The UF Food Science and Human Nutrition Department is conducting a 7-week study to determine whether a probiotic combination (L. gasseri, B. bifidum, B. longum) can maintain gastrointestinal function during a stressful time. Students who are taking final exams are often overwhelmed with studying and are anxious about their final grades, resulting in more stress, less sleep, and poor diet choices. All of these factors can cause people to have digestive concerns and decreased quality of life. We will also look at the effect of the probiotic on immune function, since stress can cause people to get sick more easily.
We are looking for healthy, 18 to 30 year old, full-time undergraduate students who are willing to
participate in this 7-week study.
If you decide to participate, we will obtain your age, demographic information, height and weight. We will also ask you to complete short daily and weekly questionnaires online. You will receive either a probiotic or placebo and consume it daily for 6 weeks. Daily questionnaires will be administered to record levels of stress, number of stools, general well-being, etc. Weekly questionnaires will assess gastrointestinal symptoms and well-being.
To participate in the study you
MUST be:
- 18-30 years of age (inclusive)
- Healthy full-time (≥12 credits) undergraduate student at the University of Florida
- Willing and able to consume a daily supplement (probiotic or placebo) for the duration of the 6-week study
- Willing and able to complete the Informed Consent Form in English
- Willing and able to complete daily questionnaires online regarding general health and well-being, including stress levels and gastrointestinal symptoms (Note: we will recruit participants who will have Internet access for the duration of the protocol, but understand that, once enrolled, situations may change. If this is the case, paper copies of the online forms will be provided)
- Be willing to discontinue consumption of fermented foods or probiotics (e.g., yogurts with live, active cultures or supplements), or immune-enhancing supplements (e.g., Echinacea or fish oil).
- Be willing to provide a social security number to receive study payment (Note: the subject can still participate if unwilling to provide SS#, but no financial reimbursement can be provided).
To participate in the study you must
NOT:
- Currently smoke tobacco products
- Women who are lactating, know that they are pregnant, or are attempting to get pregnant
- Currently taking any laxatives
- Currently being treated for any physician-diagnosed chronic diseases
For any questions, please contact:
Email: Nutriton-study@ufl.edu
Study Staff: (352)-682-4883
If you are interested in participating, we will retain your contact information solely for scheduling purposes.
If you are not interested in participating or do not qualify, we will
not collect any identifying information.
IMPORTANT: No computer IP addresses will be collected. If you agree to participate,
only the researchers will have access to the information we collect online. There is a minimal risk that security of any online data may be breached and the online host (Qualtrics) uses several forms of encryption other protections.