Evidence supporting the use of: Bifidobacterium
For the health condition: Colitis
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Bifidobacterium (unspecified species) is used to support or treat colitis primarily based on scientific evidence, though the strength of evidence is moderate (rated 3). Several clinical studies and systematic reviews have investigated the role of probiotics, including various Bifidobacterium species, in the management of different forms of colitis, particularly ulcerative colitis and, to a lesser extent, microscopic colitis and Crohn's disease affecting the colon. The rationale is that Bifidobacteria are major components of the healthy human gut microbiota and may help restore microbial balance, enhance mucosal barrier function, and modulate immune responses in the inflamed colon.
Randomized controlled trials have shown that multi-strain probiotic formulations containing Bifidobacterium (e.g., VSL#3) can induce and maintain remission in mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis, with some studies reporting comparable efficacy to standard therapies like mesalamine. However, the evidence for single-strain Bifidobacterium products is less robust, and not all studies demonstrate significant benefits. Meta-analyses generally conclude that probiotics are safe and may have a modest benefit, but results are heterogeneous depending on the specific formulation and patient population. Guidelines from gastroenterology societies acknowledge the potential role of certain probiotics as adjunctive therapy, particularly for ulcerative colitis, but do not recommend them as first-line treatment.
In summary, the use of Bifidobacterium for colitis is supported by moderate scientific evidence, especially as part of multi-strain probiotic products, but further high-quality studies are needed to clarify which strains, dosages, and patient populations benefit most.
Other ingredients used for Colitis
akkermansia muciniphilaalgal oil
aloe vera
anthocyanins
apple
astaxanthin
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
barberry
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blueberry
bromelain
butyrate triglyceride
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
chlorella
Coptis chinensis
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
fiber blend (proprietary)
flavonols
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
hemp oil
immunoglobin G
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
l-glutamine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
licorice root
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
plantain
pomegranate
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
quercetin
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
triphala
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
blackboard tree
picrorhiza kurroa
swertia
buckthorn
anemarrhena asphodeloides
algae
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apigenin
Anamu
Alchornea
Andrographolide
Asteracea
Acemannan
Amor seco
Astragalin
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bael
Basidiomycota
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Cactus
Curcuminoid
Curcumen
Curcuma
Cabbage
Clostridium butyricum
Colocynth
Diterpenes
Euphorbia
Fiber
Other health conditions supported by Bifidobacterium
Abdominal PainAllergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Antibiotics (side effects of)
Anxiety
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Celiac Disease
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Crohn's Disease
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diverticulitis
Eczema
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Lactose Intolerance
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Vaginitis