Are probiotics useful for ulcerative colitis at 28?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 28 years old and have ulcerative colitis that is mostly controlled with medication, but I am constantly seeing arguments online about probiotics.

Some people swear they transformed their symptoms, while others claim they are a complete waste of money. After reading all of that, I keep wondering whether probiotics are truly useless for managing bowel disease at 28 years old?

Because I would rather not spend money on supplements that will not actually help, my symptoms are better than they were during active flares, but I still deal with occasional urgency and abdominal discomfort that makes me look for anything that might improve my quality of life.

My gastroenterologist has not strongly recommended probiotics one way or the other, which left me confused. I do not know whether they have any meaningful role in ulcerative colitis or if the benefits people report are mostly anecdotal.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have read your query and would like to guide you regarding your query.

Not at all. Probiotics are not a cure for ulcerative colitis, but they are not useless either. Some patients notice modest improvements in symptoms like bloating, urgency, or abdominal discomfort, while others see little to no benefit. The effects depend on the specific probiotic and the individual.

Since your ulcerative colitis is reasonably well controlled, probiotics could be something to discuss with your gastroenterologist, but I would view them as a possible supplement to your treatment, not a replacement.

The most important thing is continuing the medications that are keeping your disease under control.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.