Understanding Lactobacillus gasseri Dosage: How much should I take?

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2013 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, consuming fermented milk containing the Lactobacillus gasseri SBT2055 strain for 12 weeks led to significant reductions in abdominal fat. This study, like others, highlights that the appropriate amount is often strain-specific and dependent on the desired health outcome.

Quick Summary

The ideal amount of Lactobacillus gasseri varies depending on the specific strain and health goal. Clinical studies often utilize quantities ranging from 3 to 12 billion CFU per day. Factors like the supplement's formulation, delivery method, and individual needs are all important considerations for effective intake.

Key Points

No standard amount: There is no universal recommended quantity for Lactobacillus gasseri; it is highly strain-specific.
Strain research is key: Research shows different strains, like SBT2055 for weight and LA806 for IBS, have varying, clinically-studied effective amounts.
Typical CFU range: Clinical evidence and products suggest effective daily quantities generally fall between 3 and 12 billion CFU, depending on the specific strain and health benefit sought.
Quality and viability matter: Choosing a reputable brand with acid-resistant capsules is important to ensure the live bacteria survive stomach acid and reach the gut.
Start low and monitor: For new users, starting with a conservative quantity and observing your body's response can help minimize mild digestive side effects like bloating.
Consult a professional: Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, especially if you have existing health conditions.
Consistency is crucial: For long-lasting effects, consistent, daily intake over a period of weeks or months is often recommended.

Understanding Lactobacillus Gasseri and its Intake

Lactobacillus gasseri is a type of probiotic, or beneficial bacteria, naturally found in the human body, particularly in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Unlike other probiotics, which can have more generalized benefits, different strains of L. gasseri have been studied for specific effects, such as aiding weight management, supporting gut health, and improving vaginal flora. Since there is no single, universally established intake amount, determining the right quantity requires looking at clinical evidence, specific strains, and individual health objectives.

The most important factor influencing the amount to take is the specific strain and the desired health outcome. For example, research into weight management often uses specific, patented strains, while general gut health might be addressed with a different formulation. Paying close attention to the product label, including the colony-forming units (CFU) and the specific strain, is crucial for replicating the effects observed in scientific studies.

What Clinical Research Says About L. gasseri Quantities

Quantities for Weight Management

Clinical trials focusing on weight management and fat reduction have used specific amounts and strains:

SBT2055: One prominent study gave participants milk enriched with L. gasseri SBT2055 over a 12-week period. The results, demonstrating a reduction in abdominal fat, are tied to this specific strain and duration. Another study found that daily intake of approximately 10 billion CFU of SBT2055 for 12 weeks was effective.
BNR17: A study focusing on IBS symptoms used various quantities of the BNR17 strain. It was found that 10 billion CFU/day (administered as 5 billion CFU twice a day) was optimal for relieving abdominal pain in IBS patients with overweight.
Multi-strain formulas: Other products combine L. gasseri with additional strains like Lactobacillus fermentum to enhance weight-loss effects, with quantities of 12 billion CFU of L. gasseri often paired with other bacteria.

Quantities for Gut Health and IBS

Studies on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and general gut health have also examined different quantities:

LA806: A multicenter study found that 5 billion CFU taken twice daily (10 billion CFU/day total) of the LA806 strain for 4 weeks significantly improved IBS symptoms and quality of life.
General recommendations: Some products for general digestive wellness offer a lower daily amount of 3 billion CFU, suggesting one to two capsules per day.

How to Choose the Right Supplement

Choosing a high-quality supplement is more complex than just looking at the CFU number. Here are several factors to consider:

Reputable Brands: Seek out name-brand probiotics that have been studied for their effectiveness. Avoid generic or store-brand products that may not contain the same strains or guarantee potency.
Encapsulation and Viability: The bacteria must survive the journey through the acidic stomach environment to colonize the gut. Look for products with enteric-coated or acid-resistant capsules (e.g., DRcaps®), which protect the live microorganisms.
Strain Diversity: While many products focus on a single strain, some multi-strain formulas can be more effective for broader benefits. However, a single-strain product may be better if you are targeting a specific condition.
Storage: Some probiotics require refrigeration to maintain viability, while others are shelf-stable. Always follow the storage instructions on the label. High heat can kill the microorganisms, rendering the supplement ineffective.
Prebiotics: Supplements that include prebiotics (food for the good bacteria) can help support the growth and activity of L. gasseri in the gut.

Comparing L. gasseri Strains and Quantities (Clinical Examples)


Strain	Purpose	Daily CFU Quantity	Duration	Notes
SBT2055	Visceral Fat Reduction	~10 billion	12 weeks	Delivered in fermented milk; significant reduction in abdominal fat observed.
BNR17	IBS Symptoms & Weight Management	10 billion	4 weeks	Administered as 5 billion CFU twice daily; effective for reducing abdominal pain.
LA806	IBS Symptoms (pain relief)	10 billion	4 weeks	Administered as 5 billion CFU twice daily; showed significant improvement in overall IBS symptoms.
Lg-36	Digestive Support	3-6 billion	N/A	Found in commercial supplements, often taken 1-2 times per day.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no single answer for how much Lactobacillus gasseri you should take. The optimal quantity is highly dependent on the specific strain, the targeted health goal (e.g., weight management, IBS symptom relief), and the product's formulation. Clinical studies suggest effective daily quantities often range between 3 and 12 billion CFU, taken consistently for several weeks to months. To ensure efficacy, it is crucial to select a reputable brand, check for strain-specific research, and consider supplements with advanced delivery systems like enteric-coated capsules. As with any supplement, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before starting a new regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are immunocompromised.

For more information on a specific study regarding the effect of L. gasseri BNR17 on IBS, please visit this NCBI source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. A higher CFU count does not guarantee better results, and taking too high of a quantity can sometimes be counterproductive. The effectiveness is more dependent on using the correct strain for your health goal and ensuring the bacteria remain viable until they reach the gut.

The ideal time to take L. gasseri can vary by product and purpose. Some manufacturers recommend taking it on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before a meal, to maximize its passage through the digestive system. Others suggest taking it with food. Always follow the specific instructions on your supplement's label.

Yes, Lactobacillus gasseri can be taken daily. Consistent, regular consumption is recommended to maintain a balanced gut microbiome and achieve the desired health effects. For weight management, studies typically lasted 12 weeks or longer.

For most people, L. gasseri is well-tolerated with few side effects. The most common mild issues are temporary gas and bloating, especially when first starting a new probiotic regimen. These symptoms generally subside as your body adjusts.

It depends on the specific product. Some manufacturers use freeze-dried bacteria or advanced capsules that make the product shelf-stable, meaning no refrigeration is required. However, many live probiotic products still require refrigeration to maintain the potency and viability of the microorganisms. Always check the packaging for storage instructions.

The time it takes to notice benefits can vary depending on the individual and the health condition being addressed. Some people may feel changes in digestive comfort within a few weeks, while studies on more specific outcomes, like weight management, showed measurable results after 12 weeks.

Lactobacillus gasseri is generally considered safe during pregnancy, as it's a natural part of the human microbiome. However, it is crucial for expectant mothers to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplement.