Effect of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans on abundance of Bifidobacterium and on bowel function: a systematic review with meta-analyses

Abstract

Inulin-type fructans are considered to stimulate the growth of beneficial microorganisms, like Bifidobacterium in the gut and support health. However, both the fructan source and chemical structure may modify these effects. A systematic review was conducted to assess the effects of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans consumed either in specific foods or as dietary supplements on abundance of Bifidobacterium in the gut and on health-related outcomes. Three electronic databases and two clinical trial registries were systematically searched until January 2021. Two authors independently selected randomized controlled trials that investigated with a protocol of minimum seven days supplementation the effect of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans on Bifidobacterium abundance in any population. Meta-analyses with random-effects model were conducted on Bifidobacterium abundance and bowel function parameters. We evaluated risk of bias using Cochrane RoB tool. Chicory-derived inulin-type fructans at a dose of 3–20 g/day significantly increased Bifidobacterium abundance in participants with an age range from 0 to 83 years (standardized mean difference: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.58–1.08; p < 0.01; 50 studies; 2525 participants). Significant bifidogenic effects were observed in healthy individuals and in populations with health impairments, except gastrointestinal disorders. Significant beneficial effects on bowel function parameters were observed in healthy subjects. Chicory-derived inulin-type fructans may have significant bifidogenic effects and may beneficially influence bowel function in healthy individuals. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020162892.

Keywords:

• Bifidogenic
• prebiotic
• gut health
• stool parameters

Author contributions

DUN was responsible for the literature screening, data extraction, data analysis, data interpretation and writing. SL was responsible for study design, literature search, data interpretation, and writing. BB and KASB were responsible for the literature screening and data extraction. TD was responsible for data interpretation and provided expert advice. JVH provided help during the title and abstract screening and provided expert advice. ST provided expert advice. Corresponding author had full access to all data in the study and had final responsibility for the decision to submit for publication. All authors reviewed, discussed and accepted the final version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

JVH is a Manager Nutrition Science for BENEO. ST is the Head of Nutrition Science for BENEO. This work was financially supported by BENEO. BENEO had no role in the final decision about the inclusion or exclusion of records, data extraction, data analysis, data interpretation and risk assessment.

Data availability statement

All relevant data are within the paper.

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by BENEO. The study was supported also by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office Hungary (https://nkfih.gov.hu, Grant number: 120193).