International review of 279 probiotic supplements containing LGG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) found only 6 products passed all relevant criteria for IBS symptom management.

Last updated 4 October 2024 | Results reviewed by Daniel Keats RDN

1.1 Passed key criteria

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1.2 Table of results

Order of Results: Product names are listed alphabetically within each category.

Explanation of criteria

  1. Transparent Formula: The supplement’s ingredients and their amounts are openly labeled, not hidden behind proprietary blends. This transparency is essential for us to verify that it meets the studied dose requirements.
  2. Studied Dose: For LGG in IBS populations, the effective dose is 6 billion CFUs per day, ideally split into two daily doses of 3 billion CFUs. Any product that delivers this specific dose in one or more servings meets this criterion.
  3. IBS RCT Probiotics Only: The product contains only probiotic strains that have been studied in IBS populations through randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. No other active ingredients are included, as unstudied additives may alter efficacy.
  4. Third-Party Tested CFUs: The manufacturer has submitted the product for third-party testing to verify both the CFU count (amount of probiotics in finished product) and has published the results on their website.
  5. Availability: Indicates where the product can be purchased. Please note that consumers worldwide can often access USA and UK products using a forwarding service.

1.3 Summary

  • We searched the entire web to find and evaluate products containing LGG.
  • 279 products were found containing LGG.
  • 143 products were excluded because of a lack of transparency; they do not disclose their formula or the amounts of each ingredient, making it impossible to confirm if they provide the clinically studied dose.
  • 97 products failed as they could not be served at the studied dose – i.e. could not be expanded or divided to deliver the 6 billion CFU dose that has been studied for LGG.
    • This includes 3 products that were served in “incompatible” doses. i.e. they contained LGG along with other probiotic strain(s) that have been studied in IBS populations, but failed to deliver all of the strains at their respective studied dose amounts.
  • 32 products failed because they contained additional active ingredients that are not probiotics studied in randomized controlled trials for IBS populations.
  • 1 product was excluded because it has been discontinued.
  • This means that only 6 products met all our key criteria. Of these, no products published third-party testing results on their website.

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