Chicory inulin supporting healthy blood glucose in diabetes

Diabetes affects around 540 million people worldwide and is expected to increase. It occurs when blood glucose levels remain high over time and can develop at any age. Without treatment, it can lead to heart disease, nerve and eye damage, kidney disease, and other issues. Managing blood glucose by limiting rapidly digestible sugars is recommended to lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Maintaining a healthy weight is also beneficial since obesity is a risk factor. Chicory root fiber has several valuable properties, such as being a sweet sugar replacement, lower in calories, and most importantly, as a soluble dietary fiber, it helps keep blood glucose levels low.

Sensus research showed that the low glycemic response of Frutafit^® inulin and Frutalose^® oligofructose make them suitable ingredients in food and beverage products for diabetics. Chicory inulin and oligofructose are dietary fibers that are not digested by the human digestive tract but instead reach the colon where the gut microbiota use them as an energy source, leading to a low glycemic response. Human clinical studies show inulin and oligofructose have a glycemic response ranging from 5 to 20%, compared to glucose's 100%.

Authorized European health claim

Chicory fiber has an authorised European health claim for lowering blood glucose, proven by clinical trials. To use this claim, sugars in food or drinks should be replaced with non-digestible carbohydrates like chicory inulin and oligofructose, reducing sugar content by at least 30%. Frutafit^® inulin and Frutalose^® oligofructose can substitute sugar without affecting taste. Chicory root fiber is ideal for developing products that support healthy blood glucose levels, with the health claim indicated on EU packaging. 

Mitigating side effects diabetic and anti-obesity medications

Overweight and obesity are linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, and weight loss is generally recommended to reduce this risk. Systematic reviews of multiple clinical trials in overweight or obese individuals show evidence that inulin/oligofructose can promote weight loss. This effect may be due to the microbiota metabolites produced in the colon, which circulate in the body and enhance satiety. Moreover, chicory root fiber has lower calories than sugar or starches. However, losing and maintaining weight remains challenging for many people. Chicory root fiber may reinforce the body's natural mechanisms for weight management and mitigate some side effects of certain diabetic and anti-obesity medications. New medications, such as glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), help individuals with diabetes and/or obesity but are associated with gastrointestinal issues and micronutrient deficiencies. Chicory root fiber may help address some of these issues, such as constipation by increasing stool frequency through fermentation, and supporting calcium uptake.

Contact our sales team to learn how chicory root fiber, along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, can help maintain low blood glucose levels and support weight management. Get more information on its benefits and potential use with anti-obesity or diabetic medication.