Thorne Research Protein Optimizer Review

No study tested this product, its Mycohsa blend or its two ingredients together, so the support for easing after-meal upper stomach discomfort comes from other probiotics. The one study that included this exact Bacillus coagulans strain tested it inside a three-strain Bacillus blend: over 30 to 37 days, 60 adults with stomach discomfort had less bloating, belching, sour taste and pain than on placebo ^[1]. That study did not report the dose. Other strains of the same species also helped. Two billion spores a day of one strain for 4 weeks cut indigestion scores in adults with gas and bloating ^[2]. A two-strain Bacillus blend helped 48% of people with after-meal distress versus 20% on placebo ^[3]. Some strains ranked among the best probiotics for abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome ^[4]. For the Mycohsa blend, the evidence comes only from unrelated strains, such as a Bifidobacterium strain that gave relief to 90% of people with indigestion versus 58% on placebo ^[5] and a Lactobacillus gasseri yogurt ^[6]. These results may not apply to the blend in this product. Animal and cell studies are never counted.

The only ingredient the panel spoke about is Bacillus coagulans, a smaller ingredient in this product, and five of the ten panelists commented on it. Two of them recommend it, one for its use as a spore-based probiotic said to ease bloating and digestive trouble, and as a gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory soil-based organism, and the other for being a heavily researched probiotic in a bar. One panelist uses it in homemade yogurt to help control gut overgrowth and has also used it as a binder in a detox plan. Two are neutral, with one noting that it helps dry a product for fermentation and the other noting that kombucha provides it. No doses, preferred pairings, cautions or reports of anyone stopping were given.

Combine with: Thorne Protein Optimizer pairs protease with betaine HCl to support protein digestion and reduce post-meal fullness, heaviness, or upper-abdominal discomfort in people with low stomach acid or sluggish protein breakdown. For long-term support, it can be stacked with a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme that adds amylase and lipase for carbohydrate and fat digestion. Ox bile or other gallbladder support helps if heavy or fatty meals are a trigger. Ginger or artichoke leaf extract may support gastric motility and bile flow. A quality multi-strain probiotic and prebiotic fiber such as partially hydrolyzed guar gum can support overall gut balance. Zinc (carnosine) supports stomach lining integrity and acid production. Eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and taking the product with protein-containing meals improves results. Betaine HCl should be avoided by people with active ulcers, gastritis, or those who take meds or acid-suppressing medication unless a clinician approves.