rct
    2015
    High Quality

    Bifidobacterium bifidum R0071 results in a greater proportion of healthy days and a lower percentage of academically stressed students reporting a day of cold/flu: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

    Langkamp-Henken B, Rowe CC, Ford AL, Christman MC, Nieves C

    Published in British Journal of Nutrition

    Methodology

    Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in academically stressed undergraduates comparing L. helveticus R0052, B. longum ssp. infantis R0033, B. bifidum R0071 and placebo over 6 weeks with daily symptom diaries.

    Key Findings

    B. bifidum R0071 produced a greater proportion of healthy days than placebo (P<=0.05) and a lower percentage of participants reporting at least one day of cold/flu (P<0.05); L. helveticus and B. infantis showed no benefit on these outcomes.

    Conclusions

    Daily intake of B. bifidum R0071 provided benefit related to cold/flu symptom burden in a stressed young adult population.

    Limitations

    Self-reported symptom diaries without laboratory confirmation of infection; healthy young students only; single strain and dose tested.

    Supplements Studied

    B. bifidum resulted in a greater proportion of healthy days than placebo (P<=0.05).

    Outcomes Measured

    Daily intake of bifidobacteria provides benefit related to cold/flu.

    The percentage of participants reporting >= 1 d of cold/flu during the 6-week intervention period was significantly lower with B. bifidum than with placebo (P< 0.05).

    Study Details

    Year:2015
    Sample Size:581
    Duration:6 weeks
    Quality Score:8/10

    Disclosures

    Funding

    Industry (Lallemand Health Solutions) supported

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.