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Bacteria

Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Lactobacillus rhamnosus, now named Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, is a lactic acid bacterium found in the human gut. Its strain GG is one of the most studied probiotics.

Gut HealthImmune SupportStress & MoodHair & SkinCognition

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

DiarrheaStrongA3 studies
Microbiome healthGut HealthModerateA3 studies
Gut healthModerateA3 studies
Immune SupportModerateA3 studies
Travel SupportImmune SupportModerateBNo linked study
StressStress & MoodModerateBNo linked study
All 12 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What does GG add to the name?

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is now also called Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus. GG, often shortened to LGG, identifies a particular strain. A product listing only the species name does not establish that it contains the strain tested in an LGG trial. ESPGHAN is the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. 1 2

Start with the reason for taking it

A probiotic can have evidence for one use and disappointing results for another. With L. rhamnosus, preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in selected children is a different question from treating an existing stomach infection or improving everyday digestive comfort. 1 2 3

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Lactobacillus rhamnosus's ratings.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRa05 in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children: a randomized controlled trial2024Influence of Lactobacillus rhamnosus Supplementation on the Glycaemic Index, Lipid Profile, and Microbiome of Healthy Elderly Subjects: A Preliminary Randomized Clinical Trial2024The Application of Probiotics in Gastrointestinal Diseases2024Lactobacillus rhamnosus Probio-M9 Improves the Quality of Life in Stressed Adults by Gut Microbiota2021New Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus strains: well tolerated and improve infant microbiota2021
All 11 studiesEvery publication linked to Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Why people take it

Gut Health25.4%
Immune Support25.2%
Essential Health22.6%
Detox9.2%
Energy6.4%
Women's Hormones3.5%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Are LGG and L. rhamnosus the same thing?

LGG is one specific L. rhamnosus strain. Other strains cannot automatically claim its trial results. 1

Should every child taking antibiotics use it?

No. ESPGHAN frames LGG prevention around children with risk factors when a probiotic is being considered. The decision depends on the child and clinical situation. 2

Will it shorten a stomach bug?

It is uncertain. European guidance offers a weak recommendation for LGG in children, but a large US trial found no benefit and IQWiG says probiotics overall probably do not shorten acute diarrhea. 2 3 4

Can results from a mixture prove that rhamnosus works?

No. A combination trial evaluates the combination. The adult R0011 plus R0052 study did not improve its main stool outcomes and cannot establish an independent rhamnosus benefit. 5

Does the product need refrigeration?

Follow its storage instructions. Some probiotic products require refrigeration and others can be stored at room temperature; the viable count should cover the use-by date. 1

Sources

  1. Probiotics: Health Professional Fact Sheet NIH Office of Dietary Supplements