Kefir popularity surges in Italy amid debate over health claims

Kefir is experiencing a significant surge in popularity in Italy, with sales increasing by over 51% according to a Coop report. While the fermented milk drink is being marketed for various health benefits, experts and laboratory tests provide a more nuanced view of its impact.

Professor Silvio Garattini, president of the Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, has challenged the notion that kefir is a key to longevity. He stated that while it may act as a stimulant or laxative, longevity is a complex process involving many factors, including physical exercise, social relationships, and mental activity, rather than a single food item.

Laboratory analysis comparing kefir to Greek yogurt and skyr revealed differences in probiotic concentrations. While kefir showed high concentrations of streptococci, lactococci, and lactobacilli, it had a lower concentration of bifidobacteria compared to yogurt. Skyr was found to have significantly lower concentrations of both bifidobacteria and lactobacilli and lacked streptococci and lactococci.