Protein Optimizer

Protein Optimizer is a daily single-capsule supplement from Thorne formulated to improve how the body digests and absorbs protein. It is designed for adults who regularly consume protein supplements — particularly whey protein — or who maintain high dietary protein intake and experience suboptimal digestion, including bloating, gas, or discomfort following protein-rich meals. The formula contains a combined total of 3 billion CFUs across two distinct probiotic components, along with the enzyme amylase.

The formulation is built around two complementary probiotic systems. The Mycohsa™ Probiotic Blend is a proprietary, multi-strain combination developed by Thorne that includes Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium breve, along with amylase — an enzyme that assists in carbohydrate breakdown and supports the broader digestive process during protein-containing meals. The second component, Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969®, is a spore-forming strain with a distinct structural advantage: its endospore form allows it to survive stomach acid and bile, arriving in the intestine intact and viable where it can exert its effects.

The primary application of this formula is protein utilization. Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969® has been studied specifically in the context of protein digestion, with a 14-day crossover trial in healthy adults demonstrating higher peak plasma concentrations of certain amino acids — including arginine, cysteine, and histidine — when the strain was co-supplemented with whey protein compared to whey protein alone. This suggests the strain may support the completeness of protein breakdown and the efficiency of amino acid uptake in the small intestine. It has also been shown to reduce protein fermentation metabolites in the gut, which are a byproduct of undigested protein reaching the colon and a common contributor to gas and bloating.

Beyond its protein-specific role, Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969® has been studied across more than 30 human clinical trials examining digestive comfort, bowel regularity, microbiome composition, and immune function. Research indicates it supports increases in beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations and has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in digestive comfort scores — including reduced bloating, gas, and upper GI discomfort — compared to placebo. Protein Optimizer is best suited for individuals who supplement with protein powders and want to maximize the nutritional return on their intake, as well as those who experience digestive sensitivity when consuming high-protein meals.