Chicory root prebiotic supplement shown to support weight management, study shows

Image | adobe.stock/Ljupco Smokovski

A recent literature review¹ examined the effects of chicory root fiber supplementation in adult humans on weight, body mass index (BMI), total body fat, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. As the study explained, the prebiotics inulin-type fructans (ITFs), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs), and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOSs) – which can be derived from chicory root, agave, artichokes, and others – are considered to have the most evidence to suggest health benefits. The study, “The effects of chicory inulin-type fructans supplementation on weight management outcomes: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials,” was published in November 2024 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study received funding from the BENEO Institute, a producer of food ingredients including prebiotic fructans and polyols.

In the review, 32 studies from January to August 2021 and from February 2023 were evaluated in total, with the primary outcome of body weight. The four secondary outcomes were BMI, total body fat, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. The researchers specifically selected studies that were randomized controlled trials and focused on chicory root sources of ITF. Most of the studies required participants to maintain their usual diet and exercise routine, though eight out of the 32 required participants to follow an energy-restricted diet. Furthermore, the overall median dose of chicory ITF was10 g per day and the duration of the trials ranged from 4–36 weeks with a median duration of 12 weeks.

Highlighted results included:

• Chicory ITF significantly reduced body weight, BMI, fat mass, and waist circumference, compared with placebo
• For body weight, studies with a duration longer than eight weeks showed more reductions in body weight
• Waist circumference was reduced by an average of −1.72 cm after ITF supplementation

The analysis showed benefits for the healthy populations of participants as well as participants with a chronic disease. Overall, one of the implications from this study is that a median daily dose of 10 g of ITF supplementation could lead to a 2% reduction in body weight.

The researchers noted the extent and impact on health of obesity worldwide, and the potential role of gut microbiota, prebiotics in particular, in managing obesity. “Prebiotics have been investigated for their ability to modulate the gut microbiota and affect various aspects of metabolic health,” stated Professor Dr. Raylene Reimer, University of Calgary, and study author, in a January 9, 2025, press release². “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.”

Ultimately, the researchers noted in the conclusion that from their literature review, there is evidence to support chicory ITF supplementation as a strategy or as a co-therapy supporting weight management.

References

1. 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. The American Journal of Clinical. Nutrition 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.09.019.
2. Beneo. Weight management benefits of chicory root fibres confirmed via systematic review with meta-analyses https://www.beneo.com/news/benefits-of-chicory-root-fibres (accessed 2025-10-17).