06.20.11
Supplementation with galactooligosaccharide (GOS) during periods of stress may help reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction and support the body’s natural defenses, according to a new study published in the June issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
In this University of Florida study, which used Corn Products International's Purimune GOS, researchers conducted a randomized dietary intervention trial in university students during exam season. Increased stress levels typically observed during final exams are associated with greater incidence of issues such as gastrointestinal distress and other stress-related conditions.
The test subjects were healthy, full-time students who had experienced at least one cold during the previous year. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume 0, 2.5 or 5 grams per day of Purimune high purity GOS over an eight-week period. Study participants took their final exams during the sixth week of the study. They were not aware whether they consumed a placebo or one of the Purimune GOS doses. To assess stress levels, along with the incidence and severity of stress-related issues, students completed a series of online questionnaires throughout the study.
As expected, stress, which was related to gastrointestinal problems such as increased diarrhea, indigestion, and pain, increased during week 6, the week in which the students took their final exams. Consumption of 2.5 g/d galactooligosaccharide from Purimune GOS, decreased problems associated with stress thereby helping to support the body's natural defenses.
Authors concluded that GOS supplementation during periods of stress (in this case, final examinations) can reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction and help maintain overall immune health. For further information: www.cornproducts.com
In this University of Florida study, which used Corn Products International's Purimune GOS, researchers conducted a randomized dietary intervention trial in university students during exam season. Increased stress levels typically observed during final exams are associated with greater incidence of issues such as gastrointestinal distress and other stress-related conditions.
The test subjects were healthy, full-time students who had experienced at least one cold during the previous year. Subjects were randomly assigned to consume 0, 2.5 or 5 grams per day of Purimune high purity GOS over an eight-week period. Study participants took their final exams during the sixth week of the study. They were not aware whether they consumed a placebo or one of the Purimune GOS doses. To assess stress levels, along with the incidence and severity of stress-related issues, students completed a series of online questionnaires throughout the study.
As expected, stress, which was related to gastrointestinal problems such as increased diarrhea, indigestion, and pain, increased during week 6, the week in which the students took their final exams. Consumption of 2.5 g/d galactooligosaccharide from Purimune GOS, decreased problems associated with stress thereby helping to support the body's natural defenses.
Authors concluded that GOS supplementation during periods of stress (in this case, final examinations) can reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction and help maintain overall immune health. For further information: www.cornproducts.com