Supporting healthy aging with chicory root fibers
Longevity means staying active, mobile and mentally sharp to enjoy life’s pleasures, from traveling to gardening. Alongside regular physical activity and a balanced diet, prebiotic fibers like those from chicory root (inulin and oligofructose) offer proven benefits that help support health and vitality also for individuals aged 55 and older.
The importance of gut health in aging
As we age, the gut microbiota, which influences numerous body systems, can become imbalanced due to dietary changes, medications or other factors. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, has been linked to frailty, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and more. Prebiotic chicory root fibers nourish beneficial gut bacteria, supporting a balanced microbiota that is important for overall health.
Proven benefits of chicory root fibers
- Digestive wellness: Constipation becomes more common with age. Chicory root fibers promote regular bowel movements and provide fuel for the gut microbiota, improving overall digestive function.
- Bone health: Maintaining bone mineral density is vital for reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Chicory root fibers enhance calcium absorption in the large intestine, supporting stronger bones over time.
- Immune function: A healthy gut microbiota promotes the immune system, much of which resides in the gut. Prebiotic chicory root fibers enhance this by promoting short-chain fatty acids, which help regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation-related risks as we age.
- Frailty and muscle health: Prebiotic fibers have been shown to reduce frailty by supporting the gut microbiota, which positively impacts muscle health and physical function.
- Weight and metabolic health: Chicory root fibers help regulate blood sugar levels, promote satiety and support weight management, all of which are essential for preventing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic concerns.
A path to longevity
There is no magic formula for healthy aging, but focusing on a nutrient-rich diet and functional ingredients like chicory root fibers can make a meaningful difference. Combined with regular physical activity and mental engagement, these fibers support digestive health, bone strength, immunity and overall well-being, promoting vitality at every stage of life.
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References
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://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17298707/
Micka A, Siepelmeyer A, Holz A et al. (2017) Effect of consumption of chicory inulin on bowel function in healthy subjects with constipation: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int J Food Sci Nutr 68(1):82–89. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10408398.2022.2098246?needAccess=true
Reimer RA, Theis S, Zanzer YC (2024) The effects of chicory inulin-type fructans supplementation on weight management outcomes: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. Am J Clin Nutr. 120(5):1245-1258. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39313030/
Theou O, Jayanama K, Fernández-Garrido J et al. (2019) Can a Prebiotic Formulation Reduce Frailty Levels in Older People? J Frailty Ageing 8(1): 48–52. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30734832
Vogt L, Meyer D, Pullens G et al. (2015) Immunological properties of inulin-type fructans. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 55(3): 414–436. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24915372