The importance of calcium for bone health
Strong bones are essential for maintaining an active lifestyle and overall physical resilience. Calcium plays a critical role, not only in building and maintaining bone density, but also in supporting muscle function and metabolism. However, only about 30% of dietary calcium is absorbed, so making the most of our intake is crucial. Peak bone mass is reached by early adulthood, after which bone density declines – especially in perimenopausal women. Therefore, achieving high bone density early in life is essential for maintaining long-term bone health and promoting healthy aging.

Chicory root fiber’s role in calcium absorption
Most calcium is absorbed in the small intestine with the help of vitamin D. However, chicory root fibers, particularly a blend of shorter and longer chain inulin, enhance calcium absorption throughout the large intestine, effectively creating an additional site for uptake. These prebiotic fibers work to increase calcium bioavailability, supporting its absorption independent of vitamin D. Research, including a one-year study at the USDA Children’s Nutrition Research Center, shows that a daily intake of 8 g chicory root fiber significantly improves calcium absorption and bone mineral density in adolescents.
The study confirmed that the additionally absorbed calcium reaches the bones, highlighting chicory root fiber’s unique role in supporting bone health. The main mechanism is that prebiotic fermentation of chicory root fiber lowers the pH in the colon, creating an acidic environment that improves calcium solubility. These fibers may also increase the gut’s absorptive surface, support the production of calcium-binding proteins and have direct effects on bone mineralization.

A natural way to support bone health
This ongoing research underscores the role of prebiotic chicory root fibers in maintaining strong bones. They offer a simple, natural way to enhance calcium absorption and support bone health across various life stages, from adolescence to perimenopausal women and older adults.
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References
Abrams SA, Griffin IJ, Hawthorne KM et al. (2005) A combination of prebiotic short- and long-chain inulin-type fructans enhances calcium absorption and bone mineralization in young adolescents. Am J Clin Nutr 82(2): 471–476. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-pdf/82/2/471/23960080/znu00805000471.pdf
Holloway L, Moynihan S, Abrams SA et al. (2007) Effects of oligofructose-enriched inulin on intestinal absorption of calcium and magnesium and bone turnover markers in postmenopausal women. Br J Nutr 97(2):365–372. International Osteoporosis Foundation (2019) IOF Compendium of Osteoporosis. https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/sites/iofbonehealth/files/2020-01/IOF-Compendium-of-Osteoporosis-web-V02.pdf