A College Care Package That Makes the Grade

A long-standing tradition for young men and women attending school away from home is the late-November care package. Standard fare back in the day were some homemade cookies, a dozen disposable razors, hot-chocolate mix, the winter hat and gloves you forgot to pack, and a mix-tape from the albums you left behind… you get the message.

A recent study including 581 academically stressed students demonstrates that packing a broad-spectrum probiotic including Bifidobacterium bifidum could prove to be an indispensable item in the mix. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study featured supplementation with three different probiotic strains. The study conducted at the University of Florida (Gainesville) spanned the six-week period leading up to and including holiday exams. The group taking Bifidobacterium bifidum reported fewer frequency of colds and flu, less severe symptoms, and shorter duration of infection.

In fact, B. bifidum is among the pioneer probiotics that pass from mother to child during childbirth. Early colonization of the infant gut with this and other probiotics sows the seeds for immune strength and performance that can positively influence illness and disease resilience over the course of a lifetime. Current literature also shows a trend towards an age-related decrease of Bifidobacterium probiotic species. With this in mind, supplementation with these strains as key components of probiotic formulas could be critical for healthy aging.

With estimates of up to 80% of immune-system performance stemming from healthy probiotic species within the intestines, a gut check with a potent, broad-spectrum probiotic could set the stage for a strong finish to the fall semester and excellent health year-round.

The New Roots Herbal family of probiotics features the most-extensively researched therapeutic strains available to Canadian consumers. To find the right product for your needs, visit us at newrootsherbal.com