WHAT IS THE ROLE OF PROBIOTICS FOR PATIENTS WITH IBD?

As the use of probiotics continues to increase in popularity, it is not uncommon to encounter a patient or family member inquiring about the efficacy of probiotics for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In recent years probiotics have gained considerable media attention and can be easily obtained from the local grocery store, pharmacy, or internet. Physicians frequently treat patients with IBD with probiotics as an adjunct to standard IBD therapy. However, despite the widespread use and popularity of probiotics, the supporting evidence is rather limited.