Even though research hasn’t conclusively linked probiotics with remission in Crohn’s disease, that doesn’t mean they can’t be helpful for people with Crohn’s.
“Probiotics have been shown to be helpful for gut health in general,” says Limketkai, and Crohn’s can cause downstream digestive issues.
“When someone has Crohn’s disease, while inflammation is one factor that drives their symptoms, inflammation itself is an injury process,” he says. “And so it also then gives rise to other kinds of digestive issues” like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which probiotics may be able to improve.
The big takeaway, says Limketkai, is that if someone with Crohn’s is dealing with symptoms typical of a gut microbiome imbalance, it probably can’t hurt to try taking probiotics. “The risk profile is low,” he says. “It’s generally helpful for the gut microbiome. That’s why it’s [sold] over the counter,” rather than by prescription. While there is a small risk of diarrhea, that’s true for anyone starting probiotics, not just people with Crohn’s, he says.
