Beneo study reveals chicory fiber may have prebiotic effect, improving microbiome function

02 Sep 2022 --- Researchers have found that inulin-type fructans in chicory root fiber can increase the amount of Bifidobacteria in the microbiome. The researchers also found that the fibers increased the bacteria and improved bowel function among all age groups.

This is the first study of its kind conducted on the effects of chicory root fiber through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of 50 randomized and controlled clinical trials that included 2,495 participants ages 0-83. 

“I am extremely pleased that this detailed critical systematic review with meta-analyses has been conducted,” says Anke Sentko, vice president, regulatory affairs and nutrition communication at Beneo, a producer of chicory root derived prebiotic fibers. 

Scouring the researchThe study reveals that the inulin and oligofructose in chicory root fiber promotes Bifidobacteria growth.
The researchers utilized the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and Interventions in order to find which trials should be included, a process they say is considered to be one of the strongest methods in the hierarchy of scientific evidence. 

Through their research, they found that oligofructose, inulin and combinations of the two significantly increased the amount of Bifidobacteria in the microbiome. 

Bifidobacteria is known to be one of the first bacteria to populate the microbiome and has been linked to increased immunity, metabolism and digestion.

The study, published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, states that the introduction of three 20 g doses of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans a day increased the amount of Bifidobacteria and other helpful microorganisms in the gut. Furthermore, it improved bowel regularity and stool frequency in adults as well as allowing for softer stools in infants and children due to the increased metabolism of bacteria in the large intestine.

“Following the highest quality scientific evidence methodology, the prebiotic effect of inulin-type fructans sourced from the chicory root is confirmed,” Sentko explains. “It yet again shows that integrating chicory root fibers into a person’s daily diet supports Bifidobacteria and thus their gut microbiome, while also improving the bowel functions of the very young to the very old.”

Focus on prebiotic fiberThe fibers were also helped to improve digestion and bowel regularity in all age groups.
The researchers and Beneo both maintain that this study conclusively proves that chicory root fiber is a prebiotic as defined by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, as well as proves the fiber’s bifidogenic properties.

Beneo states its own all-natural, non-GMO and clean-label prebiotic fiber product, Orafti, supports a healthy gut microbiota as the fibers appear to be the preferred food of these “good” bacteria and microorganisms. 

Moreover, the company asserts that its gentle hot water extraction method preserves the prebiotic effects of the root’s fibers as well as the inulin and oligofructose.

Edited by William Bradford Nichols