Expert Q&A

Do these brands of S boulardii use CNCM I-745 during the weight loss plateau phase

Understanding S. Boulardii and the CNCM I-745 Strain

As the founder of CFP Weight Loss, I've seen thousands of adults aged 45-54 hit a weight loss plateau despite doing everything right. One question that surfaces often is whether specific Saccharomyces boulardii brands using the CNCM I-745 strain can help. This unique yeast probiotic, also known as S. boulardii CNCM I-745, has been studied for its ability to support gut barrier function and reduce inflammation—factors that directly impact metabolic slowdown during plateaus.

In my book, I emphasize that hormonal changes, particularly declining estrogen and rising cortisol, make fat loss harder after 45. The CNCM I-745 strain stands out because it survives stomach acid exceptionally well, reaching the intestines where it helps rebalance the microbiome. Research shows it can reduce gut permeability by up to 40% in some studies, which is crucial when joint pain and blood sugar issues compound weight struggles.

How CNCM I-745 May Support Plateau Breaking

During a plateau, your body often resists further loss due to adaptive thermogenesis and imbalanced gut bacteria. Brands that specifically use the CNCM I-745 strain, such as Florastor Daily Probiotic, deliver a clinically relevant 5 billion CFU per capsule. This dose has been associated with improved insulin sensitivity and better management of blood pressure—key concerns for our community managing diabetes alongside weight.

From my methodology, I recommend pairing this probiotic with my simple 3-phase eating approach that requires no complex meal plans. Users often report reduced bloating within 10-14 days, which can restart scale movement. Unlike many probiotics that die in acidic conditions, CNCM I-745 remains viable, making it ideal for those embarrassed about their progress or overwhelmed by conflicting advice.

Which Brands Use This Specific Strain?

Not all S. boulardii products are equal. Florastor is the primary over-the-counter brand in the United States that guarantees the CNCM I-745 strain. Other generic versions may claim S. boulardii but rarely specify this patented strain. When selecting, look for "CNCM I-745" on the label to ensure you're getting the researched form. I advise starting with one capsule daily alongside meals to minimize any initial digestive adjustment.

Remember, insurance rarely covers these supplements, so choose wisely. Combine with gentle movement that respects joint pain—my approach focuses on 15-minute daily walks rather than intense gym schedules. This strain may also help stabilize blood sugar responses, preventing the crashes that lead to cravings during plateaus.

Practical Integration into Your Weight Loss Journey

Incorporate CNCM I-745 during weeks 8-12 when progress typically stalls. Track not just weight but also energy, joint comfort, and waist measurements. Many in our program see a 2-4 pound shift within three weeks of consistent use when paired with my hormone-friendly nutrition principles. Avoid taking it with hot beverages, as heat can deactivate the yeast. For best results, use for at least 30 days while following the anti-inflammatory food guidelines in my methodology.

This isn't a miracle cure but a targeted tool that addresses the gut-hormone axis many diets ignore. If you've failed every diet before, this strain's ability to support microbiome diversity offers a fresh starting point without adding time-consuming routines.

💬 What the Community Says

The community shows cautious optimism about S. boulardii CNCM I-745 for plateaus. Many 45-54 year olds on forums report modest scale movement (2-5 lbs) after 3-4 weeks with Florastor, especially when dealing with hormonal shifts or blood sugar issues. A common theme is appreciation for its survival through stomach acid compared to other probiotics. However, experiences are mixed—some see no change and feel it's another expensive disappointment given insurance doesn't cover it. Joint pain sufferers note easier digestion but question if results justify the cost. Beginners often debate strain specificity, with a vocal group insisting only true CNCM I-745 works while others report success with generic S. boulardii. Overall, it's viewed as a helpful adjunct rather than a standalone solution, particularly for those overwhelmed by nutrition advice.
Clark, R. (2026). Do these brands of S boulardii use CNCM I-745 during the weight loss plateau pha. *CFP Weight Loss*. https://ask.cfpweightloss.com/ask/do-these-brands-of-s-boulardii-use-cncm-i-745-during-the-weight-loss-plateau-phase
Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN
About the Author

Russell Clark, FNP-C, APRN, is the founder of CFP Weight Loss in Nashville and CFP Fit Now telehealth. Over 35 years in healthcare — Army Nurse Reserves, Level 1 trauma ER, hospitalist — he developed a 30-week protocol integrating real foods, detox, and low-dose tirzepatide cycling that has helped hundreds of patients lose 30–90 pounds. He and his wife Anne-Marie lost a combined 275 pounds using the same protocol.

Have a follow-up question?
More Questions 200 answered
Has anyone switched from wegovy to mounjaro and the role of cortisol and stress hormones Anyone with a variant of uncertain significance on HRT and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels How it goes trying to dose insulin every day: how to talk to your doctor about this 📖 Nutrient Density — Prioritizing foods that provide maximum vitamins and minerals per calorie to satisfy the brain and end the cycle of hidd… Anyone skip a week when sick while doing intermittent fasting How I reversed insulin resistance in 6–8 months — what do certified weight loss coaches recommend? Two week pause, ok to return to current dose and the role of cortisol and stress hormones Newb question: focusing on perceived exertion or heart rate — how a functional medicine approach differs Can I get an upvote for the true enemy of diabetes: how to talk to your doctor about this 📖 Non-Scale Victories (NSV) — Improvements in energy, sleep, and disease reversal that matter just as much as the numbers on the scale during your tra… 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get Russell's complete protocol → When feeling down, remember that PCOS is what helped our ancestors survive for people with insulin resistance Should i really be aiming for 45 zone 2 minutes per day for fat loss for people with insulin resistance Depressive symptoms from non-stick air fryer — how a functional medicine approach differs Safest type of fiber while doing intermittent fasting 📖 Gut Microbiome Repair — The restoration of healthy intestinal bacteria through the removal of lectins and grains, essential for long-term weight… Has anyone used Willow for people with insulin resistance What the hell is wrong with this sub for people with insulin resistance How does smoking affect GERD while taking tirzepatide? How to BOOST metabolism and BURN fat-- VERY EASY AND QUICK — how a functional medicine approach differs 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get Russell's complete protocol → Anyone worried about the FDA crackdown and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels What’s the smallest habit that helped your insulin resistance the most for long-term maintenance (not just short-term) Am I better off increasing my frequency of sessions per week, or my duration of each session and the role of cortisol and stress hormones 📖 Cellular Detox — The process of clearing out metabolic waste and reducing cellular stress to allow for more efficient energy production a… Have to stop for 3 weeks for surgery and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels App that can predict symptoms before they get bad while doing intermittent fasting Has anyone tried this lectin free lifestyle living with PCOS while doing intermittent fasting 📖 One Box Protocol — A revolutionary approach where we stretch one 60 mg box of tirzepatide across three metabolic phases, prioritizing long-… Has anyone been diagnosed with Hashimotos after going through emotional distress or chronic stress in general for those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's Upped dosage + changing patch day specifically for women over 40 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get Russell's complete protocol → How I found out I had uterine cancer, what I wish I had known, and what everyone with PCOS should know about their period for people with insulin resistance How much are people paying for Estring and how it connects to gut health and inflammation Insulin Resistance foods for poor people — evidence-based answer for CFP patients Did anyone else feel like Trintellix completely blunted their GLP-1 (Mounjaro/Wegovy) effect — how a functional medicine approach differs Post menopausal bleeding — how a functional medicine approach differs 📖 Bio-Individuality — The understanding that every patient’s metabolic journey is unique, requiring a personalized approach to dosing and diet… Same Workout Until it becomes Zone 2 while doing intermittent fasting Is estriol as effective as estradiol for clitoral atrophy and the role of cortisol and stress hormones Do I need a dose change and the role of cortisol and stress hormones 📖 Insulin Resistance — A condition where your cells stop responding to insulin, locking fat in storage; our protocol is designed to unlock thes… Did anyone else feel like Trintellix completely blunted their GLP-1 (Mounjaro/Wegovy) effect while doing intermittent fasting 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get Russell's complete protocol → Anyone stretching out to 3 weeks between shots for people with insulin resistance Do I need to buy the Plant paradox book — what most people get wrong about this When men recognize symptoms for people with insulin resistance Anyone Here Successfully Reversed Insulin Resistance? What Actually Worked and the role of cortisol and stress hormones Does anyone else love masks mandated so I can hide my facial hair while doing intermittent fasting WHO: don’t touch your face it’ll spread coronavirus. *Diabetics who lick their finger after a finger prick while doing intermittent fasting 📖 Maintenance Phase — The final 28 days of our 70-day cycle where we stabilize the new weight and solidify the metabolic habits that prevent f… Starting my second extended fast tomorrow. Hoping for 12 days or maybe do another 42 while doing intermittent fasting DO NOT TAKE INOSITOL IF YOU'RE NOT INSULIN RESISTANT when you have PCOS or hormonal imbalances Is it normal to gain 3 lbs back after a sudden 6 lb weight loss? 📗 The 30-Week Tirzepatide Reset — Get Russell's complete protocol → Semaglutide Not Working At All... What am I doing Wrong while doing intermittent fasting Has anyone with multiple sclerosis seen improvement while on PP and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels Why has no doctor explained this to me for people with insulin resistance 📖 Strategic Fat Loading — A critical 48-hour phase at the start of the reset where we prime the body with healthy fats to trigger the transition f… What is the Role of Metabolism in Immune System while doing intermittent fasting What keto plus compounded tirzepatide for the last five months looked like and how it connects to gut health and inflammation Zone 2 at 180 BPM… Lactate test shows max HR 207 — anyone else in this boat and the role of cortisol and stress hormones 📖 Weight Set Point — The internal 'thermostat' for body weight that we aim to lower permanently through our 30-week metabolic reset. Are people fear mongering when they say compound pharmacies are dangerous and the role of cortisol and stress hormones Did exercise ever get rid of fatigue from insulin resistance and its effect on metabolism and insulin levels