Evidence supporting the use of: Bifidobacterium bifidum
For the health condition: Crohn's Disease

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bifidobacterium bifidum is a probiotic bacterium sometimes considered for supporting gut health, including in patients with Crohn’s Disease (CD). The rationale for its use is based on the observation that individuals with Crohn’s often exhibit imbalances in gut microbiota (dysbiosis), including reduced levels of beneficial bifidobacteria. Restoring a healthier microbial balance is hypothesized to modulate immune function and reduce inflammation associated with CD.

However, the scientific evidence supporting the specific use of B. bifidum in Crohn’s Disease is limited and mixed. Most clinical trials investigating probiotics in CD have focused on other strains, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or multi-strain formulations like VSL#3 (which contains several species of bifidobacteria, but not always B. bifidum specifically). Some small studies and animal models suggest that certain bifidobacteria can reduce intestinal inflammation and improve gut barrier function, but direct evidence for B. bifidum in Crohn’s is lacking.

Meta-analyses and reviews (e.g., Derwa et al., 2017; Ghouri et al., 2014) generally conclude that probiotics, including bifidobacteria, have minimal effect on remission or maintenance in CD, though they may have a role in other inflammatory bowel diseases (like ulcerative colitis). Overall, B. bifidum is used based on the general principle of supporting a healthy microbiota rather than robust disease-specific data. More high-quality clinical trials are needed to clarify its efficacy in Crohn’s Disease.

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