Discussion
Diversity of gut microflora is a hallmark of a healthy gastrointestinal microbiome and plays a vital role in overall health by promoting optimal digestion, nutrient absorption, gut integrity, motility, and efficient elimination of toxins and waste. However, various internal and external factors—including stress, poor diet, food sensitivities, medication use, environmental influences, and certain diseases—can disrupt this delicate microbial balance. Such disruptions may allow colonization by pathogenic organisms, leading to negative effects ranging from gastrointestinal symptoms to impaired immune function. Probiotics are key to maintaining a balanced microbiome, whether sourced from diet or supplements. Probiotic yeasts like Saccharomyces boulardii also contribute by supporting intestinal barrier function and integrity. A common challenge in probiotic supplementation is preserving the stability of these organisms during storage and ensuring their survival as they pass through the digestive tract to reach targeted tissues. To address this, TNC packages Probiotic Complex capsules in sealed, nitrogen-purged blister packs to protect against heat, moisture, and oxygen—factors that can compromise probiotic stability. Additionally, careful selection of probiotic strains supports stability and digestive survivability. To further enhance delivery, TNC uses innovative gastro-resistant DRcaps™, designed to slow the exposure of active ingredients to stomach acid and promote more targeted release in the small intestine.
 
HOWARU® (Bifidobacterium lactis HN019) traces its origins back to its discovery in 1899. B. lactis plays a crucial role in the human microflora throughout a person’s life. Researchers have identified the HN019 strain as having excellent probiotic potential due to its ability to survive transit through the human gastrointestinal tract, adhere to epithelial cells, and proliferate. This strain has been extensively studied, demonstrating both safety and effectiveness.
Kombucha beverages often contain the natural, non-pathogenic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, which has been extensively researched in both European and American peer-reviewed journals. This probiotic yeast supports healthy gut ecology through multiple mechanisms of action. A 2010 systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 randomized placebo-controlled treatment arms across 27 trials involving 5,029 adult participants found S. boulardii to be significantly effective in 84% of those treatment arms. Additionally, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study demonstrated its efficacy in supporting normal gastrointestinal function in children aged 3 to 59 months. Safety data from a trial involving 2,963 adults with Clostridium difficile infections showed minimal adverse reactions (<0.3%), including mild thirst and constipation. Another study confirmed that S. boulardii can be safely and effectively used in children aged three months and older. Research suggests that S. boulardii secretes a protease that helps degrade bacterial toxins and stimulates antibody production against these toxins. It also exerts a trophic effect on intestinal mucosa and supports the immune system. This probiotic yeast promotes normal gastrointestinal flora and integrity, enhances production of intestinal enzymes and secretory IgA, and helps regulate cytokine balance by influencing IL-8, IL-6, IL-10, NF-kappaB, TNF-alpha, and PPAR-gamma. Moreover, S. boulardii contributes to the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which supports colonic flora homeostasis and fuels intestinal epithelial cells. The S. boulardii in this formula is processed using low-temperature vacuum drying to improve its stability.
Directions: Take one capsule daily, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional before use. Individuals taking medication should discuss potential interactions with their healthcare professional. Storage: Keep the capsule closed in a cool, dry place out of reach of children. Formulated to exclude: wheat, gluten, soy, animal and dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, sesame, ingredients derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial colors, and artificial sweeteners.
Clinical Applications
»Helps Maintain a Healthy Intestinal Microecology*
»Supports Bowel Regularity*
»Supports Gastrointestinal-Based Immunity*
Probiotic Complex is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a well-rounded supplement to support a healthy balance of intestinal flora, cellular health, and immune function. It contains four probiotic strains, including the extensively studied HN019 strain of Bifidobacterium lactis, along with Saccharomyces boulardii (Sb), a non-pathogenic yeast that further supports a healthy gastrointestinal environment. The gastro-resistant, vegetarian capsules offer an innovative solution for targeted delivery of sensitive ingredients to the small intestine by protecting them from the stomach’s low pH environment. Additionally, each capsule is sealed in a nitrogen-purged blister pack to safeguard against heat, moisture, and oxygen—factors that can compromise probiotic stability.
Lactobacillus acidophilus (strain La-14) is a common and safe inhabitant of the human microbiome. It is also naturally found in traditional fermented milks, such as kefir, and is widely used in probiotic foods and supplements. This particular strain, La-14, is of human origin and classified as type A1 Lactobacillus acidophilus, known for its excellent ability to adhere to human epithelial cell lines.
Lactobacillus plantarum (strain Lp-115) is isolated from plant material and is commonly found in lactic acid-fermented foods such as olives and sauerkraut. In vitro studies have demonstrated that L. plantarum Lp-115 exhibits excellent adhesion to epithelial cell lines. Additionally, this strain is resistant to low pH conditions and can survive exposure to bile at concentrations typically found in the duodenum.
Bifidobacterium longum (strain Bl-05) is widely recognized as safe for human consumption. This strain is resistant to low pH and bile salts, making it well-suited to thrive in the intestinal environment.
Saccharomyces boulardii is best known as the type of yeast used in the popular probiotic supplements and beverages.
 
References
Heiman, M. L., & Greenway, F. L. (2016). A healthy gastrointestinal microbiome is dependent on dietary diversity. Molecular Metabolism, 5(5), 317–320. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27110483/
Lloyd-Price, J., Abu-Ali, G., & Huttenhower, C. (2016). The healthy human microbiome. Genome Medicine, 8(1), 51. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27122046/
Xu, Z., & Knight, R. (2015). Dietary effects on human gut microbiome diversity. British Journal of Nutrition, 113(Suppl), S1–S5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25498959/
Grimm, V., & Riedel, C. U. (2016). Manipulation of the microbiota using probiotics. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 902, 109–117. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27161354/