 DOI DOI 10.12982/OSR.2026.040

Objectives: Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are increasingly incorporated in yogurt starters to enhance yogurts’ probiotic properties. Since many Lactobacillus-Bifidobacterium probiotic strains are recognized for their antifungal activities against oral Candida species. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of daily administering of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Bifidobacterium lactis on the levels of oral Candida and other factors relating to oral candidiasis.

Methods: The experiment was conducted using a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study in which 60 older adults were allocated into two groups. After baseline examination and randomization, the control group was given the plain yogurt, while the experimental group was given the probiotic yogurt, twice daily. Saliva samples were collected at baseline and after the administration period of two weeks.

Results: The experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in oral Candida counts (p<0.05), accompanied by significant increases in unstimulated salivary flow rate and salivary pH (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The short-term consumption of yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Bifidobacterium lactis may provide an alternative method for the prevention of oral candidiasis and xerostomia.

Older adults probiotics Candida oral candidiasis yogurt

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Kerdpolwattana P, Chitov T, Kuansuwan C, Pongsiriwet S, Korwanich K, Itthichaicharoen J. Effect of Lactobacillus-Bifidobacterium Probiotic Yogurt on Oral Candida Levels in Older Adults: Original articles. Oral Sci Rep [Internet]. 2026 Aug 07 [cited 2026 Aug 08];47(3):385-392. Available from: https://www.dent.cmu.ac.th/cmdj/frontend/web/?r=site/viewarticle&id=564

Kerdpolwattana, P., Chitov, T., Kuansuwan, C., Pongsiriwet, S., Korwanich, K. & Itthichaicharoen, J. (2026). Effect of Lactobacillus-Bifidobacterium Probiotic Yogurt on Oral Candida Levels in Older Adults. Oral Sci Rep, 47(3), 385-392. Retrieved from: https://www.dent.cmu.ac.th/cmdj/frontend/web/?r=site/viewarticle&id=564

Kerdpolwattana, P., Thararat Chitov,Chatsri Kuansuwan,Surawut Pongsiriwet,Kanyarat Korwanich and Jitjiroj Itthichaicharoen. 2026. "Effect of Lactobacillus-Bifidobacterium Probiotic Yogurt on Oral Candida Levels in Older Adults." Oral Sci Rep, 47(3), 385-392. https://www.dent.cmu.ac.th/cmdj/frontend/web/?r=site/viewarticle&id=564

Kerdpolwattana, P. et al. 2026. 'Effect of Lactobacillus-Bifidobacterium Probiotic Yogurt on Oral Candida Levels in Older Adults', Oral Sci Rep, 47(3), 385-392. Retrieved from https://www.dent.cmu.ac.th/cmdj/frontend/web/?r=site/viewarticle&id=564

Kerdpolwattana, P., Chitov, T., Kuansuwan, C., Pongsiriwet, S., Korwanich, K. and Itthichaicharoen, J. "Effect of Lactobacillus-Bifidobacterium Probiotic Yogurt on Oral Candida Levels in Older Adults", Oral Sci Rep, vol.47, no. 3, pp. 385-392, Aug. 2026.

Kerdpolwattana, P., Chitov, T., Kuansuwan, C., et al. "Effect of Lactobacillus-Bifidobacterium Probiotic Yogurt on Oral Candida Levels in Older Adults." Oral Sci Rep, vol.47, no. 3, Aug. 2026, pp. 385-392, https://www.dent.cmu.ac.th/cmdj/frontend/web/?r=site/viewarticle&id=564