Related Terms

• Actimel®, ATCC 53103, fresh poi, GG, L. casei, L. casei DN114001, L. GG, LAB, lactic acid bacteria, lactic acid-producing bacteria, Lactobacillus casei 37, Lactobacillus casei 4646, Lactobacillus casei DN-114001, Lactobacillus casei strain GG, Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamnosus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 12L, Lactobacillus rhamnosus 19070-2, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus strain GG, LGG, poi, probiotic, sour poi.

Background

• Lactobacillus GG (LGG) is a bacterium that naturally lives in the human gastrointestinal tract. LGG was named after its co-discoverers, Gorbach and Goldin. The scientific name for LGG is Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

• LGG is a probiotic. Probiotics are sometime referred to as "friendly germs." These bacteria and yeast occur naturally in the human gastrointestinal tract, where they help maintain a healthy gut and aid in digestion. LGG is most commonly recommended to treat or prevent diarrhea. It is often prescribed during antibiotic treatment to restore "good" gut microbes killed by the antibiotic.

• There is good evidence for the use of LGG in the prevention of diarrhea or acute infections in children. There is also good evidence for its use to treat or prevent other types of diarrhea, such as that associated with antibiotic therapy. However, LGG does not appear to be effective for prevention of atopic dermatitis or in maintaining remission of the inflammatory bowel disorder Crohn's disease.

• The reported effects of LGG in clinical trials are based on studies using live and freeze-dried LGG, usually suspended in a liquid, such as a rehydration drink, milk, or water. LGG can also be obtained from some dairy products, including yogurt.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Abdominal bloating, alcoholic liver disease, antibacterial, arthritis, asthma, cancer, ear infection, food allergies, gastrointestinal disorders (short bowel syndrome), Helicobacter pylori infection, hepatic encephalopathy, inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, sepsis, vaccine adjunct, vaginal candidiasis, weight loss.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• For diarrhea (Clostridium difficile), doses of up to 1010 live bacteria have been taken by mouth for up to 7-10 days.

• For diarrhea (HIV-related), 1-5 x 1010 colony-forming units (CFU) of LGG has been taken by mouth twice daily for two weeks.

• For diarrhea in adults (travelers' diarrhea), 2 x 109 colony-forming units (CFU) of LGG has been mixed with water and taken by mouth daily, beginning two days prior to departure and continuing during the trip.

• For urinary tract infection, 100 milliliters of LGG in liquid has been taken by mouth five days weekly for one year.

• For vaginitis, glycerol suppositories containing 109 LGG, have been applied externally once or twice daily for seven days.

Children (under 18 years old)

• For abdominal pain, 3 x 109 LGG has been taken by mouth twice daily for four weeks.

• For cystic fibrosis, 6 x 109 colony-forming units (CFU) LGG has been dissolved in a rehydration drink and taken by mouth daily for six months.

• For Crohn's disease, 1010 LGG has been taken by mouth twice daily for up to two years.

• For dental cavities, LGG has been taken by mouth in milk five days weekly for seven months.

• For diarrhea (acute infections), often caused by rotavirus in infants and toddlers, doses of 109 to 1011 colony-forming units (CFU) of LGG per milliliter has been resuspended in milk, formula, oral rehydration solution, or water and taken by mouth twice daily or ad libitum (on demand) in formula by infants for up to seven days or upon release from the hospital.

• For diarrhea (antibiotic-associated in children), 2 x 1010 colony-forming units (CFU) of LGG per capsule has been taken by mouth twice daily, simultaneously with antibiotic therapy, for 7-10 days. Children weighing less than 12 kilograms have taken by mouth a dose of one capsule, containing 10 billion colony-forming units (CFU) of LGG, and those weighing greater than 12 kilograms have taken twice that amount by mouth once daily with a meal. LGG (2 x 1010 CFU) has been taken by mouth daily for 14 days.

• For diarrhea (Clostridium difficile), 5 x 109 live LGG bacteria per gram of freeze-dried powder has been taken by mouth in a dose of 125 milligrams twice daily for two weeks.

• For diarrhea prevention (children), 3.7 x 1010 colony-forming units (CFU) of LGG has been resuspended in liquid and taken by mouth six days weekly for 15 months. LGG (6 x 109 colony-forming units [CFU]) has been taken by mouth twice daily for the duration of the hospital stay.

• For infant development/neonatal care, LGG-supplemented formula has been taken by mouth for six months.

• For infection prevention, 5-10 x 105 colony-forming units (CFU) LGG strain ATCC 53103 per milliliter in 1% fat milk has been taken by mouth in an average daily amount of 260 milliliters, divided into three doses, five days weekly for seven months.

• For rectal complaints (bleeding in infants), 3 x 109 colony-forming units (CFU) LGG has been taken by mouth by breastfed infants twice daily for four weeks when cow's milk was restricted in the mother's diet.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or sensitivity to dairy products, if Lactobacillus GG (LGG) is taken as part of a dairy product.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Lactobacillus LGG (LGG) has been well tolerated in general. LGG is likely safe when taken by mouth by adults at recommended doses for up to one year. LGG is possibly safe when used during pregnancy, six months before delivery, and during breastfeeding for up to six months.

• LGG may cause abdominal cramping, abscesses in the liver, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, epigastric pain, infections associated with hospital/treatment facilities, infectious endocarditis (inflammation of the inside lining of the heart), meningitis, nausea, peritonitis (infection of the abdominal wall), sepsis (severe systemic immune reaction to infection), or vomiting.

• Use cautiously in pregnant mothers and infants at risk for developing atopic dermatitis (eczema), due to the risk of the children developing wheezing bronchitis.

• Avoid in patients with intestinal mucosal injury, due to the potential for bacterial infection of the blood.

• Avoid in patients who have compromised immune function, as LGG may cause infection in these individuals.

• Avoid with known allergy or sensitivity to dairy products, if LGG is taken as part of a dairy product.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• LGG is possibly safe when used during pregnancy, six months before delivery, and during breastfeeding for up to six months.

• Use caution in pregnant mothers and infants at risk of development of atopic dermatitis, due to the risk of the children developing wheezing bronchitis.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Lactobacillus GG (LGG) may interact with alcohol, antibiotics, antidiarrheals, anti-inflammatory agents, antiulcer agents, estrogens, agents that affect the immune system, immunoglobulins, lactulose, or laxatives.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Lactobacillus GG (LGG) may interact with antibacterials, antidiarrheals, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, antiulcer herbs and supplements, herbs and supplements that affect the immune system, laxatives, oligosaccharides, omega-3 fatty acids, phytic acid, phytic acid-containing foods, phytoestrogens, prebiotics, prebiotic-containing foods, probiotics, probiotic-containing foods, rye bread, soy, soy isoflavones, or vitamin K.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Banaszkiewicz A, Szajewska H. Ineffectiveness of Lactobacillus GG as an adjunct to lactulose for the treatment of constipation in children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. J Pediatr 2005;146(3):364-369. View Abstract

2. Forsyth CB, Farhadi A, Jakate SM, et al. Lactobacillus GG treatment ameliorates alcohol-induced intestinal oxidative stress, gut leakiness, and liver injury in a rat model of alcoholic steatohepatitis. Alcohol 2009;43(2):163-172. View Abstract

3. Gotteland M, Cruchet S, Verbeke S. Effect of Lactobacillus ingestion on the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier alterations induced by indometacin in humans. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2001;15(1):11-17. View Abstract

4. Lam EK, Tai EK, Koo MW, et al. Enhancement of gastric mucosal integrity by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Life Sci 2007;80(23):2128-2136. View Abstract

5. Malin M, Suomalainen H, Saxelin M, et al. Promotion of IgA immune response in patients with Crohn's disease by oral bacteriotherapy with Lactobacillus GG. Ann Nutr Metab 1996;40(3):137-145. View Abstract

6. Nase L, Hatakka K, Savilahti E, et al. Effect of long-term consumption of a probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, in milk on dental caries and caries risk in children. Caries Res 2001;35(6):412-420. View Abstract

7. Ozkinay E, Terek MC, Yayci M. The effectiveness of live lactobacilli in combination with low dose oestriol (Gynoflor) to restore the vaginal flora after treatment of vaginal infections. BJOG 2005;112(2):234-240. View Abstract

8. Pant N, Marcotte H, Brussow H, et al. Effective prophylaxis against rotavirus diarrhea using a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and antibodies. BMC Microbiol 2007;7:86. View Abstract

9. Pelto L, Isolauri E, Lilius EM, et al. Probiotic bacteria down-regulate the milk-induced inflammatory response in milk-hypersensitive subjects but have an immunostimulatory effect in healthy subjects. Clin Exp Allergy 1998;28(12):1474-1479. View Abstract

10. Piirainen L, Haahtela S, Helin T, et al. Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on rBet v1 and rMal d1 specific IgA in the saliva of patients with birch pollen allergy. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2008;100(4):338-342. View Abstract

11. Piirainen L, Kekkonen RA, Kajander K. In school-aged children a combination of galacto-oligosaccharides and Lactobacillus GG increases bifidobacteria more than Lactobacillus GG on its own. Ann Nutr Metab 2008;52(3):204-208. View Abstract

12. Rautava S, Arvilommi H, Isolauri E. Specific probiotics in enhancing maturation of IgA responses in formula-fed infants. Pediatr Res 2006;60(2):221-224. View Abstract

13. Szajewska H, Ruszczynski M, Radzikowski A. Probiotics in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Pediatr 2006;149(3):367-372. View Abstract

14. Szajewska H, Skorka A, Ruszczynski M, et al. Meta-analysis: Lactobacillus GG for treating acute diarrhoea in children. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2007;25(8):871-881. View Abstract

15. Viljanen M, Kuitunen M, Haahtela T,et al. Probiotic effects on faecal inflammatory markers and on faecal IgA in food allergic atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome infants. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2005;16(1):65-71. View Abstract