The use of Bifidobacteria to support diverticulitis is primarily based on emerging scientific evidence, though the level of support is limited. Diverticulitis is an inflammatory complication of diverticulosis, and its pathogenesis is believed to involve alterations in gut microbiota, mucosal inflammation, and impaired barrier function. Bifidobacteria, a genus of beneficial gut bacteria, have been studied for their potential to modulate intestinal flora, reduce inflammation, and enhance mucosal health.

Some small clinical trials and observational studies have explored the effects of probiotic formulations containing Bifidobacteria (often combined with Lactobacillus species) in patients with diverticular disease. These studies suggest possible benefits in reducing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits, as well as lowering the recurrence of diverticulitis episodes. However, most of these studies involve mixed probiotics, not Bifidobacteria alone, and the sample sizes are typically small. For example, a randomized controlled trial by Kvasnovsky et al. (2013) found that a multi-strain probiotic including Bifidobacterium breve improved symptoms in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease.

Despite these findings, there is insufficient high-quality, large-scale evidence to conclusively support the routine use of Bifidobacteria for diverticulitis treatment or prevention. The evidence base is rated at 2 out of 5 due to limited clinical trials, variability in probiotic formulations, and lack of standardized protocols. More rigorous research is needed to establish efficacy and specific indications.