Overview

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) is a type of probiotic ("good" bacteria) found in the mouth, vagina, and gut. It's also found in fermented foods.

"Good" bacteria such as L. rhamnosus can help break down food, absorb nutrients, and fight off "bad" organisms that might cause diseases. Specific strains of L. rhamnosus are commonly added to fermented foods like yogurt and are also found in probiotic supplements.

People use L. rhamnosus for diarrhea from antibiotics, eczema, preventing allergic reactions, and preventing respiratory tract infections. It is also used for hay fever, stomach pain, canker sores, colic, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these other uses. There is also no good evidence to support using L. rhamnosus for COVID-19.

Don't confuse L. rhamnosus with other probiotics, or with fermented food products such as fermented milk, kefir, or yogurt. These are not the same. Also note that L. rhamnosus used to be classified under the Lactobacillus genus. But Lactobacillus was split up into 25 different genera in April 2020. Some product labels might still list this species as Lactobacillus rhamnosus rather than its new name, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Diarrhea in people taking antibiotics (antibiotic-associated diarrhea). Taking L. rhamnosus GG by mouth seems to reduce the risk of diarrhea while taking antibiotics.
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis). Taking L. rhamnosus by mouth, alone or with other probiotics, seems to help treat eczema in children. It also seems to help treat and prevent eczema in infants. But it's not clear if taking it during pregnancy lowers the chances that the child will develop eczema.
  • Prone to allergies and allergic reactions (atopic disease). Taking L. rhamnosus GG by mouth during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or giving it to the infant, seems to prevent some allergic conditions, such as asthma, runny nose, and eczema, in infants.

Possibly Ineffective for

  • Critical illness (trauma). Taking L. rhamnosus by mouth doesn't seem to help people in the hospital with critical illness.
  • Peanut allergy. Taking L. rhamnosus by mouth doesn't seem to improve the effects of peanut immunotherapy in children with peanut allergy.
  • Pneumonia in people on breathing machines in the hospital. Giving L. rhamnosus to people in the hospital on breathing machines doesn't seem to prevent pneumonia. It might actually increase the risk for infection.

There is interest in using L. rhamnosus for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: L. rhamnosus is likely safe. It's been used safely together with other probiotics for up to 6 months. Some people might experience gas or bloating, but it's usually well-tolerated.

When applied to the vagina: L. rhamnosus is likely safe. It's been used safely for up to 6 months.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: L. rhamnosus is likely safe. It's been used safely together with other probiotics for up to 6 months. Some people might experience gas or bloating, but it's usually well-tolerated.

When applied to the vagina: L. rhamnosus is likely safe. It's been used safely for up to 6 months.

Pregnancy: L. rhamnosus is possibly safe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It's been used safely alone and together with other probiotics at various stages of pregnancy. There's some concern that taking certain probiotics during pregnancy, including L. rhamnosus, might increase the risk for high blood pressure. But it's not clear which patients might be at increased risk.

Breast-feeding: L. rhamnosus is possibly safe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. It's been used safely for up to 6 months.

Children: L. rhamnosus is likely safe when taken by mouth appropriately in most children. It's been used safely for up to 3 years. However, there isn't enough reliable information to know if L. rhamnosus is safe for very small premature infants.

Digestive system problems: People with serious GI disorders, such as short bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), might be more likely to develop L. rhamnosus infections. If you have any of these conditions, talk with your healthcare provider before taking L. rhamnosus.

Weakened immune system: L. rhamnosus has caused blood infections in a small number of people with weakened immune systems. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider before taking L. rhamnosus.

Damaged heart valves: L. rhamnosus can cause an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers and heart valve. This is extremely rare, but people with damaged heart valves should stop taking probiotics before dental procedures or surgical procedures.

Interactions

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Antibiotic drugs interacts with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus

    L. rhamnosus is a type of friendly bacteria. Antibiotics are used to reduce harmful bacteria in the body. Taking antibiotics along with L. rhamnosus can reduce the effects of L. rhamnosus. To avoid this interaction, take L. rhamnosus products at least 2 hours before or after antibiotics.

Dosing

L. rhamnosus is commonly added to fermented foods such as yogurt. It's also commonly taken in dietary supplements.

In adults, L. rhamnosus has most often been taken by mouth, alone or together with other probiotics, in doses of up to 20 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) daily, for up to 6 months. In children, doses have varied. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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