Science & Evidence

Evidence Before Assertion.

Every decision behind Morning Clarity starts with evidence. We look at the strength of the research and how directly it applies to the specific strain and outcome.

Human-First

Human Evidence

Human clinical research carries the most weight.

Strain-Specific

Exact Strains Matter

Research on the specific strain matters more than evidence from a related strain.

Transparent

Clear About Limits

We communicate what the evidence supports — and where it does not.

The Gut-Brain Connection

Your Gut and Brain Are Connected.

What does the gut-brain axis mean?

It simply describes how signals travel between your digestive system and your brain. Researchers study this connection to better understand areas such as stress, sleep, and everyday wellbeing.

Your gut and brain are in constant communication. Scientists call this two-way network the gut-brain axis.

Why It Matters

The connection is only part of the story.

Not every probiotic strain has been studied for the same outcomes. The research depends on the specific strain, dose, and people studied.

In Morning Clarity

Meet ProbioBrain™

B. longum 1714™ is the strain in Morning Clarity most directly studied in human gut-brain research.

The gut-brain axis is an active area of scientific research. Research on one probiotic strain should not be assumed to apply to all probiotics.

ProbioBrain™

The Strain Behind the Research.

Bifidobacterium longum 1714™ is the strain in Morning Clarity most directly studied in human gut-brain research.

It has been studied in areas including everyday stress response, brain activity, sleep quality, and wellbeing-related outcomes.

These studies inform our approach to everyday stress support and sleep-related wellness.†

2016 Stress Response

A human study examined acute stress response, daily stress, and neurocognitive measures.

2019 Brain Activity

A randomized placebo-controlled study examined brain activity during a social stress task using MEG.

2024 Sleep & Vitality

An 8-week randomized placebo-controlled study in 89 adults examined sleep quality, daytime functioning, social functioning, and vitality.

What does this mean for Morning Clarity?

These studies help inform how we communicate the role of Bifidobacterium longum 1714™. Evidence from one strain or study does not automatically apply to every person or probiotic product.

Evidence Is Strain-Specific

Research can be positive, mixed, or inconclusive.

We look at the full body of evidence, including findings that do not support a primary outcome. This helps keep our communication aligned with what the research actually shows.

B. longum 1714™ · Human Evidence · Strain-Specific
The Formula

Four Strains. Different Roles.

Morning Clarity combines four named probiotic strains. Each has a different research profile and contributes to the formula in its own way.

Gut-Brain Research B. longum 1714™

The strain in the formula most directly studied in human gut-brain research, including everyday stress response, brain activity, and sleep-related outcomes.†

Digestive · Immune Research L. rhamnosus LGG™

A well-researched probiotic strain with extensive strain-specific research across digestive and immune wellness.†

Digestive · Immune Research B. animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™

A well-studied probiotic strain with extensive research related to digestive and immune wellness.†

Digestive Wellness L. plantarum UALp-05™

A complementary strain included as part of the formula's broader digestive wellness approach.†

Different Evidence. One Formula.

The four strains are not treated as interchangeable. We consider the evidence for each strain separately when evaluating its role in Morning Clarity.

Strain-Specific Evidence
From Evidence to Formula

From Research to Routine.

Research is the starting point. We evaluate what it tells us, where it applies, and where its limits are before it informs a formulation or a consumer-facing statement.

Research

Start with the evidence.

We look for human research, with particular attention to evidence on the specific probiotic strain.

Evaluate

Understand what it shows.

We consider the study design, population, strain, dose, outcomes, and limitations.

Formulate

Give each strain a role.

Evidence helps inform how each strain fits within the broader formula.

Communicate

Stay within the evidence.

Our communication is kept no broader than what the evidence can reasonably support.

Evidence Sets the Boundary.

A study does not automatically become a product claim. We use evidence to understand what can be responsibly communicated—and what should remain outside the claim.

See It in the Formula.

A research-informed probiotic routine, made simple.

Explore Morning Clarity →
Quality Journey

Quality, From Culture to Capsule.

A transparent approach to probiotic sourcing, U.S. production, and finished-product quality.

  1. 01
    Probiotic Sourcing

    Named Strains

    Probiotic cultures supplied through Novonesis, with established expertise in microbial and probiotic science.

  2. 02
    U.S. Manufacturing

    Blending · Encapsulation · Packaging

    Completed at a Chr. Hansen facility in the United States.

  3. 03
    Quality Assessment

    NSF/ANSI 455-2 Certified

    The manufacturing facility is independently assessed by NSF International.

  4. 04
    Finished-Product Testing

    Third-Party Testing

    Finished product undergoes third-party testing for specified quality attributes.

  5. 05
    Declared Potency

    12.5B CFU Through Best-Before Date

    Probiotic potency is maintained through the best-before date when stored according to label directions.

Named Strains · Disclosed Amounts · Documented Quality
Research Library

Explore the Evidence.

Strain-Level Research

Research Context

The studies below examine individual probiotic strains used in Morning Clarity. Study doses, formulations, durations, and participant populations may differ from the finished product. These studies provide strain-level scientific context and do not establish efficacy of Morning Clarity.

01ProbioBrain™ — Research on Bifidobacterium longum 1714™

The strain in Morning Clarity with the most direct human research related to the gut-brain connection.†

Stress Response & Cognitive FunctionHUMAN · RCT · 4 WEEKS

A randomized controlled study examined stress response and cognitive function in healthy adults taking Bifidobacterium longum 1714™.1

Evidence Note: Provides human evidence on stress and cognitive function

Allen AP, et al., 2016

Brain Activity During Social StressHUMAN · RCT · 4 WEEKS · MEG

A randomized placebo-controlled study examined brain activity during social stress in healthy adults taking Bifidobacterium longum 1714™.2

Evidence Note: Provides human evidence on brain responses during social stress.

Wang H, et al., 2019

Low Mood & Related SymptomsHUMAN · RCT · 8 WEEKS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and related well-being measures in adults taking Bifidobacterium longum 1714™.3

Evidence Note: The primary depressive-symptom outcome was not significantly different from placebo. Some secondary sleep and well-being measures improved at earlier time points.

Seamans KM, et al., 2026

Sleep Quality & Well-beingHUMAN · RCT · 8 WEEKS

A randomized, placebo-controlled study examined sleep quality and well-being in healthy adults taking Bifidobacterium longum 1714™.4

Evidence Note: Provides human evidence of modest effects on aspects of sleep quality and well-being.

Patterson E, et al., 2024

Immune Regulation & Tryptophan MetabolismMECHANISTIC · PRECLINICAL + BIOMARKER

Research examined immune regulation and tryptophan metabolism associated with Bifidobacterium longum 1714™.5

Evidence Note: Provides biological context for gut-brain and immune pathways.

Groeger D, et al., 2025

Stress-Related BehaviorMECHANISTIC · PRECLINICAL

An animal study examined stress-related behavior and physiological responses to Bifidobacterium longum 1714™.6

Evidence Note: Provides early mechanistic context for stress-related responses.

Savignac HM, et al., 2014

Maternal Immune ResponseMECHANISTIC · EX VIVO

An ex vivo study examined cytokine responses in maternal peripheral blood mononuclear cells associated with Bifidobacterium longum 1714™.7

Evidence Note: Provides mechanistic insight into immune signaling.

Killeen SL, et al., 2024

02Digestive & Immune Research — Research on Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG™

A well-studied probiotic strain with extensive strain-specific research across digestive and immune-related outcomes.†

Cognitive FunctioningHUMAN · RCT

A randomized clinical trial examined cognitive functioning in middle-aged and older adults taking L. rhamnosus LGG™.8

Evidence Note: Provides human research on cognitive health and the gut-brain axis.

Sanborn V, et al., 2020

Upper Respiratory Health & Quality of LifeHUMAN · RCT

A randomized controlled study evaluated the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG™ (in combination with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™) on health-related quality of life in college students experiencing upper respiratory challenges.9

Evidence Note: Provides clinical context for immune support and health-related quality of life in a healthy young adult population.

Smith TJ, et al., 2013

Immune Cell ModulationMECHANISTIC · EX VIVO

An ex vivo study examined Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG™-derived soluble factors and their effects on human immune cells.10

Evidence Note: Provides mechanistic context for Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG™ and immune-cell signaling.

Fong FL, et al., 2016

Intestinal Barrier FunctionMECHANISTIC · EX VIVO

Research using human intestinal models examined the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG™ on epithelial barrier function.11

Evidence Note: Provides biological context for Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG™ and intestinal barrier function.

Han X, et al., 2019

03Digestive & Immune Research — Research on Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™

A well-studied probiotic strain with research across digestive and immune-related outcomes.†

Gastrointestinal Transit & MicrobiotaHUMAN · RCT

A randomized crossover study examined Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™ in healthy adults, including gut microbiota, bowel transit, and microbial metabolites.12

Evidence Note: Provides human research on gut microbiota and bowel function.

Ba Z, et al., 2021

Epithelial Antiviral DefensesMECHANISTIC · EX VIVO

A study using human intestinal organoid-derived monolayers examined how BB-12™ primes epithelial antiviral defenses and restricts influenza A virus replication.13

Evidence Note: Provides mechanistic context for Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™ and intestinal immune defense.

Stepanyan A, et al., 2026

Scientific Foundation of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™REVIEW

A review summarized research on the safety, gastrointestinal survival, and biological activity of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™.14

Evidence Note: Provides foundational context for Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™ research.

Jungersen M, et al., 2014

Health Benefits Research OverviewREVIEW

A comprehensive review summarized preclinical and clinical research on Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™ and its potential mechanisms of action.15

Evidence Note: Provides a broad overview of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™ research across digestive and immune health.

Collins FWJ, et al., 2025

04Supporting Evidence — Research on Lactobacillus plantarum UALp-05™

Research involving Lactobacillus plantarum UALp-05™ includes gastrointestinal and metabolic outcomes.
The available evidence varies in how directly it applies to the exact strain.

Metabolic & Microbiota ResponseHUMAN · RCT · 18 WEEKS

A randomized study evaluated a multi-strain probiotic containing Lactobacillus plantarum UALp-05™ in adults with metabolic risk factors.16

Evidence Note: Provides clinical context for Lactobacillus plantarum UALp-05™ within a multi-strain probiotic formulation.

Wastyk HC, et al., 2023

Gastrointestinal Health & Probiotic FunctionREVIEW

A narrative review examined the health applications and probiotic properties of Lactobacillus plantarum.17

Evidence Note: Provides species-level context for gastrointestinal and probiotic function.

Zare D, et al., 2024

Probiotic Properties & MechanismsREVIEW

A review examined probiotic properties and omics-based insights into Lactobacillus plantarum.18

Evidence Note: Provides species-level biological and mechanistic context.

Echegaray N, et al., 2023

Our Approach

Evidence Is Not All the Same.


We consider the strain, study design, population, dose, outcome, and limitations when interpreting research.

References

The Research Behind the Evidence.

Published research referenced throughout the Science page is listed below by strain.

Bifidobacterium longum 1714™

  1. Allen AP, Hutch W, Borre YE, Kennedy PJ, Temko A, Boylan G, Murphy E, Cryan JF, Dinan TG, Clarke G. Bifidobacterium longum 1714 as a translational psychobiotic: modulation of stress, electrophysiology and neurocognition in healthy volunteers. Transl Psychiatry. 2016 Nov 1;6(11):e939. doi: 10.1038/tp.2016.191. PMID: 27801892; PMCID: PMC5314114.
  2. Wang H, Braun C, Murphy EF, Enck P. Bifidobacterium longum 1714™ Strain Modulates Brain Activity of Healthy Volunteers During Social Stress. Am J Gastroenterol. 2019 Jul;114(7):1152-1162. doi: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000000203. PMID: 30998517; PMCID: PMC6615936.
  3. Seamans KM, Patterson E, Holz C, Groeger D, Junnila J, Collins F, Murphy EF, Sorensen K, Dinan TG. Effects of Bifidobacterium longum 1714 on low mood and related symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2026 Apr 30. doi: 10.1037/pha0000839. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42060410.
  4. Patterson E, Tan HTT, Groeger D, Andrews M, Buckley M, Murphy EF, Groeger JA. Bifidobacterium longum 1714 improves sleep quality and aspects of well-being in healthy adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Sci Rep. 2024 Feb 14;14(1):3725. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-53810-w. PMID: 38355674; PMCID: PMC10866977.
  5. Groeger D, Yao L, Collins F, Larsen IS, Tan HT, Healy S, Ambrogi V, Tykwinska K, Schmidt M, Golletz P, Kiely B, Clarke G, Dinan TG, Murphy EF, O'Mahony L. Complementary immunoregulatory effects of Bifidobacterium longum 1714TM associated exopolysaccharide and tryptophan metabolism. Curr Res Microb Sci. 2025 Sep 28;9:100481. doi: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2025.100481. PMID: 41140527; PMCID: PMC12546897.
  6. Savignac HM, Kiely B, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Bifidobacteria exert strain-specific effects on stress-related behavior and physiology in BALB/c mice. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2014 Nov;26(11):1615-27. doi: 10.1111/nmo.12427. Epub 2014 Sep 24. PMID: 25251188.
  7. Killeen SL, Mealy G, Brennan K, Cotter PD, Yelverton C, Saldova R, Groeger D, VanSinderen D, Doyle S, McAuliffe FM. Impact of Bifidobacterium longum 1714® on maternal cytokine response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cytokine. 2024 Feb;174:156458. doi: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156458. Epub 2023 Dec 9. PMID: 38071842.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG™

  1. Sanborn V, Azcarate-Peril MA, Updegraff J, Manderino L, Gunstad J. Randomized Clinical Trial Examining the Impact of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Probiotic Supplementation on Cognitive Functioning in Middle-aged and Older Adults. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020 Nov 13;16:2765-2777. doi: 10.2147/NDT.S270035. PMID: 33223831; PMCID: PMC7671471.
  2. Smith TJ, Rigassio-Radler D, Denmark R, Haley T, Touger-Decker R. Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG® and Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12® on health-related quality of life in college students affected by upper respiratory infections. British Journal of Nutrition. 2013;109(11):1999-2007. doi:10.1017/S0007114512004138.
  3. Fong FLY, Kirjavainen PV, El-Nezami H. Immunomodulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)-derived soluble factors on antigen-presenting cells of healthy blood donors. Sci Rep. 2016 Mar 10;6:22845. doi: 10.1038/srep22845. PMID: 26961406; PMCID: PMC4785377.
  4. Han X, Lee A, Huang S, Gao J, Spence JR, Owyang C. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG prevents epithelial barrier dysfunction induced by interferon-gamma and fecal supernatants from irritable bowel syndrome patients in human intestinal enteroids and colonoids. Gut Microbes. 2019;10(1):59-76. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2018.1479625. Epub 2018 Aug 6. PMID: 30040527; PMCID: PMC6363076.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12™

  1. Ba Z, Lee Y, Meng H, Kris-Etherton PM, Rogers CJ, Lewis ZT, Mills DA, Furumoto EJ, Rolon ML, Fleming JA, Roberts RF. Matrix Effects on the Delivery Efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 on Fecal Microbiota, Gut Transit Time, and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Healthy Young Adults. mSphere. 2021 Aug 25;6(4):e0008421. doi: 10.1128/mSphere.00084-21. Epub 2021 Jul 7. PMID: 34232082; PMCID: PMC8386398.
  2. Stepanyan A, Scarpa M, Bernabè G, Brun P, Pauletto A, Zatta V, Salata C, Del Vecchio C, Scarpa M, Castagliuolo I. Bifidobacteriumanimalis subsp. lactis BB-12 Primes Epithelial Antiviral Defenses and Restricts Influenza A Virus Replication in Human Intestinal Organoid-Derived Monolayers. Microorganisms. 2026 Mar 27;14(4):751. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms14040751. PMID: 42075148; PMCID: PMC13118500.
  3. Jungersen M, Wind A, Johansen E, Christensen JE, Stuer-Lauridsen B, Eskesen D. The Science behind the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12(®). Microorganisms. 2014 Mar 28;2(2):92-110. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms2020092. PMID: 27682233; PMCID: PMC5029483.
  4. Collins FWJ, Vera-Jiménez NI, Wellejus A. Understanding the probiotic health benefits of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, BB-12™. Front Microbiol. 2025 Jul 2;16:1605044. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1605044. PMID: 40673154; PMCID: PMC12265310.

Lactobacillus plantarum UALp-05™

  1. Wastyk HC, Perelman D, Topf M, Fragiadakis GK, Robinson JL, Sonnenburg JL, Gardner CD, Sonnenburg ED. Randomized controlled trial demonstrates response to a probiotic intervention for metabolic syndrome that may correspond to diet. Gut Microbes. 2023 Jan-Dec;15(1):2178794. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2178794. PMID: 36803658; PMCID: PMC9980610.
  2. Zare D, Aryaee H, Mirdamadi S, Shirkhan F. The Benefits and Applications of Lactobacillus plantarum in Food and Health: A Narrative Review. Iran J Public Health. 2024 Oct;53(10):2201-2213. doi: 10.18502/ijph.v53i10.16698. PMID: 39544869; PMCID: PMC11557752.
  3. Echegaray N, Yilmaz B, Sharma H, Kumar M, Pateiro M, Ozogul F, Lorenzo JM. A novel approach to Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: From probiotic properties to the omics insights. Microbiol Res. 2023 Mar;268:127289. doi: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127289. Epub 2022 Dec 22. PMID: 36571922.

Reference Note

Research involving a related strain, species, genus, or multi-strain formulation is identified as such. These studies provide scientific context and do not establish the efficacy of Morning Clarity as a finished product.

Evidence from an exact strain does not necessarily establish that the same outcome will occur with Morning Clarity, as study populations, formulations, doses, durations, and study conditions may differ.

Exact Strain · Transparent Evidence · Responsible Communication

FDA Disclaimer

† These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Educational Notice

Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

Individual responses may vary. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a medical condition, consult your healthcare professional before using dietary supplements.

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