🦠 Beneficial Probiotic · Diarrhoea Preventer
Lactobacillus rhamnosus: Your Gut's Versatile Protector
L. rhamnosus GG is the single most studied probiotic strain in the world. It prevents and treats diarrhoea (traveller's, antibiotic-associated, and rotavirus), supports weight management, and reduces eczema in children.
✓ Beneficial probiotic
🧬 Detectable by PCR stool test
🏥 No referral needed
GG
most studied probiotic
strain worldwide
strain worldwide
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Samantha Naidoo
MB ChB, FCP (SA) · Medical Director, Epicentre Laboratories
Last reviewed: 19 March 2026
At a glance
Why does L. rhamnosus matter?
GG
most studied probiotic strain in the world
Thousands of publications
💩
prevents and treats multiple types of diarrhoea
Strongest evidence base
🔥
reduces eczema incidence in children
Allergy prevention
⚖️
supports weight management
Sanchez et al., 2014
PCR
detectable in all Epicentre gut tests
Walk-in or home kit
Could Your L. rhamnosus Levels Be Low?
6 quick questions. Not a diagnosis, but it may help you decide whether testing is worthwhile.
How it works
What does L. rhamnosus actually do in your gut?
🛡️
Prevents and treats diarrhoea
Reduces duration and severity of rotavirus diarrhoea, traveller's diarrhoea, and antibiotic-associated diarrhoea. The most proven use case for any probiotic.
🔥
Reduces allergic disease
Maternal and infant supplementation reduces eczema incidence by up to 50% in high-risk children (Kalliomaki et al., 2001).
⚖️
Supports weight management
L. rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724 increased weight loss in women in a clinical trial (Sanchez et al., 2014).
💪
Strengthens gut barrier
Increases mucin production and tight junction proteins. One of the most effective strains for gut barrier support.
Warning signs
What happens when L. rhamnosus levels are low?
Frequent or recurrent diarrhoea episodes
Bloating and gas
Abdominal cramping and discomfort
Gut sensitivity after eating out or travelling
Irregular bowel habits
L. rhamnosus GG does more than prevent diarrhoea. It strengthens the gut barrier, reduces allergic responses, and may even support weight loss. Its versatility is unmatched.
Eczema or allergic skin reactions, especially in children
Increased susceptibility to traveller's diarrhoea
Fatigue from recurrent gut infections
Difficulty managing weight
General immune weakness
Low L. rhamnosus is not a disease in itself, but it is consistently found in people with these conditions.
Rotavirus diarrhoea: reduces duration by 1 to 2 days in children (strongest probiotic evidence)
Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea: prevents AAD when taken alongside antibiotics
Eczema prevention: maternal + infant supplementation reduces eczema by up to 50%
Traveller's diarrhoea: reduces risk when taken before and during travel
Weight management: L. rhamnosus CGMCC1.3724 supported weight loss in women
"
"If a patient is about to start antibiotics and asks what probiotic to take, L. rhamnosus GG is always my first recommendation. The evidence for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea is as strong as it gets in probiotic research."Dr. Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director, Epicentre
What happens over time
The progression of low L. rhamnosus
1
Trigger: antibiotics, travel, or infection
Antibiotics are the most common trigger. Travel exposes the gut to unfamiliar pathogens. Acute infections can deplete L. rhamnosus populations.
2
Gut barrier protection drops
Without L. rhamnosus maintaining mucin and tight junctions, pathogens attach more easily. Diarrhoea risk increases.
3
Immune tolerance shifts
Reduced L. rhamnosus means less immune modulation. Allergic responses strengthen. Eczema and hay fever may worsen.
4
Recurrent episodes establish
Each diarrhoea episode further depletes beneficial bacteria, making the next episode more likely. The cycle accelerates.
5
Chronic gut vulnerability
Without the protective effects of L. rhamnosus, the gut remains vulnerable to infections, inflammation, and metabolic disruption.
The good news: L. rhamnosus GG (Culturelle) is the most widely available and studied probiotic strain. It works quickly for diarrhoea prevention (often within days) and shows allergy benefits within 4 to 8 weeks.
Take action
How to boost your L. rhamnosus levels
L. rhamnosus GG supplement
Culturelle is the most widely available source. Take before, during, and after antibiotic courses.
Fermented foods
Yoghurt, kefir, and some fermented vegetables contain L. rhamnosus strains.
Prebiotic fibre
Garlic, onions, bananas, oats, and whole grains feed lactobacilli.
Cut processed sugar
Sugar feeds competitors and weakens the gut barrier.
Stay hydrated
Especially important during and after diarrhoea episodes to support gut recovery.
Travel preparation
Start L. rhamnosus GG 1 week before travel to build protective levels.
Testing
Test your L. rhamnosus levels at Epicentre
All three Epicentre gut packages include L. rhamnosus quantification. No referral needed. Walk in or test at home.
Gut Essentials
✓ Includes L. rhamnosus
17 probiotic species mapped and quantified.
R1,995
~R499/mo with Payflex · 5% student discount
Complete Gut Profile
✓ Includes L. rhamnosus + 44 more targets
Full picture: probiotics, pathogens, parasites, fungi, H. pylori.
R4,850
~R1,213/mo with Payflex · 5% student discount
Gut Deep Dive
✓ Includes L. rhamnosus + disease associations
Everything in the Complete Profile plus disease association analysis.
R5,620
~R1,405/mo with Payflex · 5% student discount
Common questions
Frequently asked questions about L. rhamnosus
Can I take L. rhamnosus as a supplement?
Yes. L. rhamnosus GG (sold as Culturelle) is the most studied probiotic strain in the world. Evidence-based for diarrhoea prevention, allergy reduction, and gut barrier support. Safe from infancy through old age.
What foods contain or support L. rhamnosus?
Some yoghurt and kefir products contain L. rhamnosus. For targeted benefits (diarrhoea prevention, travel prep), a specific GG strain supplement is more reliable than dietary sources alone.
How long does it take to restore L. rhamnosus levels?
With dietary changes and supplementation (where applicable), most people see measurable improvements within 4 to 8 weeks. A follow-up gut test confirms progress.
Do I need a doctor's referral for gut testing?
No. Walk into any Epicentre branch in Durban (Hillcrest), Cape Town (Observatory), or Johannesburg (Parktown North). Or order a home stool collection kit delivered to your door in discreet packaging with prepaid return.
How much does a gut test cost?
Gut Essentials (17 probiotic targets): R1,995. Complete Gut Profile (45 targets): R4,850. Gut Deep Dive (45 targets + disease associations): R5,620. All prices include VAT. Payflex instalments available. Students get 5% off.
Find Out Where Your L. rhamnosus Stands
Explore other gut organisms
Akkermansia muciniphila
B. bifidum
B. breve
B. lactis
B. longum
F. prausnitzii
L. acidophilus
L. gasseri
L. plantarum
R. hominis
← Full Gut Health Guide
Epicentre Walk-In Labs
Practice #1117394 · Founded 2001 · Durban (Hillcrest) · Cape Town (Observatory) · Johannesburg (Parktown North)
