Gut health and immunity: An essential connection
Did you know that two-thirds of immune cells are located in the large intestine? This close connection between the gut and immune system makes gut health essential for a strong inner defense. Within the gut, beneficial bacteria like bifidobacteria help protect against harmful pathogens and research suggests that a healthy microbiota can support immunity.
Chicory root fiber strengthens immune defense
Prebiotic chicory root fibers, such as inulin and oligofructose, are key players in promoting a protective gut environment. By boosting bifidobacteria growth, chicory root fiber creates a less favorable setting for harmful pathogens. It also supports immune health by enhancing gut acidity, producing natural antimicrobial substances and maintaining a protective gut lining. Overall, a balanced microbiota with a substantial amount of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria helps counteract issues like dysbiosis (an imbalance in microbiota composition) and can reduce the negative impact of antibiotics on the gut.
Chicory root fiber’s benefits extend beyond the gut, positively influencing immune functions. It can help regulate immune responses, reduce inflammation and even enhance vaccine responses. There’s promising evidence suggesting that chicory root fiber might benefit people with immune-related conditions, including autoimmune diseases and allergies. Autoimmune diseases are a growing concern, with over 80 types affecting millions globally. Research continues to explore how prebiotics, including chicory root fiber, may help support immune health in individuals with these conditions.
Immune benefits across life stages
Throughout life, certain phases require special attention to immunity and gut health. Prebiotics can play a supportive role by fostering a healthy gut environment and promoting bifidobacteria growth and metabolism.
In infancy, this supports the development of the gut and the immune system. Later, as the immune system naturally weakens with age, reductions in bifidobacteria and dysbiosis occur. Prebiotic chicory root fibers help maintain immune defense by addressing these changes in the gut microbiota.
Chicory root fiber also contributes to lower blood sugar levels. Research shows that a high blood sugar level can significantly impact the immune response to infections. Therefore, a healthy blood sugar is not only relevant to reduce the risk for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Keeping the blood sugar in a healthy range plays a crucial role for immune health.
Chicory root fibers provide valuable support for a well-functioning immune system. This ongoing research is opening doors to new possibilities for prebiotics in immunity and longevity.
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References
Lohner S, Jakobik V, Mihályi K et al. (2018) Inulin-type fructan supplementation of 3 to 6 year-old children is associated with higher fecal bifidobacterium concentrations and fewer febrile episodes requiring medical attention. J Nutr 148(8): 1300–1308. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6074834/pdf/
Lomax AR, Cheung LVY, Noakes PS et al. (2015) Inulin-Type β2-1 Fructans have Some Effect on the Antibody Response to Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Healthy Middle-Aged Humans. Frontiers in Immunology 6: 490. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2015.00490/full
Neumer F, Urraca O, Alonso J et al. (2021) Long-Term Safety and Efficacy of Prebiotic Enriched Infant Formula—A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients 13(4): 1276. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/4/1276
Parnell JA, Klancic T, Reimer RA (2017) Oligofructose decreases serum lipopolysaccharide and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in adults with overweight/ obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring) 25(3): 510–513. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28229548