Protein Optimizer

Consuming enough protein is essential for muscle recovery, performance, and overall health – but adding protein to your meals is only part of the equation. To get the full benefit, your body needs to efficiently digest the protein you consume, absorb its amino acids, and utilize those nutrients where they’re needed most.

Protein Optimizer is designed to support this process through the gut-muscle axis – the connection between gastrointestinal (GI) health, nutrient absorption, and muscle function – with a targeted formula that combines Mycohsa™, a probiotic blend with digestive enzyme support, and Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969^®, a clinically studied probiotic strain.

Together, these ingredients promote healthy digestion, support microbiome balance, and enhance the absorption of nutrients that help build lean muscle mass.

Benefits of Thorne Protein Optimizer

• Supports the absorption and utilization of essential amino acids (EAAs)
• Promotes efficient digestion and bowel regularity
• Helps maintain a strong and healthy gut barrier
• Supports the body’s natural processes involved in the normal turnover of microbial buildup in the gut
• Aids in normal digestive motility throughout the GI tract
• Promotes a healthy balance of beneficial gut bacteria
• Helps reduce common digestive side effects like occasional gas and bloating

Features of Thorne Protein Optimizer

• Contains a minimum of 3 billion active cultures in every easy-to-take capsule
• Can be taken with any meal, once daily
• Stable at room temperature – no refrigeration required
• Pairs well with Thorne Whey Protein Isolate or Thorne Plant Protein
• NSF Certified for Sport^®

Who can benefit from Thorne Protein Optimizer

• Individuals who supplement their diets with protein powders or eat higher-protein diets and need support for protein digestion while decreasing potential GI upset
• Individuals who follow a plant-based diet and need support absorbing complete proteins from plant sources
• Those looking for a high-quality probiotic that helps in the digestion of whey or other animal-based proteins
• Athletes and active individuals who want to improve protein uptake to support post-workout recovery, sports performance, and lean muscle maintenance
• GLP-1 users with decreased protein intake, putting them at risk of muscle loss

A deeper look at the patented ingredients in Thorne Protein Optimizer

Mycohsa™

Designed to promote a balanced GI environment and support protein utilization, Mycohsa™ is a blend of three probiotic bacterial strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium breve), a yeast strain (Saccharomyces boulardii), and the digestive enzyme amylase. Each strain was selected for its ability to survive in the acidic stomach environment when taken within 30 minutes of a meal, helping support the gut’s barrier function, beneficial microbial balance, and the absorption of protein from plant sources.

• Supports gut wall integrity, improving intestinal permeability
• Enhances proteolytic enzyme levels to support protein digestion
• Supports a healthy balance of Candida and other gut microbes
• Supports immune health by promoting microbial balance in the gut
• Enhances the absorption of protein from plant sources

Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969^® 

Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969^® is a clinically studied, spore-forming probiotic strain that supports digestive health, microbiome balance, and nutrient absorption.

Because it is designed to survive the acidic environment of the stomach, Bacillus coagulans SNZ 1969^® can reach the intestines, where it retains its potency to help support digestive comfort, bowel regularity, and the absorption of whey protein.

• Enhances the absorption of milk-derived proteins, such as whey
• Promotes a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut
• Supports digestive comfort, providing relief from occasional gas, bloating, cramping, constipation, and diarrhea
• Eases occasional upper digestive discomfort
• Supports bowel transit time in individuals with occasional constipation

Why Thorne

Protein Optimizer is formulated with the scientific rigor Thorne is known for. Each ingredient is carefully selected, clinically studied, and tested through multiple rounds of quality control to ensure purity, potency, and consistency. Trusted by health-care practitioners, Thorne delivers evidence-based solutions to support individuals through every life stage.

Tested for quality you can trust

Because athletes need to know their supplements are trustworthy and compliant, every batch of an NSF Certified for Sport^® product is tested for compliance with label claims and to ensure the absence of nearly 300 substances banned by many major athletic organizations.