Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that results in the continuous inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tracts, and it is comprised of Crohn’s disease (CD) as well as ulcerative colitis (UC). Several lines of evidence are emerging that probiotics - live beneficial microorganisms - are key in the regulation of natural GI tract flora and improvement of IBD-related clinical results. The purpose of this study was to assess and summarize the available data on probiotics’ effectiveness in improving the symptoms of this clinical condition. A thorough search for relevant articles published between the years 2014 and 2024 was conducted using databases such as EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and PubMed. The review was focused on research that analyzed the probiotic effects in IBD, specifically about Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies reporting on symptom improvement, remission rates, quality of life, and inflammatory markers. Randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, cohort and case-control studies were included. The review highlighted that probiotics, specifically the VSL#3 formulation, demonstrated potential as an adjunctive therapy for IBD. Clinically, they help alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and support gut wall repair. Nevertheless, heterogeneity in study designs, probiotic strains, and dosages preclude firm conclusions from being drawn. Although the current evidence is positive in this context, new research directions are needed by launching more extensive and well-organized clinical trials to serve as a reference point for standardizing probiotics use and principles of treatment administration; also considering their long-term safety among patients with IBD.
Key words: Inflammatory bowel disease, probiotics, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, therapeutic potential
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