Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR06
Also known as: Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR06, Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus, L. rhamnosus, LR06, Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Overview
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium commonly found in the human gastrointestinal tract and vaginal flora. It is widely utilized as a probiotic supplement to support digestive and immune health. The LR06 strain is one of several characterized strains used in supplements, known for its ability to survive gastric acidity, adhere to intestinal mucosa, and modulate immune responses. It is primarily used to promote gut health, prevent or treat diarrhea (including acute gastroenteritis), support immune function, and maintain vaginal microbial balance. Research also suggests potential roles in allergy tolerance and maternal health. The research maturity level for L. rhamnosus is moderate to high, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses available, particularly for the well-studied strain L. rhamnosus GG. While specific data on LR06 is less abundant, its probiotic properties are generally considered similar to other beneficial L. rhamnosus strains.
Benefits
Lactobacillus rhamnosus offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly in digestive and immune health. A meta-analysis of 18 RCTs involving 4208 children demonstrated that L. rhamnosus GG significantly reduced the duration of acute gastroenteritis diarrhea by approximately 0.85 days (95% CI -1.15 to -0.56 days), with a dose-dependent effect, making it clinically relevant in pediatric gastroenteritis. For allergy tolerance, supplementation with L. rhamnosus (including LGG) in children with cow's milk allergy significantly increased immune tolerance rates (RR 2.22; 95% CI 1.86–2.66), with an odds ratio of 28.62 for tolerance acquisition (p < 0.001), representing a substantial effect. Secondary benefits include supporting vaginal flora balance, reducing infection risk, and potential roles in maternal health, such as preventing gestational diabetes and maternal obesity. These benefits are particularly relevant for children with gastrointestinal infections or allergies, and for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
How it works
Lactobacillus rhamnosus exerts its beneficial effects primarily through modulating gut microbiota composition, enhancing mucosal barrier function, and competitively excluding pathogens. It achieves this by adhering to intestinal mucosa, which helps prevent pathogenic bacteria from colonizing. Furthermore, it modulates host immune responses, including the induction of regulatory T cells, which are crucial for immune tolerance. The bacterium interacts with the gastrointestinal and immune systems, and also impacts vaginal microbiota and systemic immune modulation during pregnancy. Its known molecular targets include Toll-like receptors on immune cells and epithelial tight junction proteins, as well as microbial metabolites that influence immune signaling pathways. As a live probiotic, its bioactivity depends on its ability to survive gastric acid and bile to transiently colonize the gut.
Side effects
Lactobacillus rhamnosus is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and possesses an excellent safety profile in healthy individuals and most clinical populations. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are typically mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or gas, which may occur initially as the body adjusts. Uncommon side effects, reported in 1-5% of cases, include rare instances of mild allergic reactions. Very rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, involve cases of bacteremia or sepsis, primarily observed in severely immunocompromised patients. There are no significant known drug interactions, but caution is advised when used concurrently with immunosuppressants. Contraindications for probiotic use include severe immunodeficiency or critical illness. The supplement is considered safe for children and pregnant women based on current evidence, but monitoring is recommended for immunocompromised individuals due to the rare risk of systemic infection.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for Lactobacillus rhamnosus for general probiotic effects is typically ≥10^9 Colony Forming Units (CFU) daily. For specific indications such as diarrhea treatment, a higher dose of ≥10^10 CFU daily has been shown to be effective. The optimal dosage ranges from 10^9 to 10^11 CFU daily, depending on the specific indication and the formulation of the strain. There is no established maximum safe dose, with doses up to 10^11 CFU daily being well-tolerated in studies. Daily administration is recommended, particularly during illness or for preventive periods. The timing relative to meals may influence the survival of the bacteria through the digestive tract, though this is not conclusively established. L. rhamnosus is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and fermented dairy products; maintaining viability through proper storage conditions is crucial for efficacy. Survival through stomach acid can be enhanced by enteric coating or co-administration with food. No specific cofactors are required, but prebiotics may enhance colonization.
FAQs
Is Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR06 safe for children?
Yes, probiotic strains of L. rhamnosus, including LR06, are generally considered safe and effective for children, particularly for supporting digestive health and managing conditions like diarrhea and allergies.
How long does it take to see benefits?
For acute conditions like diarrhea, a reduction in duration can be observed within days. For chronic conditions such as allergy tolerance, benefits typically require several months of consistent supplementation.
Can it be used during pregnancy?
Current evidence supports the safety of L. rhamnosus during pregnancy, and some research suggests potential benefits for both maternal and offspring health.
Does it need refrigeration?
Many probiotic formulations, including some L. rhamnosus products, require refrigeration to maintain the viability of the live bacteria. Always check the specific product labeling for storage instructions.
Is LR06 the same as GG strain?
LR06 is a distinct strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus. While L. rhamnosus GG (LGG) has more extensive clinical evidence, LR06 is expected to share similar beneficial probiotic properties due to being the same species.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2021.727127/full – This meta-analysis of 5 RCTs involving 565 children with cow's milk allergy found that L. rhamnosus GG significantly increased immune tolerance rates over 12-36 months of follow-up. It reported a relative risk of 2.22 and an odds ratio of 28.62 for tolerance acquisition, indicating a strong positive effect, despite some heterogeneity in study protocols.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31025399/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 RCTs involving 4208 children with acute gastroenteritis concluded that L. rhamnosus GG reduced diarrhea duration by approximately 0.85 days. The study noted high heterogeneity among studies but provided strong evidence for the efficacy of L. rhamnosus GG in reducing the duration of acute diarrhea in children.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39172320/ – This recent review highlights the broader reproductive and maternal health benefits of L. rhamnosus strains, supporting their safety and potential preventive roles. It suggests that while more specific RCTs are needed for individual strains like LR06, the existing evidence points to general benefits in these areas.
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