By Dr Pranab Gyawali, Consultant Gastroenterologist
Over the last 25 years, I’ve treated thousands of patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), and IBS.
And one question that keeps coming up—especially after my recent videos—is this:
“Do any supplements actually help heal leaky gut, especially in IBD?”
This post is Part 3 of my leaky gut series.
In Parts 1 & 2, we covered what leaky gut is, how it relates to Crohn’s and colitis, and how lifestyle and food choices can help support your gut lining.
But many of you wanted a deeper dive into the specific supplements I mentioned—especially the ones commonly promoted online.
So in this article, I break down the three most popular supplements people ask me about—and how I personally rate them based on the science.
1. L-Glutamine
What it does:
L-glutamine is the main fuel source for the cells lining your gut. It supports tight junction repair, reduces inflammation, and may help rebuild a damaged barrier.
Evidence in leaky gut/IBS:
- Strong support from animal and in vitro studies
- Shown to help in athletes, chemotherapy patients, and IBS
Rating: 8 /10
Evidence in Crohn’s/UC:
Mixed results. Some small studies show benefit in symptom reduction or healing post-surgery, but no major effects in active disease.
Rating: 5/10
Food sources:
Chicken, turkey, spinach, cabbage, eggs, bone broth
My take:
Worth considering in remission or IBS-type symptoms, but not a cure-all.
2. Zinc Carnosine (Polaprezinc)
What it does:
Zinc-carnosine is used widely in Japan to heal gastric ulcers. It helps stimulate mucin production, reduce inflammation, and promote mucosal healing.
Evidence in leaky gut/NSAID injury:
Good data from animal models and small clinical trials
Rating: 8 /10
Evidence in UC/Crohn’s:
One human study showed improved endoscopic healing in mild-to-moderate UC
Less evidence in Crohn’s
Rating: 6/10
Important:
This is not the same as regular zinc. Use the zinc-carnosine complex form. Can cause copper deficiency if taken in high doses.
My take:
Promising in mild UC or NSAID injury, but not well studied in Crohn’s.
3. Saccharomyces boulardii
What it does:
This probiotic yeast can help restore balance in the gut microbiome, reduce gut permeability, and protect the barrier during stress or antibiotic use.
Evidence in IBS/leaky gut:
Effective in traveler’s diarrhea, IBS-D, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Rating: 8/10
Evidence in IBD:
Some small studies suggest reduced Crohn’s relapse rates.
Less consistent benefit in UC
Avoid during active flares or immunosuppression
Rating: 5-6/10
My take:
Use with caution. May help in Crohn’s remission; less consistent in UC.
A Word of Caution
These supplements are not substitutes for medication.
If you have Crohn’s, UC, or IBS, always consult your IBD specialist or gastroenterologist before starting anything new—especially if you're on biologics, steroids, or immunosuppressants.
I share these insights because many of my patients have heard about these supplements online and want evidence-based answers.
I regularly see patients in Dubai with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS, and gut-related autoimmune issues.
If you’re looking for personalized care, functional gut support, or help navigating gut healing in IBD—feel free to book a consultation.
For leaky gut, Crohn’s, UC, or IBS — real results come from a combination of personalised treatment, evidence-based diet, stress management, sleep, and targeted supplements when appropriate.
Explore more on gut health in Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best supplement for leaky gut?
There’s no “one size fits all.” L-Glutamine, Zinc Carnosine, and Saccharomyces boulardii can help — but only if used correctly, with medical guidance.
Can I use supplements instead of medication for Crohn’s or UC?
No. Supplements may support gut healing, but they are not a replacement for your prescribed IBD treatment plan.
Where can I get gut health advice in Dubai?
If you live in Dubai and want trusted, personalised care for Crohn’s, UC, or IBS, I’d be happy to help you at my clinic.
Is Saccharomyces boulardii safe for Crohn’s or UC?
It can help prevent relapse in UC when stable — but it’s not recommended during active flares or when using immunosuppressants.
Recommended IBD Guides
- Crohn’s disease treatment
- Ulcerative colitis treatment
- Learn about Biologicals used in UC and Crohn’s in Dubai
- Gut microbiome in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Predicting biologic treatment success in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
- How biologics work in Crohn’s and colitis
- Why not to stay on steroids in Crohn’s and colitis
Natural Supplements, Gut Barrier and IBD
- Top leaky gut supplements for Crohn’s, UC and IBS
- Aloe vera for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
- Slippery elm for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
- BPC 157 for gut healing
- Curcumin and Qing Dai in ulcerative colitis
- Vitamin D and gut health in Crohn’s, colitis and IBS
- Supplements and gut health
- Leaky gut in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
- Four science backed tips to support your gut barrier in Crohn’s or UC
Diet, Microbiome and IBD Inflammation
- Diet, microbiome and biologic response in IBD
- How the Oxygen Trap may drive IBD
- Gut microbiome and Crohn’s disease flares
- How gut bacteria unlock natural anti inflammatory pathways
- Crohn’s disease diet and gut friendly foods
- Can food help calm Crohn’s disease?
- Foods to avoid in Crohn’s and colitis
- Plant based diet and Crohn’s disease
- Elemental diet in Crohn’s disease
- Probiotics for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
Modern IBD Treatment and Precision Biologics
- IBD treatment update for Crohn’s and colitis patients in Dub
- Rinvoq for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
- Tremfya guselkumab for Crohn’s and colitis
- Tremfya long term results in ulcerative colitis
- New omics research predicting biologic response in IBD
- Predicting vedolizumab response early in IBD
- Vedolizumab in Crohn’s disease and why timing may change results
- Icotrokinra oral IL-23 therapy for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
- How we choose the right biologic for Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
IBD Symptoms, Deficiencies and Safety Checks
- SIBO in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
- Iron deficiency and anaemia in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
- B12 and folate deficiency in Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
- Rectal bleeding in Dubai
- Gluten and IBD
- Flu vaccines for IBD patients on biologics
- Stress and the gut brain axis in IBD
IBD Tests, Monitoring and Gut Health Investigations
- Capsule endoscopy for small bowel Crohn’s disease
- Hydrogen and methane breath test for SIBO
- Gut microbiome test in Dubai
- MRI abdomen and MR enterography for Crohn’s disease
- CT abdomen and CT enterography for Crohn’s disease
- Diagnostic tests for gastrointestinal disorders
If you wish to discuss this further or would like to make an appointment, please use the booking form on this page. Expect a response within 12 business hours.