Synopsis

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

Lactobacillus bulgaricus is a probiotic bacterium commonly used in the fermentation of yogurt. Its use for colitis, particularly ulcerative colitis and other forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is grounded in an expanding body of scientific research. Several studies have explored the role of probiotics in modulating gut microbiota, enhancing mucosal barrier function, and reducing inflammation, all of which are relevant to colitis. However, most clinical trials evaluating probiotics in colitis use multi-strain formulations (such as VSL#3), where L. bulgaricus is one of several strains, making it difficult to isolate its individual effect.

Experimental studies suggest that L. bulgaricus can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines. Some animal studies and small human trials report improvements in symptoms and histological markers of colitis with probiotic supplementation, but these effects are generally modest and not always consistent. Furthermore, major clinical guidelines currently recommend probiotics only as adjunctive therapy in mild cases of ulcerative colitis, and they do not specify L. bulgaricus alone as an effective treatment.

Overall, while there is scientific interest and some supportive evidence for the use of L. bulgaricus in colitis, its efficacy is not robustly established, especially as a monotherapy. The quality and quantity of direct evidence justify a moderate evidence rating.

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