Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: Benefits, Uses, and What the Research Shows

When you hear Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, a well-researched strain of probiotic bacteria commonly found in yogurt and supplements. Also known as LGG, it’s one of the few probiotics with enough human trials to actually back its claims. Unlike random bacteria sold as supplements, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG sticks around in your gut long enough to make a difference—whether you’re fighting diarrhea, calming skin flare-ups, or just trying to keep your immune system from going haywire.

This strain doesn’t just float through your system. It latches onto the lining of your intestines, blocks bad bacteria from taking over, and helps your body produce natural defenses. Studies show it cuts the risk of antibiotic-related diarrhea by nearly half. For kids with eczema, it’s been shown to reduce redness and itching when taken daily for months. And in older adults, it helps lower the chance of catching colds or the flu. It’s not magic—it’s biology.

What makes Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG different from other probiotics? It’s durable. Most probiotics die in stomach acid before they reach your gut. LGG has a tough outer shell that lets it survive the trip. It’s also been tested in over 1,000 clinical studies, making it one of the most documented strains on the planet. You’ll find it in products like Culturelle, some infant formulas, and even certain yogurts labeled with "live and active cultures." But not all products contain enough of it to matter. Look for at least 10 billion CFUs per dose.

It’s not a cure-all, but it’s one of the few probiotics that actually works for specific issues. If you’ve had recurring digestive trouble after antibiotics, or your child has stubborn eczema, or you’re tired of getting sick every winter, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG might be worth trying. It’s safe for most people, including kids and pregnant women, with very few side effects—maybe just a little bloating at first.

You won’t find Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG fixing every health problem, but it shows up again and again in research tied to gut health, immune response, and even mental well-being. The posts below dig into how it’s used in real-world medicine, what doses actually work, which conditions it helps most, and why some products claiming to contain it don’t deliver. Whether you’re looking at probiotics for your kid, your aging parent, or yourself, you’ll find clear, no-fluff info on what this strain can—and can’t—do.