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Phorum™ (Postbiotic — BIOHM)

Evidence Level
Limited
1 Clinical Trial
4 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Phorum™ is a branded postbiotic from BIOHM Technologies, made from heat-treated (non-living) probiotic strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus 16axg, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 18fx, and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii. Postbiotics are inactivated microbes and their cell fragments, so they are shelf-stable and do not need to be kept alive. Phorum is designed to support immune function through the gut, and in laboratory studies the strains prompt human immune cells to produce cytokines. A human clinical study in active individuals is underway, so human efficacy data are not yet published.

Studied Dose 20 mg/day (~1.1 billion non-living cells).
Active Compound Heat-treated (tyndallized) cells and cell-wall fragments of Lactobacillus acidophilus 16axg, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 18fx, and Saccharomyces boulardii; postbiotic components include peptidoglycans, exopolysaccharides, peptides, and organic acids.

Benefits

Immune support through the gut

Phorum is designed to support healthy immune function by signaling to immune cells that line the gut. In laboratory studies, the postbiotic prompted human monocytes (a type of white blood cell) to produce cytokines, the chemical messengers that help coordinate a balanced immune response.

Supported by Trial 1

Immune signaling without live bacteria

Because postbiotics are inactivated, they deliver immune-signaling cell fragments without needing living organisms to survive digestion. That makes Phorum a useful option for people who do not tolerate live probiotics well, while still engaging the gut-immune system.

Supported by Trial 1

Shelf-stable and consistent

Postbiotics stay active without refrigeration and hold up across a wide range of formats and formulations, so a consistent daily dose is easier to deliver and store than with many live probiotic products.

Supported by Trial 1

Built on well-characterized strains

Phorum uses the same Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces strains studied in BIOHM's probiotic work, applied here in a heat-killed postbiotic form aimed specifically at gut-driven immune support.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Postbiotic immune signaling

Fragments of the heat-killed microbes, such as cell-wall peptidoglycans and polysaccharides, are recognized by pattern-recognition receptors on immune cells, nudging them toward a measured immune response rather than requiring live colonization.

2

Cytokine induction in monocytes

In human CD14+ monocytes, the postbiotic strains stimulated cytokine gene and protein expression, with the heat-killed bacteria more stimulatory than the yeast component, demonstrating direct immunomodulatory activity at the cellular level.

3

Tyndallized (heat-killed) cells

Controlled heat treatment inactivates the organisms while preserving their bioactive cell structures, giving the stability and safety of a postbiotic while retaining the immune-signaling surface molecules.

Clinical trials

1
Postbiotic Strains and Human Immune Cells — In Vitro
PubMed

Laboratory study of the Phorum postbiotic strains (heat-killed L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and S. boulardii) on cytokine production by human CD14+ monocytes. (Roberts et al. 2024, Life). A human clinical study in active individuals is underway.

Human CD14+ monocytes (in vitro).

The heat-killed bacterial strains stimulated naive monocytes to produce cytokines, while the heat-killed S. boulardii yeast was less stimulatory, demonstrating the postbiotic's immunomodulatory activity at the cellular level. Human efficacy outcomes have not yet been published.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated — postbiotics are non-living and are considered very safe.
Because the cells are inactivated, the infection risks tied to live probiotics do not apply.
Mild, temporary digestive changes are possible when starting any new gut supplement.
Human safety and efficacy data specific to Phorum remain limited while clinical studies are ongoing.

Important Drug interactions

Immunosuppressants — an immune-stimulating postbiotic could in theory work against them; use cautiously if immunosuppressed.
No significant interactions are expected, since the product contains no living organisms or active drugs.
As with any supplement, tell your doctor if you take prescription medication or manage a health condition.

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Frequently asked questions about Phorum™ (Postbiotic — BIOHM)

What is Phorum?

Phorum™ is a branded postbiotic from BIOHM Technologies, made from heat-treated (non-living) probiotic strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus 16axg, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 18fx, and the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.

What is Phorum used for?

Phorum is researched primarily for Immune Support and Gut Health. Phorum is designed to support healthy immune function by signaling to immune cells that line the gut. In laboratory studies, the postbiotic prompted human monocytes (a type of white blood cell) to produce cytokines, the chemical messengers…

What is the recommended dosage of Phorum?

The clinically studied dose is 20 mg/day (~1.1 billion non-living cells). Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Phorum safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Phorum is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated — postbiotics are non-living and are considered very safe. Because the cells are inactivated, the infection risks tied to live probiotics do not apply. It may also interact with some medications. Phorum is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Phorum interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Immunosuppressants — an immune-stimulating postbiotic could in theory work against them; use cautiously if immunosuppressed. No significant interactions are expected, since the product contains no living organisms or active drugs. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Phorum?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Phorum as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 1 clinical trial and 1 cited reference summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Roberts KD, Ahmed S, San Valentin E, Di Martino L, et al. Immunomodulatory Properties of Multi-Strain Postbiotics on Human CD14(+) Monocytes. Life (Basel). 2024;14(12)..PubMedUsed to support: In vitro evidence that the postbiotic strains stimulate cytokine production in human immune cells (immune support mechanism).