Effects of ingesting Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on defecation, fecal properties and skin condition in healthy female volunteers with constipation tendency.

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on skin conditions and defecation of healthy female volunteers by comparing them before and after intake. Sixteen healthy female volunteers with tendency of constipation and dry skin were given lyophilized cell preparation of LGG (1.4 × 10¹⁰ cfu/day) for 4 weeks. Defecation frequency was significantly increased from 3.0 times/week before intake to 5.5 times/week after 4 weeks (p<0.01). Fecal color and shape (p<0.05), physical sensation (p<0.01) were also improved after 4 weeks. Skin spots and unevenness of a skin color at the cheek were significantly improved after intervention by the measurement of the VISIA systems (p<0.01). After 4 weeks, the stratum corneum hydration of the cheek and the inner forearm was higher than those before intake (p<0.01, p<0.05). Skin dryness and papula (p<0.01) and erythema (p<0.05) at the cheek were significantly improved. Skindex-16 and questionnaire survey found that the skin state was significantly improved after intake (p<0.01). These results suggest that LGG might express beneficial effects on the skin and defecation.