Protocol · Digestive Health
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Adjunctive Support Protocol
Curcumin and Probiotics are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Adjunctive Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 2 graded
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Curcumin | Amount listed: 1–3 g daily with piperine or as bioavailable formulation | Potent anti-inflammatory that may help maintain remission and reduce disease activity in IBD
| Grade D for Crohn's Disease Symptoms92 people | ||
| Probiotics | Amount listed: VSL#3: 450–3,600 billion CFU daily; or other high-potency multi-strain formulas | May help restore gut microbiome balance and maintain remission, particularly in ulcerative colitis | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 2,000–5,000 IU daily (target 40–60 ng/mL) | Deficiency very common in IBD and associated with disease activity; supplementation may improve outcomes | Not graded yet | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA+DHA daily | Anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce colonic inflammation in IBD | Not graded yet | ||
| Resveratrol | Amount listed: 200–500 mg daily | Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that may reduce disease activity and oxidative stress
| Grade B for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms1 study · 105 people | ||
| Glutamine | Amount listed: 10–20 g daily | Primary fuel for intestinal cells; may support gut barrier repair | Not graded yet | ||
| Boswellia Serrata | Amount listed: 300–400 mg standardized extract 3 times daily | Anti-inflammatory herb that inhibits 5-lipoxygenase; studied for IBD | Not graded yet | ||
| Iron | Amount listed: IV iron often preferred; oral if tolerated (18–65 mg daily) | Addresses iron-deficiency anemia common in IBD due to blood loss and malabsorption | Not graded yet | ||
| Zinc | Amount listed: 25–50 mg daily | Deficiency common in IBD; supports wound healing and gut barrier function | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
The supplement in this protocol graded A or B. Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade B
We earn from purchases made in our Fullscript store, and links to Fullscript, iHerb or Thorne carry our referral, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Grades come from the research and never change based on what we earn. Full disclosure
How this protocol works
In plain language
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis - chronic conditions causing inflammation of the digestive tract. IBD involves immune system dysfunction, with the body attacking the gut lining. Symptoms include diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. IBD alternates between flares and remission. While medication is the foundation of treatment, certain supplements may help reduce inflammation, support gut healing, and maintain remission.
CRITICAL: IBD is a serious medical condition requiring gastroenterologist care. Standard treatments include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics. These supplements are ADJUNCTIVE - they support but don't replace medical treatment. Always inform your GI doctor about supplements, as some may interact with medications or affect disease monitoring.
Curcumin* (from turmeric) is one of the most promising supplements for IBD. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects through multiple pathways. Clinical trials show it helps maintain remission in ulcerative colitis and may reduce disease activity. Use a bioavailable form for better absorption.
Probiotics* help restore the disrupted gut microbiome in IBD. The high-potency VSL#3 formulation has the most evidence, particularly for ulcerative colitis and pouchitis. Probiotics are more established for ulcerative colitis than Crohn's disease.
Vitamin D* deficiency is very common in IBD (up to 60-75% of patients) and associated with more active disease. Vitamin D has immunomodulatory effects and maintaining adequate levels may help reduce flares and improve outcomes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids* have anti-inflammatory effects, though evidence in IBD is mixed. They may provide modest benefit as part of a comprehensive approach.
Resveratrol* has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Early clinical trials in ulcerative colitis showed promising results in reducing disease activity.
Glutamine* is the primary fuel for intestinal cells. It supports gut barrier function and may help with healing, though clinical evidence in IBD is limited.
Boswellia* is an Ayurvedic herb with anti-inflammatory effects through 5-lipoxygenase inhibition. Some studies show benefit in Crohn's disease.
Iron* supplementation is often necessary in IBD due to iron-deficiency anemia from chronic blood loss and poor absorption. IV iron is often better tolerated and more effective than oral iron.
Zinc* deficiency is common in IBD and can impair wound healing. Supplementation may support gut barrier repair.
Expected timeline: Curcumin and anti-inflammatory herbs: 4-8 weeks for effects. Probiotics: 2-4 weeks to shift microbiome. Vitamin D: 8-12 weeks to optimize levels. Iron: 4-8 weeks to improve anemia. These supplements provide ongoing support alongside medical therapy.