IngredientsWeight
IngredientsWeight Management Benefits of ChicoryRoot Fibers confirmed via systematicreview with meta-analysesIntake of chicory root fibers significantly reduces body weight, BMI, fat mass and waist circumferenceA new systematic literature review withmeta-analyses, conducted by Reimer etali, demonstrates that chicory root fiberintake promotes a significant reductionin body weight, body mass index (BMI),fat mass, waist circumference and, toa certain extent, body fat percentage.Based on this review, there is noweven stronger evidence to show thatsupplementation with chicory rootfiber can lead to clinically meaningfulreductions in body weight and otherweight management parameters.Obesity is a major risk factor for dietrelatednon-communicable diseases.With one in eight people in the worldliving with obesity and 2.5 billion adultsoverweight,ii weight management hasbecome a global health priority. Withthis in mind, these findings are of keyimportance, as they demonstratethat chicory root fiber inulin andoligofructose are effective and shouldbe incorporated into products thataim to deliver science-based, positiveresults.Included in the systematic reviewwith meta-analyses, consideredthe strongest methodology in thehierarchy of scientific evidence, were32 randomised controlled trials andalmost 1200 participants. The studieswere selected based on an extensiveliterature search and review processthat followed the guidelines of theCochrane Handbook for SystematicReviews and Interventionsiii andthe PRISMA standards of quality forreporting systematic reviews andmeta- analyses.iv The inclusion criteriafor the studies were based on theconsumption of chicory root fiber inrandomised controlled trials that weredesigned to gauge its effect on bodyweight, BMI, total body fat, body fatpercentage, or waist circumference inadults of all health conditions.Body weight was the primary outcomeparameter for the systematicreview with meta- analyses. Thiswas determined in 29 of the trialsthat involved 1184 adults, and thesedemonstrated that supplementationwith chicory root fiber resulted in astatistically significant and clinicallymeaningful 2% reduction in bodyweight compared with the placebo.A priori 1 subgroup analysis based onchicory root fiber dose also highlighteda significant reduction in body weightat a dose of 10g/d 2 . In addition, thereview revealed that the effectivenessof chicory root fiber on weight loss14 food Marketing & Technology • February 2025
Ingredientswas not reduced over time, butbecame even more pronounced. Theresearchers further reported thatweight loss was achieved independentof the health status of the individual.Alongside reduced weight, chicoryroot fiber was shown to supportreductions in BMI, fat mass and waistcircumference parameters. Also, whenthe supplementation lasted for atleast 8 weeks 3 , a reduction in body fatpercentage was noted.Commenting on the findings, Prof. Dr.Raylene Reimer, University of Calgary,Canada, said: “Prebiotics have beeninvestigated for their ability to modulatethe gut microbiota and affect variousaspects of metabolic health. Thissystematic review and meta-analysesshow that inulin- type fructans,specifically those derived from chicoryroot, beneficially impact multiple facetsof body weight management. Giventhe positive outcomes seen across awide range of participants, chicory rootprebiotic fiber could be an importanttool to help promote improved weightmanagement.”BENEO’s prebiotic fibers, Orafti® Inulinand Oligofructose, are inulin-typefructans. They are natural, non-GMO,clean label prebiotic fibers that arederived from chicory root via a gentlehot water extraction method, unlikesome other fibers that are artificiallyor chemically made. They can be usedin a wide range of food and beverageapplications including baby food,according to national legislations. Asproven prebiotics, chicory root fibers(inulin, oligofructose) support a healthygut microbiota and selectively promotethe growth of beneficial microorganisms,such as Bifidobacteria, in the gut. Beingprebiotics, they also trigger a cascadeof metabolic effects, resulting in thepromotion of satiety, thereby helpingpeople to naturally reduce their foodintake.fmt1. A priori is a term applied to knowledge consideredto be true without being based on previousexperience or observation.2. This value is derived from the median of the investigatedstudies.3. This value is derived from the median of the investigatedstudies.Other references are available on request.For more information:www.beneo.comfood Marketing & Technology • February 202515
