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Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for Reducing Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea Risk

The user asks whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) reduces the chance of diarrhea while on antibiotics. The assistant confirms, citing two studies showing beneficial effects, including a meta-analysis reporting a 70% risk reduction. Recommendations on timing and effectiveness are provided.

  • Does taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG help reduce the chance of getting diarrhea while on antibiotics?

  • Yes, the evidence suggests that taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) can help reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Here's what the research shows:

    What the Research Says

    Pillser's research database contains 2 studies specifically looking at LGG and antibiotic-associated diarrhea, both showing beneficial effects1.

    Key Findings

    1. A 2018 meta-analysis found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was the most effective single strain among probiotics tested for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhea. It reported a relative risk of 0.30 (95% CI 0.16–0.5), meaning LGG was associated with about a 70% reduction in the risk of developing diarrhea compared to placebo2.

    2. A 2018 review (focusing on children) also concluded that there is a specific recommendation for using both Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Saccharomyces boulardii for the prevention and treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea3.

    Practical Takeaway

    • Timing: LGG is typically taken alongside antibiotics (but spaced a few hours apart from the antibiotic dose itself).
    • Effectiveness: The evidence is strongest for LGG being one of the top probiotic strains for this purpose.
    • Safety: No harmful effects were reported in the available studies.

    If you'd like, I can help you search for products containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on Pillser. Would you like product recommendations?

    Footnotes

    1. Pillser research database, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Reduced Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea. ↩

    2. "A practical guide for probiotics applied to the case of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in The Netherlands" (2018), Pillser. ↩

    3. "Probiotics and antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children: A review and new evidence on Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG" (2018), Pillser. ↩

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