Bifidobacteria, a genus of probiotic bacteria, has been investigated for its potential benefits in supporting patients with Crohn's Disease (CD), a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The rationale for its use stems from findings that individuals with IBD, including Crohn’s, often have altered gut microbiota ("dysbiosis"), with decreased levels of Bifidobacteria compared to healthy controls. Theoretically, supplementation could help restore a more balanced microbiome and modulate inflammation.

Scientific studies supporting the use of Bifidobacteria in Crohn's Disease are limited and of varying quality. Some small clinical trials and animal studies suggest that Bifidobacteria supplementation may improve gut barrier function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms. For instance, Bifidobacterium longum in combination with prebiotics (synbiotics) showed improvement in inflammatory markers and clinical symptoms in some patients (Steed et al., 2010, Gut Microbes). However, larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are scarce, and meta-analyses generally conclude that while probiotics may help maintain remission in ulcerative colitis, the evidence for Crohn’s Disease is weak and inconsistent (Huang et al., 2017, Inflamm Bowel Dis).

In summary, while there is some scientific basis for the use of Bifidobacteria in Crohn's Disease, the evidence is limited and not robust. More high-quality clinical trials are needed to determine efficacy. Current guidelines do not recommend probiotics as standard therapy for Crohn’s Disease.