Nutrition and the Gut Microbiome: What is culturelle?

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that over 70% of your immune system resides in your gut? A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall wellness, and that's where a probiotic supplement brand like Culturelle comes in to support digestive and immune health.

Quick Summary

Culturelle is a brand of probiotic supplements featuring the clinically studied strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) to help balance gut bacteria for improved digestive and immune health.

Key Points

Single-Strain Probiotic: Culturelle products are based on the single, clinically proven probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG).
Digestive Health: The primary purpose of Culturelle is to help restore the balance of gut bacteria, which can help reduce occasional gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Immune Support: Since a significant portion of the immune system is in the gut, Culturelle's promotion of a healthy gut microbiome also helps support immune function.
Effective Colonization: The LGG strain is uniquely adapted to survive stomach acid and bile, allowing it to reach and colonize the intestines effectively.
Supports All Ages: The brand offers a range of products for adults, children, and babies, tailoring formulas for different age-specific needs.
Dietary Supplement: It's meant to complement a healthy diet, not replace it, and is particularly helpful during or after antibiotic use to help restore the microbiome.
No Refrigeration Needed: Many Culturelle products do not require refrigeration, making them convenient for daily use and travel.

What is culturelle? The Probiotic Basics

Culturelle is a well-known brand of probiotic dietary supplements designed to support digestive and immune system health. The core of most Culturelle products is a specific, clinically studied probiotic strain known as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). As a probiotic, LGG is considered a "friendly" or beneficial bacteria intended to help restore and maintain a healthy balance in the gut's microbiome. This balance can be disrupted by various factors, including stress, diet changes, illness, or antibiotic use. The LGG strain is particularly resilient, with research demonstrating its ability to survive the harsh, acidic conditions of the stomach and successfully colonize the intestines where it is needed most.

Unlike many other probiotics, Culturelle focuses on the well-documented LGG strain to provide its benefits. By re-establishing a healthy bacterial population, Culturelle aims to reduce occasional digestive issues and strengthen the body's natural defenses.

The Science Behind Culturelle: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG

Numerous studies have been conducted on the specific effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), the primary probiotic strain in Culturelle products. The science indicates that LGG works through several key mechanisms to promote wellness:

Enhancing the gut barrier function: LGG helps strengthen the intestinal lining, which acts as a barrier to prevent harmful compounds from leaking into the bloodstream.
Modulating immune responses: By interacting with the immune cells in the gut, LGG can help regulate the body's immune response. A significant portion of the immune system resides in the gut, making probiotic supplementation a key factor for immune support.
Inhibiting harmful bacteria: LGG competes with non-beneficial bacteria for nutrients and attachment sites on the intestinal walls, helping to prevent the growth of harmful pathogens.
Producing beneficial compounds: The fermentation process carried out by LGG produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which provide nourishment for the cells lining the colon and are linked to various health benefits.

Key Health Benefits of Culturelle

With its scientifically-backed LGG strain, Culturelle has been associated with several potential health advantages:

Relieves occasional digestive upset: Many users report relief from occasional gas, bloating, and diarrhea with regular use of Culturelle products.
Manages diarrhea: Extensive research has shown the effectiveness of LGG in preventing and treating various types of diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea and antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Supports immune defenses: By supporting the gut microbiome, which is central to the immune system, Culturelle helps strengthen the body's natural defenses.
Aids in managing IBS symptoms: Some Culturelle products, and LGG in general, have been studied for their potential to help relieve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, particularly abdominal pain and other discomforts.
Supports women's and children's health: Specialized formulas address unique needs, such as vaginal health for women and immune and digestive support for babies and children.

Exploring the Culturelle Product Line

Culturelle offers a diverse range of products tailored for specific needs and age groups:

Adult Digestive Daily Probiotics: Capsules for daily digestive and immune support.
Pro Strength Digestive Probiotics: A higher CFU option for more intensive digestive and immune support.
Kids Immune Defense Chewables: Formulated for children, combining LGG with vitamins C, D, and zinc.
Women's 4-in-1 Protection: Products with additional strains to support feminine wellness alongside digestive and immune health.
3-in-1 Complete Probiotic: Supports heart, immune, and digestive health with added Omega-3s.

Comparison of Culturelle Probiotic Products

To help select the right product, here is a comparison of some popular Culturelle options:


Feature	Digestive Daily	Immune Defense (Adult)	Kids Immune Defense	Pro Strength Digestive
Key Probiotic Strain	Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG	Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG	Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG	Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
CFU Count	10 billion CFUs	10 billion CFUs	10 billion CFUs	12 billion CFUs
Added Ingredients	Prebiotic Inulin	Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Elderberry	Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Elderberry	Prebiotic Inulin
Format	Vegetarian Capsules	Mixed Berry Chewables	Mixed Berry Chewables	Vegetarian Capsules
Primary Focus	Daily Digestive Balance	4-in-1 Immune Support	Kids Immune Support	High-Potency Digestive Support
Key Benefit(s)	Reduces occasional gas, bloating, and diarrhea	All-year immune system boost	Fortifies child's immune system	Supports digestion and immunity with higher potency

How to Take Culturelle and Potential Side Effects

Consistency is important for getting the most from Culturelle. Taking the supplement daily helps maintain beneficial gut bacteria. Individuals with compromised immune systems should consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement. Mild, temporary side effects like bloating or gas can occur as the body adjusts.

Integrating Culturelle into Your Nutrition Diet

Culturelle should complement, not replace, a healthy diet. Combining probiotics with prebiotic-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports a thriving gut microbiome. Including fermented foods, staying hydrated, and minimizing processed foods also benefits gut health.

Conclusion: Understanding Culturelle's Role in Nutrition

Culturelle is a probiotic supplement featuring the well-researched Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain. It supports a balanced gut microbiome, contributing to digestive and immune health and may help with occasional digestive issues and other specific conditions. Culturelle is most effective as part of a healthy diet. It can be a helpful addition during travel or antibiotic use, but consulting a healthcare professional is recommended. Additional information about LGG is available from resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Culturelle is primarily used to support digestive and immune health. Its main probiotic strain, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, helps balance the gut's good bacteria, which can relieve occasional digestive issues like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Yes, many Culturelle products are designed for daily use to help maintain a healthy digestive system and support overall wellness. Continued daily use helps to consistently restock good bacteria.

Yes, Culturelle products, particularly the Digestive Daily line, contain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG which is clinically proven to help reduce occasional gas and bloating.

For optimal results, Culturelle should be taken daily. If taking antibiotics, consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on timing.

Culturelle is known for focusing on the single, well-researched Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG strain, whereas many other probiotic brands feature multiple strains. The specific benefits of Culturelle are tied to the documented effects of the LGG strain.

Yes, Culturelle offers products specifically formulated for children and babies, providing them with digestive and immune support. However, it is always recommended to consult a pediatrician before giving any new supplement to a child.

Many, but not all, Culturelle products are formulated to be stable at room temperature and do not require refrigeration. It is best to check the specific product packaging for storage instructions.

While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild, temporary digestive side effects such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea as their body adjusts to the probiotic. If these persist or worsen, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.