Weight management benefits of chicory root fibers confirmed via systematic review with meta-analyses

Intake of chicory root fibers significantly reduces body weight, BMI, fat mass, and waist circumference

A new systematic literature review with meta-analyses, conducted by Reimer et al[i], demonstrates that chicory root fiber intake promotes a significant reduction in body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, waist circumference, and, to a certain extent, body fat percentage. Based on this review, there is now even stronger evidence to show that supplementation with chicory root fiber can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in body weight and other weight management parameters.

Obesity is a major risk factor for diet-related non-communicable diseases. With one in eight people in the world living with obesity and 2.5 billion adults overweight,[ii] weight management has become a global health priority. With this in mind, these findings are of key importance, as they demonstrate that chicory root fiber inulin and oligofructose are effective and should be incorporated into products that aim to deliver science-based, positive results.

Included in the systematic review with meta-analyses, considered the strongest methodology in the hierarchy of scientific evidence, were 32 randomized controlled trials and almost 1200 participants. The studies were selected based on an extensive literature search and review process that followed the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and Interventions[iii] and the PRISMA standards of quality for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses.[iv] The inclusion criteria for the studies were based on the consumption of chicory root fiber in randomized controlled trials that were designed to gauge its effect on body weight, BMI, total body fat, body fat percentage, or waist circumference in adults of all health conditions.

Body weight was the primary outcome parameter for the systematic review with meta-analyses. This was determined in 29 of the trials that involved 1184 adults, and these demonstrated that supplementation with chicory root fiber resulted in a statistically significant and clinically meaningful 2% reduction in body weight compared with the placebo. A priori[v] subgroup analysis based on chicory root fiber dose also highlighted a significant reduction in body weight at a dose of ≤10g/d[vi]. In addition, the review revealed that the effectiveness of chicory root fiber on weight loss was not reduced over time, but became even more pronounced. The researchers further reported that weight loss was achieved independent of the health status of the individual.

Alongside reduced weight, chicory root fiber was shown to support reductions in BMI, fat mass, and waist circumference parameters. Also, when the supplementation lasted for at least 8 weeks[vii], a reduction in body fat percentage was noted.

Commenting on the findings, Prof. Dr. Raylene Reimer, University of Calgary, Canada: said: “Prebiotics have been investigated for their ability to modulate the gut microbiota and affect various aspects of metabolic health. This systematic review and meta-analyses show that inulin-type fructans, specifically those derived from chicory root, beneficially impact multiple facets of body weight management. Given the positive outcomes seen across a wide range of participants, chicory root prebiotic fiber could be an important tool to help promote improved weight management.”

BENEO’s prebiotic fibers, Orafti® Inulin and Oligofructose, are inulin-type fructans. They are natural, non-GMO, clean-label prebiotic fibers that are derived from chicory root via a gentle hot water extraction method, unlike some other fibers that are artificially or chemically made. They can be used in a wide range of food and beverage applications including baby food, according to national legislations. As proven prebiotics, chicory root fibers (inulin, oligofructose) support a healthy gut microbiota and selectively promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms, such as Bifidobacteria, in the gut. Being prebiotics, they also trigger a cascade of metabolic effects, resulting in the promotion of satiety, thereby helping people to naturally reduce their food intake.

ENDS

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The BENEO-Institute is an organization that brings together BENEO’s expertise from Nutrition Science and Legislation teams. It acts as an advisory body for customers and partners reaching from ingredient approval, physiological effects, and nutritional composition to communication, education, and labeling. The BENEO-Institute works on topics related to the microbiome and prebiotics, digestive health and well-being, blood sugar management and the achievement of lower glycemic diets, cognition, and mental health, as well as bone health. It also addresses nutrition-related questions regarding protein and fiber intake requirements, sugar reduction, and more.

The BENEO-Institute facilitates access to the latest scientific research and knowledge throughout all nutritional and regulatory topics related to BENEO ingredients. It provides BENEO customers and partners with substantiated guidance for some of the most critical questions in the food and feed industry, as well as public health. BENEO is a division of the Südzucker Group that employs more than 1,200 people and has production units in Belgium, Chile, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.

[i] Reimer RA, Theis S, Zanzer YC. The effects of chicory inulin-type fructans supplementation on weight management outcomes: systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 2024 Sep 21:S0002-9165(24)00751-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.09.019. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39313030.

[ii] World Health Organization, Obesity and Oveweight, 1 March 2024, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

[iii] Higgins JPT, Thomas J, Chandler J, Cumpston M, Li T, Page MJ, Welch VA, eds. Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. 2nd Edition. John Wiley & Sons: Chichester (UK). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781119536604#:~:text=Cochrane%20Handbook%20for%20Systematic%20Reviews%20of%20Interventions.%20Editor?msockid=19fad51910c86e391a14c18d110e6fd8

[iv] Page et al. (2021) The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 372:n71. https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n71

[v] A priori is a term applied to knowledge considered to be true without being based on previous experience or observation.

[vi] This value is derived from the median of the investigated studies.

[vii] This value is derived from the median of the investigated studies.

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