Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bacteria, specifically in the form of probiotics, have been investigated as a supportive treatment for Crohn's Disease, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The scientific rationale is based on the observation that gut microbiota imbalances (dysbiosis) are associated with Crohn's Disease, and modifying the microbiome with beneficial bacteria might help restore gut homeostasis and reduce inflammation.

Several clinical trials and systematic reviews have evaluated the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in Crohn's Disease, but the evidence is mixed. While probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, as well as the yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, have shown some benefit in ulcerative colitis and in preventing pouchitis (inflammation of the ileal pouch), the results for Crohn's Disease are less convincing. Most large, well-designed studies have not demonstrated a significant benefit over placebo for maintaining remission or preventing relapse in Crohn's patients. However, isolated studies and some meta-analyses suggest a possible minor benefit, particularly in certain subgroups or when used alongside conventional therapy.

Current guidelines (such as those from the American Gastroenterological Association) generally do not recommend probiotics as a primary or standalone therapy for Crohn's Disease due to insufficient evidence. Nonetheless, ongoing research continues to explore specific bacterial strains and their mechanisms of action in modulating immune responses in the gut, leaving open the possibility of future validated bacterial therapies.

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