Lactobacillus rhamnosus: all the information about L. rhamnosus GG, LGG, GR-1, JB-1

Lactobacillus rhamnosus or L. rhamnosus is a lactobacterium considered a probiotic. It can be taken through foods like yogurt or administered through pills to gain many more benefits.

There are different strains of this lactobacillus, known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, LGG, GR-1, JB-1, HN001, R0011, LR-2, etc.), many of them very potent with uses for restoring the intestinal flora, preventing diarrhea or constipation, or controlling urogenital infections, very common in women, as well as improving the immune system response and strengthening the respiratory tract against pathogenic bacteria.

Types of Lactobacillus rhamnosus

New strains or subspecies of lactobacilli appear every day, being very important for scientific advancement and the improvement of people's quality of life. The following types of Lactobacillus rhamnosus have currently been studied:

• GG.
• GR-1.
• LGG.
• JB-1.
• HN001.
• R0011.
• LR-32.
• SP1.
• Rosell-11.
• LCR35.
• ATCC53103.
• La 801.
• 573.
• Ha-111.

As you can see, there are many varieties, strains, and commercial products. Most of them are the result of scientific research conducted by pharmaceutical laboratories aiming to find a functional subspecies to treat various human pathologies by isolating the most beneficial microorganisms and cultivating them in the laboratory.

However, the most well-known strain is called Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (L. rhamnosus GG). So next, we describe its characteristics and differences from other Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains.

L. rhamnosus GG

First isolated in 1983, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a commercial brand composed of a lactic acid bacteria strain patented in 1985 by Dr. Shewood Gorbach and Dr. Barry Goldin. These scientists named it "GG" after their initials. The rhamnosus GG registration was carried out at the patent office on April 17, 1985.

This type of lactobacillus is exactly the same as L. rhamnosus ATCC 53103, so it can be referred to as "GG" or "ATCC 53103."

The characteristics of the rhamnosus GG (ATCC53103) strain make it a very prolific bacterium when it reaches the human intestine, rapidly colonizing the mucous membranes and inhibiting the growth of other microbes that could be harmful to health.

Like the rest of the lactic bacteria, rhamnosus produces lactic acid.

L. rhamnosus GR-1

L. rhamnosus GR-1 is used to treat the vaginal infection Candidiasis. The uses are always together with Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14.

The strain corresponding to L. rhamnosus GR-1 is the commercial name or registered trademark by Chr. Hansen A/S and has been marketed since 2004. Its identification is ATCC55826 and it is isolated from the distal portion of the female urethra.

The properties and benefits of Lactobacillus GR-1 are mainly for the following situations:

• Treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by Candida albicans.
• VCC infection in women (central venous line, venous catheter, etc.) or tube inserted into the veins connecting to the heart.
• Inhibition of pathogenic yeast growth.
• Increasing resistance against respiratory tract infections.
• Improving immune response.
• Soothing and reducing discomfort in infants (less crying and restlessness).
• Reducing skin irritation or skin pathologies.

To treat these conditions, Lactobacillus rhamnosus gr-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri rc-14® are usually used. Both types of lactic bacteria function as adjuvant treatment, additional or complementary treatment to the main therapy of the pathology.

L. rhamnosus LGG

Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG is a strain patented by Chr. Hansen just like GR-1. Its registration or identification number is ATCC53103, so it belongs to the same subgroup as rhamnosus GG, meaning they are the same type of lactobacillus or strain.

As we have already indicated for GG, L. rhamnosus LGG was discovered by doctors Goldin and Gorbach. It is used to strengthen the intestinal microbiota and the urogenital flora of women. It is sold in its commercial form as a dietary supplement and probiotic ovules.

The tested doses reach up to 100,000 CFU/day.

L. rhamnosus JB-1

Lactobacillus rhamnosus JB-1 is a strain with potential psychobiotic effects. It may have medicinal potential to regulate and improve mental health.

1. rhamnosus JB-1 has been studied in people suffering from stress, providing beneficial properties related to corticosterone release and GABA receptor functioning.

Its benefits on cognitive function in humans are not entirely clear. However, this strain of lactobacillus is believed to have psychotropic effects on people who take it. Studies conducted on men have not demonstrated its efficacy on mood, anxiety reduction, sleep quality, or differences in perceived stress levels.

L. rhamnosus HN001

Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 is a type of lactic bacteria used in pregnant women and in cases where postpartum depression anxiety appears.

Some studies indicate that its administration reduces symptoms of anxiety and low mood after childbirth. It may have beneficial effects for preventing disorders associated with pregnancy and postpartum.

In many cases, L. rhamnosus HN001 is administered together with Bifidobacterium longum BB536. Together, they show the ability to modify cognition and modulate the intestinal microbiota.

L. rhamnosus R0011

Lactobacillus rhamnosus R0011 is used for alcoholic liver disease (hepatic inflammation, alcoholic hepatitis, or liver cirrhosis) due to excessive alcohol consumption over many years.

Used together with Lactobacillus acidophilus from yogurt and R0052 and some medicinal plants like Korean red ginseng and urushiol (Rhus verniciflua Stokes), it can mitigate some of the damage caused by alcoholism or at least reduce some of the ailments affecting the liver.

Possible benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Some of the effects of this subspecies of lactobacillus have been well studied while others do not have enough data to confirm they are substantiated.

However, what we can indicate about the benefits of Lactobacillus rhamnosus is that they are good for the digestive system. It improves digestion, accelerates nutrient assimilation, and increases human microbiota.

Here are some of the most common uses:

• Reducing food allergies, pollen allergies, etc.
• Preventing diarrhea.
• Protecting the respiratory tract.
• Preventing atopic dermatitis and skin infections, eczema, etc.
• Protecting the urogenital tract.
• Reducing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
• Regulating brain function, with properties for anxiety.
• Possible benefits for weight loss (see sub-section).

What is L. rhamnosus used for? What uses can we give it as a probiotic?

While we have indicated most of the possibilities of this type of lactobacillus, with some particularities when one strain or another is used, in general, we can indicate that Lactobacillus rhamnosus is used for:

• Strengthening the intestinal flora.
• Preventing bacterial infections of the respiratory and urogenital tracts.
• Improving digestive processes and those concerning the gastrointestinal tract.
• Modulating the immune system response.
• Decreasing the frequency of diarrhea.
• Helping with cases of constipation.
• Possible beneficial effects for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Possible application for postpartum stress.
• Possible benefits for weight loss.

There are many doubts about whether probiotics help in weight loss and the truth is that there is little confirmed information.

As there are always questions about its benefits for weight loss, we will try to explain its function related to fats, nutrients, and obesity.

L. rhamnosus improves nutrient assimilation, facilitating the availability of some minerals so that they can be utilized when they come from foods.

The role of L. rhamnosus in weight loss, achieving slimming, and maintaining body volume, fat-muscle ratio (BMI) is related to digestion. While it is not a weight-loss agent, no probiotic is, it can help process nutrients better. In many cases, this effect may result in less abdominal bloating, which could translate into a smaller waist circumference.

Intestinal gas is often produced by poor digestion. The use of probiotics can alleviate this problem, although, ultimately, it is not a weight-loss bacterium.

We recommend that you always consult a nutritionist for this use as they are the specialist who can best help you and also consider doing some exercise every day.

Otherwise, its properties and benefits, as well as the most common uses, are those we have described throughout this publication. We hope it has been helpful, you like it, and, in that case, share it on your social networks so it can inform many more people.

Foods where it can be found

It is present in yogurt, kefir, and foods made with fermented milk. It is also possible to find L. rhamnosus in foods preserved in brine, pickles, and some delicious natural products.

We recommend that you read all the information in the section dedicated to foods with foods with Lactobacillus rhamnosus.

Usage Recommendations

Although in most cases it is a beneficial bacterium for the person who ingests it or uses it through some of the described probiotics, Lactobacillus rhamnosus should be administered with caution, especially in children with weak immune systems.
There are some cases where its great ability to reproduce and colonize the intestinal mucosa produced the same infection symptoms as other pathogenic bacteria. This side effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus can occur in children. Although very rare, you should always consider this situation.

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Other Related Lactobacilli

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