Psyllium fiber (Plantago ovata) is sometimes used as an adjunct dietary therapy in Crohn’s disease, primarily due to its known benefits for bowel regulation and gut health. There is emerging, though limited, scientific evidence supporting its use in this context. Psyllium is a soluble fiber that forms a gel when mixed with water, which can help regulate stool consistency. Some small clinical studies and pilot trials have demonstrated that psyllium may improve stool frequency and consistency in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, and may promote beneficial changes in gut microbiota. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2017) found that psyllium supplementation, compared to placebo, was associated with increased production of short-chain fatty acids—particularly butyrate, which has anti-inflammatory properties important for gut health. However, these studies often include both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients, making it difficult to draw disease-specific conclusions.

While dietary fiber has traditionally been avoided in IBD during flares due to concerns about obstruction, psyllium’s soluble nature is generally considered safer than insoluble fibers. Still, clinical guidelines do not strongly endorse psyllium for Crohn’s disease management, citing insufficient high-quality evidence and a need for more robust, disease-specific research. In summary, there is limited scientific support (evidence rating: 2/5) for the use of psyllium fiber as a supportive therapy in Crohn’s disease, primarily related to symptom management and potential gut microbiota modulation.