Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, commonly known as LGG, is a highly recognized and extensively studied probiotic strain. With over 760 scientific publications and more than 260 clinical studies, LGG is considered one of the most scientifically supported strains of beneficial bacteria globally. Its widespread presence in both academic literature and commercial offerings highlights its notable role in the field of probiotics.
Understanding Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
LGG is a specific strain of bacteria from the Lactobacillus genus, found naturally in the human gut. It was first isolated in 1985 from a healthy human by scientists Sherwood Gorbach and Barry Goldin, giving it the “GG” designation. They sought a strain that could adhere to intestinal cells and withstand the digestive system’s harsh conditions.
LGG is notable for its ability to survive stomach acid and bile, ensuring it reaches the gut alive. It also strongly adheres to intestinal walls, thanks to hair-like appendages called pili. This adherence allows it to persist and colonize the digestive tract, interacting with the host’s intestinal, immune, and nerve cells.
Key Health Advantages
LGG offers several documented health advantages, particularly in digestive health, immune system support, and managing certain allergic conditions.
Digestive Health
LGG helps maintain a balanced gut microbiota and supports the integrity of the gut barrier. It has been shown to reduce the duration of diarrhea in children and can lessen symptoms of diarrhea in healthy adults taking antibiotics. LGG may also help alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, and bloating, by potentially increasing serotonin production in the gut and reducing pain sensitivity related to inflammation.
Immune System Support
LGG plays a role in supporting the immune system. It can modulate immune responses by increasing the activity of white blood cells called T-lymphocytes, which seek out and destroy pathogens. LGG has been observed to reduce pro-inflammatory chemicals produced during infections while simultaneously boosting anti-inflammatory responses. It also enhances the gut barrier’s defense against invading pathogens, helping to prevent infections. In infants, LGG supplementation has been associated with a reduced risk of hospital-acquired gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
Allergic Conditions
LGG has been studied for its potential to manage certain allergic conditions, especially in infants. Some research indicates that LGG supplementation may reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis (eczema) in children by stimulating butyrate production. While some studies show promising results in reducing the occurrence of eczema in infants when mothers supplement LGG during pregnancy and early infancy, other meta-analyses suggest no consistent effect on reducing the overall risk of eczema.
Finding and Using LGG
LGG is widely available, primarily as a dietary supplement, but it can also be found in some functional foods and infant formulas. While general probiotic foods like kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and yogurt contain beneficial bacteria, specific strains like LGG are more reliably obtained through targeted products. Many probiotic supplements list Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG directly on their labels, ensuring the presence of this particular strain.
When incorporating LGG into a diet, it is common to find it in capsule or powder form. For children, a typical daily intake of LGG associated with beneficial outcomes is around 5 billion colony-forming units (CFUs), while for adults, it is often around 10 billion CFUs per day. Always follow the specific instructions provided on the product label or seek guidance from a healthcare professional for appropriate dosages.