Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRH020
Also known as: Lactobacillus rhamnosus (strain LRH020), L. rhamnosus GG, LRH020, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRH020
Overview
*Lactobacillus rhamnosus* is a Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacterium naturally found in the human gut and some fermented foods. LRH020 is a specific proprietary strain, but most clinical data are for the GG strain. It is used to support gut health, prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and manage acute gastroenteritis in children and adults. *L. rhamnosus* is well-studied for its safety and efficacy in gastrointestinal health, immune modulation, and potential to promote oral tolerance in food allergies. Research maturity is high for the GG strain but moderate for proprietary strains like LRH020, with most data extrapolated from GG. The quality of available evidence is strong for GG, with multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses, but limited direct evidence for LRH020. It's available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and chewables.
Benefits
*Lactobacillus rhamnosus* GG is effective in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children and adults. Meta-analysis shows an absolute risk reduction of approximately 5–10% in high-quality trials. It also reduces the duration of diarrhea by about 1 day compared to placebo in children with acute gastroenteritis, as shown in systematic reviews of RCTs. Furthermore, *L. rhamnosus* GG, when combined with extensively hydrolyzed casein formula, significantly increases oral tolerance rates in children with cow’s milk allergy, with a relative risk of 2.22 (95% CI 1.86–2.66). Secondary benefits may include support for immune function and gut barrier integrity, although evidence is less robust. Benefits are most pronounced in children, especially for diarrhea and allergy management, with moderate to large effect sizes for specific indications.
How it works
*Lactobacillus rhamnosus* modulates gut microbiota, enhances gut barrier function, and modulates immune responses. It increases regulatory T cells and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines. Its primary biological pathways involve interactions with TLRs, cytokines, and tight junction proteins. It primarily affects the gastrointestinal and immune systems. *L. rhamnosus* is not absorbed systemically and acts locally in the gut. This localized action allows it to directly influence the gut environment and immune responses without systemic distribution.
Side effects
*Lactobacillus rhamnosus* is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for most populations. Common side effects are rare, but mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas may occur in some individuals. Uncommon side effects are very rare, with no significant adverse effects reported in large trials. Extremely rare side effects include isolated case reports of bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals. No significant drug interactions have been reported; it may reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It is contraindicated in individuals with severe immunocompromise, such as those with recent organ transplants or severe neutropenia. It is safe for children and adults, but caution is advised in immunocompromised individuals.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for the GG strain is typically 1–10 billion CFU/day for both children and adults. Optimal dosage ranges are 5–20 billion CFU/day for most indications. Up to 50 billion CFU/day has been used in studies without significant adverse effects. It is best taken with or shortly after meals. Common forms include capsules, powders, and chewables; ensure strain viability. *L. rhamnosus* is not absorbed and acts locally in the gut. No required cofactors are needed for its function.
FAQs
Are all *L. rhamnosus* strains the same?
No, strain-specific effects are important. Most evidence is for *L. rhamnosus* GG, not LRH020. Proprietary strains may lack robust clinical data, so it's important to consider the specific strain when choosing a supplement.
Is *L. rhamnosus* safe for everyone?
It is safe for most people, but avoid it if you have severe immunocompromise. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about its safety in your specific situation.
When is the best time to take *L. rhamnosus*?
Take it with meals for best results. This can help improve its survival as it passes through the stomach and reaches the intestines.
What results can I expect from taking *L. rhamnosus*?
You can expect a reduction in diarrhea risk, faster recovery from gastroenteritis, and improved allergy tolerance in children. Results may vary depending on the individual and the specific strain used.
What are some common misconceptions about *L. rhamnosus*?
A common misconception is that all *L. rhamnosus* strains are equivalent. Proprietary strains may lack robust clinical data, so it's important to choose a strain with strong evidence.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26365389/ – This meta-analysis examined the efficacy of probiotics, including *L. rhamnosus* GG, in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The study found that *L. rhamnosus* GG significantly reduced the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in both children and adults. The findings support the use of this probiotic strain as a preventive measure during antibiotic treatment.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31025399/ – This study investigated the effects of *L. rhamnosus* GG on acute gastroenteritis in children. The results indicated that *L. rhamnosus* GG reduced the duration of diarrhea by approximately one day compared to placebo. This suggests that *L. rhamnosus* GG can be a beneficial adjunct therapy for managing acute gastroenteritis in pediatric populations.
- https://connect.h1.co/article/725785101 – This article discusses the benefits of *L. rhamnosus* GG in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It highlights the strain's ability to reduce the risk of diarrhea in individuals taking antibiotics. The article emphasizes the importance of using probiotics like *L. rhamnosus* GG to maintain gut health during antibiotic treatment.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2021.727127/full – This meta-analysis of RCTs examined the effect of *L. rhamnosus* GG on cow's milk allergy tolerance in children. The study found that *L. rhamnosus* GG, when administered with hydrolyzed formula, significantly increased oral tolerance rates in children with cow's milk allergy. The findings suggest that *L. rhamnosus* GG can be a valuable tool in managing cow's milk allergy in pediatric patients.
- https://www.narraj.org/main/article/download/1671/801/16150 – This research provides an overview of the clinical applications of *Lactobacillus rhamnosus* GG, focusing on its role in preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea and managing acute gastroenteritis. It underscores the importance of strain-specific effects and highlights the need for further research on proprietary strains like LRH020. The study emphasizes the potential benefits of *L. rhamnosus* GG in promoting gut health and immune modulation.
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