The Gut Health Hero: What Makes LGG® Probiotics a Game-Changer

The Gut Health Hero: What Makes LGG® Probiotics a Game-Changer

Many people take probiotics, but not all probiotics are created equal.

In 2022, one in three people used probiotics to support their digestion and immune health.¹ Most chose their probiotic based on advice from a healthcare professional or through online research. But here's the problem: around 60% of people don’t check which probiotic strain they’re actually taking.¹ And that matters, because not all strains are backed by the same level of research or results.

The solution? Look for Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG®. With over 30 years of scientific study behind it, LGG® is the world’s most researched probiotic strain.²,³ Found in Ultra Flora LGG® and  UltraFlora LGG® Forte, experts consistently highlight this strain for its proven benefits in both digestive and immune health.

This article is your beginner-friendly guide to LGG, why it stands out, how it works, and what it can do to support your health.

What Is LGG®, How Does It Work, and Why Is It So Special?

LGG® is a type of beneficial bacteria that supports your health, especially in the gut. When ingested, LGG® works by interacting with the trillions of microbes that naturally live in your digestive tract, as further explained in this article.

Through fostering a healthy balance of beneficial microbes, LGG® helps regulate healthy digestion, immunity, and overall wellbeing.

What makes LGG® so unique is the amount of scientific proof it has. First discovered in 1985, LGG® has been the focus of nearly 200 clinical trials, earning its reputation as the world’s most studied probiotic strain.² Here’s a summary of what science has established about LGG®²,³:

  • Survival through the stomach: LGG® can survive harsh stomach acid and reach your gut alive, where it’s needed most.
  • Ability to stick to the gut lining: It uses tiny, hair-like structures called pili to attach to the intestinal wall, helping it stay in place and act longer.
  • Production of protective proteins: LGG® makes special proteins (p40 and p75) that help strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation.
  • Broad benefits: LGG® has been shown to support both adults and children across a wide range of health concerns.

With that in mind, let's explore the details of how LGG® helps with common health issues.

How LGG® Supports Gut Health

Imagine your gut lining like the walls of a castle. When it’s healthy, it keeps out unwanted guests, pests and holds everything together. But when it’s damaged by stress, illness, or antibiotics, it can develop tiny cracks. LGG® helps repair and strengthen that wall, keeping your digestive system sealed and functioning well.³ By reducing intestinal inflammation, LGG® can help with the following  issues²:

  • Diarrhoea (especially when its caused by an infection or after taking antibiotics)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms, including bloating and gut pain
  • Inflammatory bowel issues caused by a dysregulated immune response
  • Enhances the immune response: LGG® produces substances that protect gut cells and help the gut recover from infections.³

We've outlined how LGG® can help with these issues below.

Man experiencing digestive discomfort

LGG® and IBS: Soothing Sensitive Nerves

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is often linked to heightened nerve sensitivity in the digestive tract, which can make gut pain feel more intense. That’s where LGG® may help by:²:

  • Reducing pain sensitivity by lowering gut inflammation.
  • Helping increase serotonin levels in the gut, a key chemical for regulating bowel movements.
  • Supporting a healthier gut microbiota by fostering the growth of beneficial microbes.

LGG® may also support other digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as outlined below:

Can LGG® Help with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Research shows that people with IBD often have fewer helpful bacteria and more inflammatory ones in their gut. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can make intestinal inflammation worse. While results vary, LGG® may help by²:

  • Reducing inflammation
  • Strengthening the gut lining
  • Modulating the immune response 

Studies show LGG® may be especially helpful in conditions like ulcerative colitis and pouchitis, though more research is still needed.²

LGG® and Immune Health

Your gut isn’t just about digestion, it plays a massive role in your immune system. In fact, the majority of your immune cells live in your gut, which means the health of your gut can shape how well your body responds to allergens, infections, or even autoimmune conditions.² In human studies, LGG® has been shown to²:

  • Preventing eczema in children when taken during pregnancy and infancy
  • Help reduce hay fever and food allergies
  • Calm an overactive immune system.

If allergy symptoms are worsening, UltraFlora Immune Control Probiotic provides a combination of probiotic strains shown to help relieve allergy symptoms.

How Much LGG® Should You Take And For How Long?

Knowing how much LGG® to take is key to getting the most benefit. Here are some general guidelines²:

  • Children: 5–10 billion CFU (colony-forming units) daily
  • Adults: 10–20 billion CFU daily
  • How long: At least 5–7 days, though longer is often better
  • With antibiotics: Continue LGG® for 1–3 weeks after finishing

Providing these doses, Ultra Flora LGG® contains 10 billion CFU per dose, while UltraFlora LGG® Forte contains 20 billion CFU Forte per dose.

Final Thoughts on LGG®

LGG® isn’t just any probiotic, it’s one of the most researched strains in the world, known for supporting gut health, calming inflammation, and strengthening the immune system. From easing digestive issues to helping with allergies, it’s a powerful ally for your wellbeing. For the best results, speak with a Healthcare Practitioner who can guide you on the right probiotic and dosage for you.

References

  1. Chr. Hansen. Consumer Insights: Findings from New Study of Consumer Understanding of Probiotics and Takeaways for the Food Industry. February 2022. Accessed June 16, 2025. https://www.chr-hansen.com/en/media/press-releases/2022/2/new-study-of-consumer-understanding-of-probiotics-points-to-significant-opportunities-for-the-food
  2. Capurso L. Thirty Years of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG: A Review. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2019 Mar;53 Suppl 1:S1-S41. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001170.
  3. Leser T, Baker A. Molecular Mechanisms of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, LGG® Probiotic Function. Microorganisms. 2024 Apr 14;12(4):794. doi: 10.3390/microorganisms12040794.
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