Achieving healthy digestive balance can deliver numerous health benefits. Combined with robust immune system support, this is exactly what Florastor, a daily probiotic supplement, aims to provide. Florastor helps maintain optimal digestive balance through its active ingredient Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745, which has been researched and utilized for over 65 years.
The Saccharomyces boulardii strain is a proprietary yeast-based formula. Yes, yeast-based—we’re combating harmful bacteria with beneficial yeast to boost that “good” bacteria. However, this differs completely from baking yeast, though some mechanisms are similar.
Florastor is gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegetarian. It requires no refrigeration since it’s freeze-dried rather than heat-dried. The product is manufactured in France at the exclusive facility where Saccharomyces boulardii is produced. Since Saccharomyces boulardii is naturally antibiotic-resistant, it can be taken alongside antibiotics while maintaining maximum effectiveness.
All of that sounds promising in theory, but does it truly deliver on these claims? In this Florastor review, we’ll examine everything you need to know about this daily probiotic supplement, including whether it’s worth your investment. Let’s dive in!
Florastor Benefits
Florastor offers multiple benefits that work together to maintain optimal gut balance. While Florastor provides numerous advantages, it’s important to note that some statements haven’t been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Flush out Bad Bacteria
One key benefit is eliminating harmful bacteria from the body. This occurs at the gut cell level, where Florastor strengthens connections between cells and prevents bad bacteria from penetrating gut cells. Harmful bacteria bind to Florastor’s active ingredient and get expelled from the digestive tract.
Stimulate Immunity
Florastor boosts production of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), the antibody that defends against infections. Just as baking yeast strengthens bread dough, this yeast strain fortifies your gut immunity!
Check Out Our TOP RATED Probiotic Our team has reviewed hundreds of popular supplements - this is our favorite probiotic supplement.Click here to learn moreAids in Absorption of Water and Nutrients
This probiotic enhances digestive enzyme production that breaks down dietary sugars. It also improves water and nutrient absorption in the small intestine. Like yeast feeding on flour sugars to make bread rise, Florastor’s strain processes dietary sugars effectively.
Increases Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production
Florastor elevates short-chain fatty acid levels in the intestine. Since the body prefers fatty acids for energy, Florastor increases these levels to promote comprehensive gut health.
More Gut Protection
Remember how this probiotic strain is yeast-based? This yeast naturally occurs on tropical fruit skins! Each probiotic cell is 10 times larger than bacterial cells. With superior size, they provide broader gut coverage than single bacterial probiotic cells.
Resistant to Antibiotics
Antibiotics eliminate both beneficial and harmful bacteria in your digestive tract. Ironically, something meant to help you destroys good gut bacteria. Florastor helps restore the balance antibiotics disrupt. Here’s where yeast proves advantageous—being yeast-based, it’s naturally resistant to most antibiotics and continues functioning even during antibiotic treatment.
Destroys Harmful Toxins
Florastor neutralizes harmful toxins by preventing toxin production or directly binding to existing toxins. It produces anti-toxin proteins that prevent pathogenic bacteria from releasing dangerous toxins, and these proteins can bind directly to toxins. Through these mechanisms, Florastor prevents toxins from spreading throughout the gut and body.
Florastor Ingredients
Florastor contains one primary active ingredient mentioned earlier: Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745. While most probiotic supplements like Primal Harvest Probiotics and KaraMD Gut Bio include multiple strains, Florastor distinguishes itself by focusing solely on this single probiotic strain discovered by French microbiologist Henri Boulard in 1920. Again, this isn’t baking yeast—he wasn’t experimenting in the kitchen when he made this discovery.
Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 has proven effective in preventing and treating specific GI disorders, particularly those associated with diarrhea. This includes antibiotic-associated diarrhea, traveler’s diarrhea, acute diarrhea from viral and bacterial infections, and Clostridium difficile-related diarrhea.
S. boulardii functions as an immune modulator for the host, essentially altering gut function in consumers. Our star ingredient accomplishes this by triggering immunoglobulin and cytokine (antibody) release through its mere presence. One specific immunoglobulin, Immunoglobulin A (IgA), serves as the first defense line against intestinal pathogens. IgA prevents pathogens from establishing themselves and forces their expulsion from the intestine. Mouse studies demonstrated increased IgA levels leading to more efficient E. coli pathogen removal and faster antibody response due to S. boulardii.
S. boulardii also eliminates harmful toxins by secreting proteins like 54-kDa protease, which inactivates Clostridium difficile toxins. Another protein it produces is alkaline phosphatase, which neutralizes E. coli toxins. These proteins bind to pathogens and destroy cells. Yeast beneficially interferes with infection and diarrhea.
Beyond activating proteins to destroy potential toxins, it also allows pathogens to bind to itself. In studies involving 11 enteropathic bacteria, E. coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Salmonella typhi all bound to the yeast cell surface rather than the intestinal lumen.
S. boulardii also preserves tight junctions in gut cells. These tight junctions between gut cells prevent bacterial access to cells they could damage. These barriers essentially control electrolyte and fluid movement between gut cells. During diarrhea episodes, fluid can leak into the intestinal lumen. S. boulardii helps maintain this barrier and keeps excess fluid out to reduce or prevent diarrhea. Randomized controlled trials in adults have shown S. boulardii significantly reduces antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
S. boulardii modulates enzyme activity essential for maintaining a healthy digestive tract through trophic effects. These effects include stimulating brush border membrane digestive enzymes and nutrient transporter activity. Regarding digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters, S. boulardii stimulates these through secreted polyamines. These polyamines assist with RNA binding and stabilization, leading to growth and protein synthesis.
The brush border membrane is where carbohydrate digestion and nutrient/water absorption occur. S. boulardii secretes digestive enzymes like highly active sucrase, which breaks down sugars and protein enzymes that enhance protein and peptide digestion. In studies with children experiencing diarrhea, S. boulardii treatment resulted in 70% showing complete symptom loss or clear reduction. Glucose absorption also increases with S. boulardii. Lactase production is enhanced with S. boulardii assistance. Lactase mediates lactose degradation and aids lactose intolerance.
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) can be modulated by S. boulardii through polyamines as well. SCFA are essential for physiological and biochemical functions in the intestine, liver, muscle, brain, and adipose tissues. These short-chain fatty acids include acetate, propionate, and butyrate. S. boulardii restores short-chain fatty acid levels that decrease during diseases like acute diarrhea. Studies involving 15 control individuals and 10 individuals with enteral nutrition showed S. boulardii increased SCFA levels in those receiving enteral nutrition.
S. boulardii remains stable in acidic conditions like the stomach and can withstand bile salt exposure. Yeast possesses natural fungal properties making it naturally antibiotic-resistant, which explains why individuals can take antibiotics while Florastor continues working. Most probiotics containing lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium lack antibiotic resistance, so individuals on antibiotics shouldn’t consume those probiotic types.
Claim vs. Reality
Florastor avoids making specific product claims. It states it can help eliminate harmful bacteria and stimulate immunity, but doesn’t specify extent or timeline for achieving results. The reality is this product has demonstrated effectiveness in numerous studies for individuals experiencing diarrhea. While the mechanisms behind the active ingredient’s function aren’t completely understood, we understand enough to know its bodily effects.
Who should take Florastor?
This product benefits those experiencing diarrhea from GI diseases, antibiotic use, or stomach bugs. Given its antibiotic resistance, this would be the ideal probiotic during antibiotic treatment. Importantly, individuals 2 months and older can safely consume the main ingredient, S. boulardii.
Is Florastor Safe?
Florastor is generally safe for healthy individuals. A systematic review of S. boulardii revealed that immunocompromised individuals face increased complication risks when taking this probiotic. One severe side effect is Saccharomyces fungemia—a life-threatening but treatable and rare infection. Other side effects may include stomach gas and bloating.
Where to Buy Florastor
Florastor can be purchased directly from the official Florastor website here or on Amazon. It’s also available at stores like Walmart and Kroger, plus pharmacies including Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS. A 20-capsule box averages around $20.00. Additional sizes include 30, 50, and 100 count boxes, with prices ranging from $30.99 to $62.00.
FAQ: Florastor Review
Do I need to keep Florastor refrigerated?
No! This product has been freeze-dried to remain stable at room temperature, unlike heat-dried products.
Is Florastor made in the USA?
No, this specific product is manufactured in France.
Is Florastor too high of a dose?
For promoting gut health, 500 mg daily is recommended. Those with GI issues or taking antibiotics should consume 1000 mg daily.
Is Florastor safe for children?
Florastor is safe for children 2 months and older. They offer a kid-specific product in powdered form that mixes with drinks and comes flavored. The dosage remains the same.
Does it really work?
Numerous positive reviews exist from individuals who’ve tried this product. The only way to determine effectiveness is trying it yourself. To read product reviews, click here.
