Kefir

Related Terms

Bioactive peptides, biofir (Hungarian), b?lgaros (Spanish), calcium, Candida kefir, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, fatty acids, fermented dairy product, fermented milk, folate, galactose, glucose, keefir, kefir cheese, kefir grains, kefir yogurt, kefirs, kefyr, kephir, kewra, Kluyveromyces marxianus, kombucha, lactase, Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillusdelbrueckii, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus kefir, Lactobacilluskefiranofaciens, Lactococcus lactis, lactose, Leuconostoc, milkkefir, minerals, mudu kekiya, oligosaccharides, organic acids, probiotic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, sphingomyelin, Streptococcus thermophilus, talai, whey protein, yeasts.
Combination products: Acipol? (Lactobacillus acidophilus and kefir grains).
Note: This monograph includes data specifically on the fermented milk drink kefir. Information on other forms of fermented milk is not included in this monograph.

Background

Kefir is a probiotic drink produced by adding kefir grains to milk and allowing it to ferment. Kefir grains are a mixture of bacteria, yeast, and polysaccharides. It is popular in many parts of the Middle East. It is believed that the word "kefir" means "feel good" in Turkish, or that it derives from kopur, meaning "milk," "froth," or "foam." Kefir typically has a tart and refreshing flavor, is slightly carbonated because of the naturally occurring carbon dioxide, and is somewhat thicker than milk. The flavor is described as sour, rich, and creamy. Natural kefir is not sweet, although it may be flavored with fruit.
Kefir is believed to be more nutritious and therapeutic than yogurt, supplying complete protein, essential minerals, and valuable B vitamins. The belief is that probiotic bacteria in kefir partially digest many milk proteins, making it more easily utilized by the body than other dairy products. At this time, high-quality human trials supporting the use of kefir for any indication are lacking. Better-designed clinical trials are needed before conclusions may be made regarding taking this product for any health condition.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Preliminary evidence suggests that kefir may be beneficial to patients with high cholesterol levels. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that kefir may be beneficial to patients with high cholesterol levels. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that kefir may be beneficial to patients with lactose intolerance. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Limited evidence suggests that kefir may be beneficial to patients with lactose intolerance. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Evidence supporting the use of kefir to reduce chemotherapy side effects is currently lacking. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Evidence supporting the use of kefir to reduce chemotherapy side effects is currently lacking. Further studies are needed before conclusions can be drawn.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For high cholesterol, 500 milliliters of kefir has been taken by mouth daily for four weeks.
For lactose intolerance, one treatment with 508 grams of plain kefir or 519 grams of raspberry-flavored kefir has been taken by mouth following an overnight fast.
For reduction of chemotherapy side effects, on the first five days of each chemotherapy cycle, an oral lavage (mouth wash) with kefir was carried out and then 250 milliliters of kefir was taken by mouth.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Kefir may interact with alcohol, antibiotics, antifungals, disulfiram (Antabuse?), and metronidazole (Flagyl?).

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Agarwal KN, Bhasin SK. Feasibility studies to control acute diarrhoea in children by feeding fermented milk preparations Actimel and Indian Dahi. Eur J Clin Nutr 2002;56 Suppl 4:S56-S59.
Can G, Topuz E, Derin D, et al. Effect of kefir on the quality of life of patients being treated for colorectal cancer. Oncol Nurs Forum 2009 Nov;36(6):E335-42.
Ebringer L, Ferencik M, Krajcovic J. Beneficial health effects of milk and fermented dairy products--review. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2008;53(5):378-394.
Figler M, Mozsik G, Schaffer B, et al. Effect of special Hungarian probiotic kefir on faecal microflora. World J Gastroenterol 2006;12(7):1129-1132.
Forssen KM, Jagerstad MI, Wigertz K, et al. Folates and dairy products: a critical update. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19(2 Suppl):100S-110S.
Gulmez M, Guven A. Survival of i O157:H7, 4b and O3 in different yogurt and kefir combinations as prefermentation contaminant. J Appl Microbiol 2003;95(3):631-636.
Hertzler SR, Clancy SM. Kefir improves lactose digestion and tolerance in adults with lactose maldigestion. J Am Diet Assoc 2003;103(5):582-587.
Narva M, Nevala R, Poussa T, et al. The effect of fermented milk on acute changes in calcium metabolism in postmenopausal women. Eur J Nutr 2004;43(2):61-68.
Nichols AW. Probiotics and athletic performance: a systematic review. Curr Sports Med Rep 2007;6(4):269-273.
Oleinichenko EV, Mitrokhin SD, Nonikov VE, et al. [Effectiveness of acipole in prevention of enteric dysbacteriosis due to antibacterial therapy]. Antibiot Khimioter 1999;44(1):23-25.
Ostman EM, Liljeberg Elmstahl HG, Bjorck IM. Inconsistency between glycemic and insulinemic responses to regular and fermented milk products. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;74(1):96-100.
Santos A, San Mauro M, Sanchez A, et al. The antimicrobial properties of different strains of spp. isolated from kefir. Syst Appl Microbiol 2003;26(3):434-437.
St Onge MP, Farnworth ER, Savard T, et al. Kefir consumption does not alter plasma lipid levels or cholesterol fractional synthesis rates relative to milk in hyperlipidemic men: a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN10820810]. BMC Complement Altern Med 2002;2(1):1.
Studd C. Probiotic containing fermented milk supplement may improve the institution of early enteral nutrition. Crit Care Med 2000;28(4):1255-1256.
Topuz E, Derin D, Can G, et al. Effect of oral administration of kefir on serum proinflammatory cytokines on 5-FU induced oral mucositis in patients with colorectal cancer. Invest New Drugs 2008;26(6):567-572.