Most evidence indicates that probiotics, prebiotics (including resistant starch), and synbiotics are all equally, modestly effective for inducing remission and reducing some symptoms of IBD, especially in UC.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Though high-quality evidence is limited to just a few trials, cannabis and cannabinoids may improve quality of life and reduce abdominal pain and IBD symptoms.[7]
Emerging evidence suggests that resveratrol and curcumin might improve gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life, while vitamin D supplementation could reduce inflammation and encourage cell turnover for repair of the intestinal lining. In patients under 40, curcumin also improved remission rates.[8][9][10]
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, have also been studied for IBD. However, when taken in the form of supplements, PUFAs are ineffective for improving IBD remission rates or inflammatory markers.[11]