Lactobacillus fermentum is a probiotic bacterium that has been investigated for its potential benefits in managing Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Scientific interest is based on its known properties: ability to modulate the gut microbiota, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and influence immune responses. Several in vitro and animal studies have shown that L. fermentum strains can reduce inflammation, decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-6), and restore gut microbial balance disrupted in IBD models.

Clinical evidence in humans, however, is more limited. A few small-scale human trials and pilot studies have indicated that supplementation with L. fermentum, alone or in combination with other probiotics, may help alleviate symptoms and reduce markers of inflammation in patients with IBD. For instance, a 2018 pilot study found that L. fermentum supplementation improved some clinical parameters in patients with ulcerative colitis. However, the number of participants was small and the studies often lacked rigorous controls.

While the scientific rationale for using L. fermentum in IBD is strong, and preliminary studies are promising, larger and more robust clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety. Thus, the use of L. fermentum for IBD is supported by moderate scientific evidence rather than tradition, and it is considered a potentially beneficial adjunct rather than a primary therapy.