Just out! April 2025 in Nutrients
A recent narrative review published in Nutrients (April 2025) explores the role of supplements in managing Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a condition where excess bacteria disrupt digestion and cause symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. With antibiotic treatments often followed by relapses, this review highlights how targeted supplements can support gut health, reduce symptoms, and improve treatment success.
While antibiotics remain a cornerstone of therapy, the potential of probiotics, herbal antimicrobials, fiber, and mucosal protectants to complement conventional care is gaining strong scientific support.
What Supplements Help with SIBO?
Key supplements that show promise include:
- Probiotics: Strains like Saccharomyces boulardii and Bifidobacterium can help restore microbial balance. Saccharomyces boulardii stands out for its resilience during antibiotic therapy, boosting symptom relief and bacterial eradication rates.
- Herbal Antibiotics: Natural extracts such as oregano oil and berberine offer antibacterial effects comparable to pharmaceuticals, with fewer side effects and may be used alongside or instead of antibiotics.
- Fiber Supplements: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum enhances intestinal motility, which is crucial in preventing bacterial stagnation and relapse. It may also improve the effectiveness of antibiotics.
- Mucosal Protectants: Ingredients like xyloglucan and pea protein form protective layers on the gut lining, reducing bacterial adhesion and inflammation to ease symptoms like bloating.
What Does the Research Say?
Studies report that probiotic supplementation alongside antibiotics significantly improves treatment outcomes, with better symptom control and higher bacterial clearance rates than antibiotics alone. Herbal compounds show comparable efficacy in some trials and may reduce side effects. Fiber supplements support gut motility and are linked to fewer relapses. Mucosal protectants are emerging as a novel approach to protect the intestinal barrier, which may help reduce discomfort and support healing.
Dr. Hunt on What This Means for You
Choose supplements with proven probiotics, herbal antimicrobials, and gut-friendly fibers to support treatment and symptom relief. Combined with diet and lifestyle changes, they offer a powerful way to manage SIBO and reduce relapse risk.