The use of Bifidobacterium longum for diverticulitis is supported by some scientific evidence, though the strength of this evidence is modest. Several clinical studies and reviews have examined the role of probiotics, including B. longum, in supporting gut health and managing diverticular disease. Probiotics are thought to help modulate the intestinal microbiota, reduce inflammation, and enhance mucosal barrier function, all of which are potentially beneficial in preventing the recurrence of diverticulitis or managing mild symptoms.

A few randomized controlled trials have evaluated the use of probiotic combinations (often including B. longum alongside other strains) in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. These studies suggest that probiotics may reduce abdominal symptoms and inflammation, though results are inconsistent and generally more supportive for prevention of symptom recurrence rather than treatment of acute diverticulitis itself. The European Society of Coloproctology guidelines (2022) note that there is insufficient evidence to recommend probiotics as standard therapy for diverticulitis, but some practitioners use them adjunctively based on their favorable safety profile and potential to restore gut microbiota balance after antibiotic therapy.

In summary, while there is a scientific rationale and some preliminary clinical data supporting the use of Bifidobacterium longum for diverticulitis or diverticular disease, current evidence is limited and not strong enough for definitive recommendations. Most studies advocate for more robust, large-scale trials to clarify the role of probiotics in these conditions.