Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: Function in Body and Supplement Benefits

Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MD

Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and vagina. It can also be found in certain foods, such as a variety of fermented foods.

L. rhamnosus is available as a probiotic supplement. L. rhamnosus GG (LGG) is one of the most studied strains of L. rhamnosus. LGG is patented and sold as a probiotic under the brand Culturelle.

L. rhamnosus has beneficial functions within the body, including helping promote gastrointestinal and vaginal health.

This article will discuss L. rhamnosus, including its function in the body, L. rhamnosus from supplements, L. rhamnosus food sources, special precautions and reasons to avoid L. rhamnosus supplements, symptoms of gut bacteria imbalance and what to do about it, symptoms of vaginal pH imbalance and what to do about it, and when to see a healthcare provider.

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus Already in Body

L. rhamnosus is found in several places in the body, and travels around. It can move from the mouth, through the digestive tract, and over to the vaginal tract (via leaving the colon).

It is considered beneficial to your microbiota (the microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, in a particular environment, like the gut).

Function

L. rhamnosus serves a number of functions in the body, including:

• Gut barrier: Helps create and repair a barrier in the gut mucosal layer that lines the digestive tract, which helps prevent pathogens (disease-causing organisms) from getting through

• Microbial community benefits: Sends out chemical compound messages to activate other beneficial microbes

• Inhibiting pathogens: Decreases the abundance of pathogens (such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus, and Salmonella) by metabolizing and producing antibacterial substances in the gut

• Calming inflammatory reactions: Influences the immune system to calm inflammatory reactions by reducing the messengers that are activating and stimulating inflammation and promoting an increase in the number and activation of some white blood cells
  

• Biosurfactants: Creates a soap-like substance that disrupts the biofilms (layer of cells adhering to a surface) of pathogens (such as E. coli) and makes it difficult for them to adhere to the cells that line the digestive tracts or vagina
  

• Vaginal health: Helps keep the vaginal ecosystem balanced, which encourages beneficial microbes to flourish, protects against pathogens, and helps to keep the pH acidic
  

Lactobacillus Rhamnosus From Supplements

L. rhamnosus supplements are considered probiotic supplements. Probiotics are "good" bacteria, meaning they are beneficial to human health, such as improving digestive health.

Benefits

Several studies have found potential benefits to consuming L. rhamnosus through supplements or food.

Preventing Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD)

About 5% to 39% of people using antibiotics experience diarrhea during their treatment. Studies examining whether LGG can help reduce this side effect have found varying evidence. However, studies generally suggest that LGG could be effective in reducing the incidence and severity of symptoms for people in treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, a bacterium that infects the stomach).

It isn't clear if LGG supplementation helps to prevent ADD in the general adult population who are taking antibiotics. LGG has been found to be effective in reducing the risk of AAD in children.

Maintaining Gut Bacteria Balance

Gut dysbacteriosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria) has been associated with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, infections, and colorectal cancer. Probiotics, including L. rhamnosus, may help promote a balanced gut microbiome.

Maintaining Balance in the Vaginal Tract

Balanced intestinal bacteria can help align and improve vaginal microbiota. A diet that includes daily Lactobacillus can help improve vaginal flora and reduce the incidence of vaginitis (disorders that cause inflammation or infection of the vagina).

Lactobacillus supplements, including L. rhamnosus, can help the vaginal environment remain slightly acidic, help protect against urogenital infections, and help form a natural barrier.

Side Effects

LGG is believed to be safe for most people when used as directed. Not all side effects are known, but a common one is stomach bloating or gas. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you experience side effects.

What Is GG?

L. rhamnosus GG (LGG) is a strain of L. rhamnosus, discovered in 1983 by scientists Sherwood Gorbach and Barry Goldin. With more than 800 studies, it is one of the most studied strains of L. rhamnosus.

LGG is patented. It is available as a supplement under the brand Culturelle.

L. Rhamnosus Food Sources

L. rhamnosus can be found in foods such as:

• Some semihard cheeses

• Some yogurts

• Fermented milk/kefir

• Sauerkraut

• Miso

• Kombucha
  

Special Precautions and Reasons to Avoid

Before taking supplements like a probiotic such as L. rhamnosus, talk to a healthcare provider or an accredited and registered dietitian to see if it is safe and necessary.

It is often better to improve gut health through diet and lifestyle changes rather than taking supplements because there are many nutrients in whole foods that interact with each other and that can't be replicated into a single supplement.

More is not necessarily better. The goal is to have a healthy balance of microorganisms, but what that balance should be isn't currently known, and it likely varies by person. It is also likely affected by factors such as geographic location, food choices, and interactions with other people.

Unless advised by your healthcare provider, don't use too many forms of LGG at the same time to avoid getting too much of the product. You should also avoid taking LGG within two hours of other medications, particularly antibiotics.

Probiotics are classified as dietary supplements and are not specifically regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There isn't a guarantee that supplements labeled probiotics have undergone proper testing to be deemed safe and effective.

When purchasing probiotic supplements, some tips include:

• Look for the genus, species, and strain on the label.

• Choose one that has been well-studied with documented evidence of health benefits.

• Look for the number of viable cells (CFUs) on the label, and choose one that has at least 1 x 10⁹ (1 billion CFUs).

• Follow the product's instructions, including for storage, as some probiotics need to be refrigerated.

L. rhamnosus may not be appropriate for everyone, and some safety concerns have been noted in certain situations. One study found that LGG exacerbated intestinal ulcers in an anti-inflammatory, pain-induced enteropathy model.

A number of infants with short gut syndrome associated with intestinal friability (bleeds easily) who were treated with LGG seemed to develop sepsis with LGG-like bacteria. More research into potential adverse events associated with L. rhamnosus is needed.

Unless advised by a healthcare provider, do not take LGG if you are taking medications that weaken the immune system, such as:

• Steroid medications, such as prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others

• Cancer medications

• Medications to prevent organ transplant rejection
  

LGG may interact with other medications and supplements as well.

L. rhamnosus supplements are not a replacement for medical care. Always check with a healthcare provider before taking this or any supplement.

Symptoms of Gut Bacterial Imbalance

Signs of poor gut health may include:

• Bloating

• Abdominal pain

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Gas

• Heartburn

• Sleep disturbances/fatigue

• High frequency of infectious illnesses (such as common colds)

• Changes in mood or emotional state (such as anxiety, high stress, or low mood)
  

How to Find Relief

Lifestyle and dietary changes can help improve gut health. You can try:

• Getting enough dietary fiber

• Eating whole foods (such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes)

• Eating fermented foods (such as yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, kefir, and tempeh)

• Getting plenty of physical activity

• Reducing stress

• Getting enough good quality sleep
  

Talk to a healthcare provider for other treatment options.

Symptoms of Vaginal pH Imbalance

Normal vaginal pH in people of reproductive age is moderately acidic, ranging from 3.8 to 5.0. Vaginal pH values can change due to factors such as vaginal infection, sexual activity, aging, and vaginal douching.

A vaginal pH imbalance may cause symptoms such as:

• Itching

• Burning

• Unusual discharge (may be gray, white, foamy, and/or watery)

• Unpleasant odor (may be fishy, especially after sex)

• Burning while urinating
  

How to Find Relief

Treatment depends on the cause of the imbalance and symptoms.

Treatments for infections may include:

• Bacterial vaginosis: Oral or topical metronidazole, clindamycin 2% cream, or single-dose oral Solosec (secnidazole)

• Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection): Medications such as clotrimazole, miconazole, terconazole, and butoconazole, and oral fluconazole

• Trichomonas vaginalis: Metronidazole or tinidazole
  

Vaginal pH imbalance can be associated with a number of infections, both sexually transmitted and not, in addition to those listed above. It's important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

After ruling out or treating infection, you can help restore vaginal pH and promote vaginal health with practices such as:

• Wearing cotton underwear

• Using barrier protection (such as condoms) during penetrative sex

• Staying hydrated

• Managing stress levels

• Reducing sugar intake

• Not using douches

You can also talk to a healthcare provider about adding supplements such as probiotics, garlic, or apple cider vinegar to your routine.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Talk to your healthcare provider before taking an L. rhamnosus supplement, particularly if you have any of these conditions:

• Short bowel syndrome

• Weakened immune system

• Pregnant or breastfeeding

Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any medications or supplements you are taking.

You should also see a healthcare provider if:

• You are showing signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (get emergency help).

• The symptoms or condition you are treating with L. rhamnosus do not improve or get worse.
  

Summary

L. rhamnosus is a type of beneficial bacteria found in the body, notably the gastrointestinal tract and the vagina. It helps promote gut health with functions such as helping to build and maintain the gut barrier. It also helps with vaginal health by promoting a balanced vaginal microbiota.

L. rhamnosus can be found in foods such as some yogurts and fermented foods, and it can be taken as a supplement. L. rhamanosus supplements may not be right for you or could cause side effects, and supplements are not regulated by the FDA. Talk to your healthcare provider before taking this or any supplement.

An imbalance of gut bacteria can cause gastrointestinal symptoms that may be relieved with dietary and lifestyle changes.

Vaginal pH imbalances can cause vaginal discomfort and other symptoms. Often this is associated with infections that need to be diagnosed and treated.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.