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.
Can GG prevent diarrhea during antibiotics?
ESPGHAN recommends LGG as an option when prevention is considered for children with risk factors for antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The evidence is of moderate certainty. This is a targeted prevention decision, not a recommendation that every child or adult taking antibiotics needs a probiotic. 1
Why diarrhea guidance differs
ESPGHAN gives LGG a weak recommendation for childhood acute gastroenteritis, based on low-certainty evidence. Yet a large US trial of 971 children aged three months to four years found no meaningful advantage over placebo: moderate-to-severe illness occurred in 11.8% versus 12.6%, and diarrhea duration was similar. Where and how the studies were conducted helps explain why guidance differs. 1 2
What did an adult combination trial show?
A trial in 160 healthy adults taking amoxicillin-clavulanate tested L. rhamnosus R0011 together with L. helveticus R0052. Stool consistency and frequency did not improve on the main measures. A later exploratory analysis suggested a shorter duration of diarrhea-like episodes, but that is weaker evidence and cannot isolate an effect of rhamnosus alone. 3
Does GG help childhood IBS?
ESPGHAN allows consideration of LGG for pain frequency and intensity in children with irritable bowel syndrome, with a weak recommendation and moderate-certainty evidence. This does not make it a treatment for unexplained abdominal pain without assessment. 1
What about constipation?
The same guideline recommends against probiotics for childhood functional constipation because efficacy has not been demonstrated, whether used alone or alongside standard care. Evidence for diarrhea prevention should not be carried over to constipation. 1
Probiotics are not recommended for childhood functional constipation because efficacy has not been demonstrated. 1
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Gut Health4 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support3 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Stress & Mood1 effect
Hair & Skin1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Cognition1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
All studies
11 publications are linked to Lactobacillus rhamnosus, newest first.