The microbiota-gut-brain axis, the bidirectional interaction between the GI tract and the nervous system, is gaining increasing attention from researchers and the public, with a 2021 survey by FMCG Gurus revealing that 45% of consumers associated probiotics with cognitive health. The axis implicates the ability of specific strains to produce key neurotransmitters like GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), serotonin and dopamine, or their precursors.
Bifidobacterium longum 1714 thrives in the human gut, explained Louis Koeninger, PhD, Global Scientific Advisor - Gut & Mental Health, Novonesis, and it can produce tryptophan, which is a key building block for making serotonin and melatonin. He added that both are known neurotransmitters with mental health effects.
“In addition, B. longum 1714 has a unique, strain specific coating," Dr. Koeninger said. “It stimulates immune activities that support neuroprotective pathways associated with improved sleep quality and resilience to stress.
“Studies have shown that ProbioBrain may help calm both physical and mental responses to everyday stress. It may also support people in balancing emotions, functioning socially and staying calm. Improved sleep quality and enhanced energy have also been observed in ProbioBrain studies.”
Data
The strain is the results of 15 years of research and is supported by many pre-clinical and clinical studies, including a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 89 healthy adults that found that eight weeks of supplementation with ProbioBrain led to significant improvements in measures of sleep quality, daytime functioning, and energy/vitality (Scientific Reports, 2024, E. Patterson, et al.).
Another randomized, placebo-controlled, repeated measures, cross-over intervention study found that B. longum 1714 improved sleep measures in 20 healthy male students during a stressful university exam period (Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health, 2020, G.M. Moloney, et al.).
Earlier studies from 2016 and 2019 indicated that the strain could also improve memory while also reducing stress and mental fatigue.
Awards success
The brain health supplements market was valued at US$ 9.2 billion in 2023 by Global Market Insights and is predicted to hit US$ 19.3 billion by 2032.
Commenting on the win in Barcelona, Dr. Koeninger said: “For Novonesis, it’s a significant achievement to have external expert judges acknowledge the value and impact of the science behind our mental wellness solution, ProbioBrain.
“This recognition highlights how ProbioBrain combines cutting-edge gut-brain research with strong market adoption. Backed by robust clinical evidence and advanced neuroimaging techniques, ProbioBrain supports all aspects of mental wellness including quality sleep and stress management. Ultimately, this recognition further positions ProbioBrain as a reference point in psychobiotic research.”
