Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™)

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum 1714 strain
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
6 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Bifidobacterium longum 1714 is a specific 'psychobiotic' strain commercialized as Zenflore™ and 1714-Serenitas™ by Precision Biotics. It's one of the better-studied probiotic strains for stress and mood applications in healthy adults — though clinical effect sizes are modest. Trials show reductions in subjective stress, improvements in measures of cognition under stress, and changes in EEG and neuroendocrine markers consistent with gut-brain axis modulation. Different from the L. helveticus R0052 + B. longum R0175 combination — this is a single B. longum strain with its own evidence base. The honest framing: solid mechanistic and biomarker evidence for gut-brain effects, with smaller but consistent subjective effects; reasonable choice for adults wanting probiotic stress support with strain-specific evidence rather than generic 'mood probiotics'.

Studied Dose Standard dose: 1 billion CFU (1×10⁹) once daily as Zenflore™ or 1714-Serenitas™. Trial protocols typically 4-12 weeks. No refrigeration required for stabilized formulations. Take with food.
Active Compound Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum strain 1714 (also known as 1714-Serenitas™). Trademarks of Alimentary Health Group. Distinct gut microbiota psychobiotic strain isolated for stress/cognitive effects

Benefits

Subjective stress reduction in healthy adults

Clinical trials in healthy adults under stress show modest reductions in subjective stress scores with B. longum 1714 supplementation. Effects are consistent across trials but smaller than pharmaceutical anxiolytics — supportive rather than primary intervention.

Improved cognition under stress

Trials using cognitive tasks during stress exposure show improved performance with B. longum 1714 supplementation. Particularly relevant for work-related stress affecting concentration and memory.

EEG and neuroendocrine biomarkers

Mechanistic trials show measurable changes in EEG patterns and stress hormone profiles with B. longum 1714 supplementation. Biomarker evidence supports the gut-brain axis mechanism beyond self-report effects.

Sleep quality support

Trials in adults with stress-related sleep disruption show improvements in subjective sleep quality over weeks of supplementation. Effects secondary to stress reduction rather than direct sleep-promoting mechanism.

Gut-brain axis mechanism

B. longum 1714 modulates vagal signaling and gut-brain communication pathways. Mechanism distinct from generic probiotic effects — strain-specific compounds and metabolites mediate the mood and stress effects.

Single-strain evidence vs combination products

Most 'mood probiotic' products use multi-strain blends without strain-specific evidence. B. longum 1714 has dedicated single-strain trials, providing clarity about what's actually being supported by the evidence.

Mechanism of action

1

Gut-brain axis modulation (psychobiotic)

Vagal afferent signaling, short-chain fatty acid production, neurotransmitter precursor modulation, and immune-mediated effects all contribute to the proposed psychobiotic mechanism. Strain-specific effects are likely mediated through a combination of these pathways rather than any single mechanism.

2

HPA axis cortisol attenuation

Allen 2016 demonstrated attenuated cortisol response to acute stress (cold pressor test). Quantitative endocrine evidence beyond self-report scales.

3

Hippocampal function modulation

Hippocampus-dependent visuospatial memory improvements suggest hippocampal function modulation. The hippocampus is central to HPA axis regulation and to stress-related cognitive effects.

4

Cortical theta and frontal midline EEG modulation

PMC6615936 MEG data showed increased theta band power in frontal and cingulate cortex; Allen 2016 reported enhanced frontal midline EEG mobility. Convergent neurophysiological evidence across two methodologies.

5

Stress response regulation

Combined endocrine (cortisol) and subjective (anxiety, daily reported stress) evidence indicates broad stress-response regulation. Effect distinguishes from sedative-style mechanisms.

6

Strain specificity (1714 distinct from other B. longum)

B. longum 1714 has clinical evidence distinct from other B. longum strains (NCC3001, BL999, etc.). Probiotic effects are strain-specific, not species-specific — generic 'B. longum' supplements should not be assumed equivalent.

Clinical trials

1
Allen 2016 — Psychobiotic Translational Trial (PMID 27845782, PIVOTAL)

Allen AP et al. 2016 (PMC5314114, Transl Psychiatry, doi:10.1038/tp.2016.191). University College Cork APC Microbiome Institute. Within-participants design in 22 healthy male volunteers, 1×10⁹ CFU/day for 4 weeks. Attenuated cortisol output and subjective anxiety to socially evaluated cold pressor test; reduced daily reported stress; subtle hippocampus-dependent visuospatial memory improvements; enhanced frontal midline EEG mobility. Multi-domain endpoint design rare among probiotics.

2
PMC6615936 — MEG Brain Modulation 4-Week RCT (n=40)

Wang H, Braun C, Murphy EF, Enck P (Am J Gastroenterol). Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 40 healthy volunteers using magnetoencephalography during the Cyberball social stress paradigm. Increased theta band power in frontal and cingulate cortex (P<0.05) — direct brain activity modulation evidence.

3
NCT04925440 — Low Mood 8-Week RCT (Recently Completed)

NCT04925440 — 8-week quadruple-masked RCT in adults with low mood, 5×10⁹ CFU/day, Beck's Depression Inventory-II primary outcome. Recently completed; outcome data publication awaited. PrecisionBiotics-sponsored. Emerging mood/depression evidence beyond healthy-volunteer studies.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated; food-grade probiotic origin.
Mild GI upset (rare; transient).
Bloating/gas (rare).
Pregnancy/lactation: limited specific data; food-grade origin supports general safety.
Long-term safety: 8-week NCT04925440 trial supports favorable profile.
Refrigeration may be required per manufacturer.
Immunocompromised individuals: caution (consult physician — applies to all probiotics).
Industry-sponsored research base — important context for evidence interpretation.

Important Drug interactions

Antibiotics: take 2-3 hours apart from B. longum 1714 dose.
Immunosuppressants: caution (consult physician — applies to all probiotics).
Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs): theoretical complementary effects via gut-brain axis; no direct interactions documented.
Anxiolytics: theoretical complementary stress reduction.
Most medications: well-tolerated combination profile.
Refrigeration may be required for viability.

Frequently asked questions about Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™)

What is Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™)?

Bifidobacterium longum 1714 is a specific 'psychobiotic' strain commercialized as Zenflore™ and 1714-Serenitas™ by Precision Biotics.

What does Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) do?

Vagal afferent signaling, short-chain fatty acid production, neurotransmitter precursor modulation, and immune-mediated effects all contribute to the proposed psychobiotic mechanism. In clinical research, Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) has been studied for subjective stress reduction in healthy adults, improved cognition under stress, eeg and neuroendocrine biomarkers.

Who should take Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™)?

Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) may be most relevant for people interested in stress & anxiety, cognitive, mood & mental health. It has been clinically studied for subjective stress reduction in healthy adults, improved cognition under stress, eeg and neuroendocrine biomarkers. As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.

How long does Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) take to work?

In clinical trials, effects have been measured at 4 weeks of consistent use. Acute or same-day effects (where applicable) typically appear within hours, but most cumulative benefits — particularly those affecting biomarkers, mood, sleep quality, or chronic symptoms — require 4-12 weeks of regular use to fully assess. If you don't notice benefit after 12 weeks at the appropriate dose, it may not be your responder.

When is the best time to take Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™)?

For stress and mood goals, Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) can be taken in the morning, evening, or split through the day. Effects build gradually over weeks; daily consistency matters more than precise timing. Always check product labeling and follow personalized guidance from your healthcare provider.

Is Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) worth taking?

Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) has moderate clinical evidence (Evidence Level 3/5 on NutraSmarts) — meaningful trial support exists, though results are less consistent than top-tier ingredients. Whether it's worth taking depends on your specific goals, what you've already tried, your budget, and your overall supplement strategy. The honest framing: no supplement is essential for most people, and lifestyle factors (sleep, exercise, diet, stress management) typically produce larger effects than any single supplement. Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) is most worth trying if its evidence-supported uses align with your specific goals.

What is the recommended dosage of Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™)?

The clinically studied dose for Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) is Standard dose: 1 billion CFU (1×10⁹) once daily as Zenflore™ or 1714-Serenitas™. Trial protocols typically 4-12 weeks. No refrigeration required for stabilized formulations. Take with food.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) used for?

Bifidobacterium longum 1714 (Zenflore™ / 1714-Serenitas™) is studied for subjective stress reduction in healthy adults, improved cognition under stress, eeg and neuroendocrine biomarkers. Clinical trials in healthy adults under stress show modest reductions in subjective stress scores with B. longum 1714 supplementation.