Chicory root fiber found to preserve children’s gut bacteria balance during antibiotic treatment

01 May 2019 --- Daily consumption of chicory root fiber can keep the level of bifidobacteria higher and more stable in children aged three to six years old during antibiotic treatment. This is according to a study conducted by Professor Tamàs Decsi from the University of Pécs, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School in Hungary. Conducted using Beneo’s Orafti, it is the first study to provide an in-depth examination into the effect of prebiotic chicory root fiber supplementation on the gut microbiota of toddlers, including those undertaking antibiotic treatment. Previous studies on the benefits of supplementation with chicory root fiber have also demonstrated a strengthening of the natural defense system in infants and children between birth and two years of age. 

“Young children are particularly susceptible to infectious diseases during the winter months that often need to be treated with antibiotics, which are known to significantly damage the microbiota. This kind of early disturbance of the microbiota composition can create an imbalance in the gut which may affect health in later years,” says Anke Sentko, Vice President Regulatory Affairs and Nutrition Communication at Beneo. 

In April, Beneo announced that it is now capable of producing organic inulin from chicory roots, in what the company claims is an industry first. 

In a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial, the researchers examined the effects of supplementation of 6g chicory root fiber (a composition of Beneo’s Orafti Inulin and Orafti Oligofructose) using maltodextrin as the control, on 258 healthy children aged three to six years, over a 24-week period during winter. 

The findings showed that regular consumption of prebiotic chicory root fiber keeps the level of beneficial bifidobacteria higher and more stable, reducing the antibiotic-induced disturbances of the microbiota composition. In general, the children undergoing antibiotic treatment showed a reduction of microbiota, including bifidobacteria. However, those children also receiving the prebiotic supplementation demonstrated a significantly higher presence of bifidobacteria versus the control. 

The research findings build on a previous study which demonstrated significantly reduced fibril episodes and sinusitis cases resulting from prebiotic chicory root fiber supplementation in young children. “Enriching a child’s nutrition with prebiotic chicory root fiber (inulin and oligofructose) is an easy and tasty way to boost their inner defense by supporting their beneficial bacteria,” Sentko notes.

Inulin and oligofructose are the only plant-based clinically proven prebiotics. Several studies support the beneficial impact of prebiotic chicory root fibers in promoting good bacteria in the gut and creating a more favorable environment in the large intestine. 

These fibers are the preferred nutrients for beneficial gut bacteria and therefore encourage positive modulation of the microbiota composition to take place. 

Due to its strong prebiotic value, consumers are increasingly recognizing the health benefits that a fibrous diet can bring – beyond keeping you regular. Inulin and inulin-type fructans are included in the list of fibers greenlighted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a regulatory announcement earlier this year. The promoted fibers can be classified as “dietary fibers” on the upcoming Nutrition Facts Label.