Besides regulating the survival, growth and inflammation of the intestinal surface, GG probiotic also protects the stomach lining.
It enhances the ability of the stomach lining to heal under stress from medication, alcohol or infection.
It also inhibits the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium which causes stomach ulceration and cancer.
A clinical trial found that regular consumption of GG probiiotic protected the stomach lining from damage by a common painkiller called indomethacin.
Researchers in the University of Hong Kong confirmed that this probiotic strain improved healing of gastric ulcers as well as protected the stomach lining from developing ulcers due to alcohol.
Gastric ulcer size caused by alcohol with and without Lactobacillus GG (LGG). [Lam et al. 2007]
References:
Gotteland M et al. Effect of Lactobacillus ingestion on the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier alteration induced by indometacin in humans. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2001;15:11-17
Lam EKY et al. Enhancement of gastric mucosal integrity by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Life Sciences 2007;80:2128-36
Lam EKY et al. Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG enhances gastric ulcer healing in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2007;565:171-179
