Not all bacteria are created equal, as evident by a study that identified components of probiotic bacteria that might actually assist doctors in treating inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD. Certain bacteria are believed to produce beneficial compounds that some researchers are isolating as a way to treat inflammation, particularly in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and to boost the immune system. Probiotic bacteria are often found in foods like yogurt.

The recent findings, to be published in the upcoming issue of the Journal of Medical Microbiology, focus on the chemical butyric acid (BA). BA is produced naturally by certain bacteria that colonize our intestines. However, in some patients suffering from IBD, BA production is compromised because of the absence or depletion of the probiotic strains. In fact, studies have shown that replacing these bacteria into the guts of animals restores BA to normal levels.

BA is known to have anti-inflammatory qualities. It is believed to strengthen cells that line the intestinal walls, which makes it good candidate in the treatment of IBD, which can result in severe abdominal pain and watery and bloody diarrhea.

IBD is an autoimmune disorder that is considered an emerging disease that affects genetically predisposed people (20 out 100,000) throughout Europe and North America. IBD manifests itself most commonly as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The exact causes are still unclear, but what doctors do know is that IBD stems from an overactive immune system that is in essence attacking our own bodies. Some experts believe that the immune response is linked to a bacterial imbalance in our bodies.

To date, conventional drug therapies include the use of steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immune suppressors. These medications, however, have limited efficacy in addition to significant side effects. The use of a probiotic treatment is desirable because these bacteria are harmless and occur naturally in our guts. Previous studies that focused on lactic acid bacteria proved to be somewhat limited, but led to an understanding of the greater role that BA might play in the process.

The challenges in developing a probiotic treatment for IBD, however, are significant, mainly because in order to the system to work, the bacteria will have to colonize the intestines. This is not easy in patients whose GI tracts have been depleted of BA producing bacteria in the first place.

Even still, probiotic bacteria represent a promising avenue in the treatment of IBD. IBD is different that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in that IBS is more a collection of symptoms than an actual disease.

It has been estimated that up to 1 million American have IBD. Though it can affect children and seniors, it primarily affects people between the ages of 15 and 30 years, particularly in western Europe and North America. The inflammation that results in the intestines can last for a long duration and can return again and again.

Symptoms include abdominal cramps, pain, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, and weight loss. If you suspect that you or someone you know has IBD, seek medical attention as soon as possible. For more information, visit the website for the National Institutes of Health and WebMD.