The benefits of prebiotic fibers for children and adolescents
As children grow, their nutritional needs change and the foundation for long-term health is established. Prebiotic fibers like inulin and oligofructose from chicory root can play a key role in supporting a healthy gut microbiota, immune function, bone strength and weight management during this important phase of life.
Supporting gut health and immunity
Chicory root fibers have been shown to promote a healthy gut microbiota by increasing levels of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria in children. These positive changes in gut composition contribute to better digestion, maintaining a well-functioning immune system and overall health. Studies in both kindergarten-aged children and adolescents confirm the effectiveness of chicory root fibers in enhancing gut microbiota balance. In kindergarten-aged children, prebiotic supplementation has been linked to significantly fewer infections, improved stool consistency and higher bifidobacteria counts, even during antibiotic treatment.
Building stronger bones
Bone development is critical during childhood and adolescence, as this is when the body builds peak bone mass, which determines bone health later in life. Research shows that chicory root fibers improve the absorption of key minerals like calcium, which is essential for building strong bones. The unique combination of short-chain (oligofructose) and long-chain inulin promotes calcium absorption along the entire length of the gut, significantly increasing its bioavailability. A one-year study in adolescents aged 9 to 13 found that prebiotic chicory root fiber intake led to higher calcium absorption and improved bone mineral density. This long-term benefit supports stronger bones and contributes to addressing the challenges of decreasing bone mineral density later in life.
Promoting healthy weight and growth
With childhood obesity rates rising globally, maintaining a healthy weight is a vital public health priority. Research confirmed that chicory root fibers can play an important role in weight management by promoting satiety, reducing calorie intake and supporting normal BMI (body mass index) growth during the school-age years. In studies with overweight children aged 7 to 12, chicory root fiber supplementation reduced appetite, decreased BMI and improved body fat composition. Even in non-obese children, chicory root fibers helped ensure a healthy BMI increase within the normal range for growth.
Wellness in growth
Chicory root fibers, such as inulin and oligofructose, offer wide-ranging benefits for children and adolescents. From supporting gut health and immunity to promoting strong bones and healthy weight gain, these natural prebiotics contribute to growth and development during the critical years of childhood and adolescence. The benefits of prebiotics are not limited to children and adolescents, they are equally impactful for infants and toddlers.
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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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16087995/
Hume MP, Nicolucci AC, Reimer RA (2017) Prebiotic supplementation improves appetite control in children with overweight and obesity: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 105(4): 790–799. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28228425
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
Nicolucci AC, Hume MP, Martínez I et al. (2017) Prebiotic reduces body fat and alters intestinal microbiota in children with overweight or obesity. Gastroenterology 153(3): 711–722. http://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(17)35698-6/pdf
Soldi S, Vasileiadis S, Lohner S et al. (2019) Prebiotic supplementation over a cold season and during antibiotic treatment specifically modulates the gut microbiota composition of 3-6 year-old children. Benef Microbes 10(3): 253–263. https://www.wageningenacademic.com/doi/pdf/10.3920/BM2018.0116