Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)
Also known as: LGG, L. rhamnosus GG, ATCC 53103, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG, Culturelle strain
LGG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, ATCC 53103) is the single most studied probiotic strain, isolated in 1985 and since reclassified as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses cover antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children and adults, acute gastroenteritis in children, and eczema risk in infants, at daily doses that usually fall between 1 and 10 billion CFU. It is used in daily gut-support, travel, and children's formulas. LGG survives gastric acid well and adheres to intestinal mucus, which is why it is often chosen as the anchor strain in a blend.
Research summary
Adheres to intestinal mucus via SpaCBA pili; studied for support of epithelial barrier function and modulation of mucosal immune signaling.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound. CFU shown in billions.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 B CFU | 1–10 B CFU | — | — |
Amounts are in billions of CFU (enter 10 for 10 billion). Raw-material weight assumes a 100 billion CFU/g concentrate (10 mg per billion CFU); manufacturers add a 20–50% CFU overage at fill so the label claim holds through shelf life, and the label should state whether CFU are guaranteed at manufacture or at expiry. Meta-analyses note that higher daily counts (around 10 billion) performed more consistently than lower ones in antibiotic-associated diarrhea trials.
Standardization: Strain ATCC 53103 designated on CoA; CFU per gram stated
Source material: freeze-dried culture
As supplied: Assumes 100 billion CFU/g concentrate (10 mg per billion CFU); adjust to supplier CoA.
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Heat- and moisture-sensitive vegetative cells; capsule or dry powder only.
Formulation notes
The LGG name is a registered trademark of the strain owner; generic L. rhamnosus is a different ingredient. Separate from antibiotic dosing by at least two hours. Keep water activity low in the finished product.
Sources
- NIH ODS — Probiotics Fact Sheet for Health ProfessionalsNIH ODS
- Systematic review with meta-analysis: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in children and adults. (Szajewska 2015)PubMed
- Systematic review with meta-analysis: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for treating acute gastroenteritis in children - a 2019 update. (Szajewska 2019)PubMed
Related ingredients
Probiotic Blend (Multi-Strain)
ProbioticA generic placeholder for a multi-strain probiotic blend, typically combining several Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species and sometimes Streptococcus thermophilus or a Bacillus spore.
Typical: 10–50 B CFU
Bifidobacterium lactis
ProbioticBifidobacterium animalis subsp.
Typical: 1–10 B CFU
L-Glutamine
Amino acidThe most abundant free amino acid in blood and muscle and a primary fuel for intestinal and immune cells.
Typical: 5–10 g
Saccharomyces boulardii
ProbioticSaccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast rather than a bacterium, originally isolated from lychee and mangosteen skins.
Typical: 5–10 B CFU
Lactobacillus acidophilus
ProbioticLactobacillus acidophilus is the most widely recognized probiotic species and a staple of yogurt cultures and multi-strain capsules.
Typical: 1–10 B CFU