Does Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Reduce Stool Volume?
The user asked if Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG helps reduce stool volume. The assistant cited a 2019 meta-analysis of 4,208 participants showing no significant effect on stool volume in children with acute gastroenteritis. The conclusion is that the evidence does not support using this probiotic for reducing stool volume.
Does taking Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG actually help reduce stool volume?
Based on the available research, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG does not appear to help reduce stool volume.
Here is the evidence from Pillser's research database:
- One high-quality meta-analysis (a systematic review from 2019, involving 4,208 participants) specifically examined the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on stool volume in children with acute gastroenteritis1. The finding was neutral — the probiotic had no significant effect on stool volume1.
In summary, the current evidence does not support using Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for the purpose of reducing stool volume. While this specific probiotic strain has been studied for other digestive health benefits (such as reducing the duration of diarrhea), reducing stool volume does not appear to be one of them based on the data available.
Footnotes
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Pillser research database, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Reduced Stool Volume. ↩ ↩2