Research Topic · Peer-Reviewed

Chicory Roots

Chicory roots are the thickened taproots of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus), valued in nutrition chiefly as a concentrated source of inulin, a soluble dietary fiber. Inulin from chicory functions as a prebiotic, meaning it is not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract but is fermented by beneficial bacte…

Curated from this journal's research 📚 1 peer-reviewed article cited Cited 31× across the literature 🔖 ISSN 2379-7835 🗓 Reviewed July 2026

Overview

Chicory roots are the thickened taproots of the chicory plant (Cichorium intybus), valued in nutrition chiefly as a concentrated source of inulin, a soluble dietary fiber. Inulin from chicory functions as a prebiotic, meaning it is not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract but is fermented by beneficial bacteria in the colon, supporting gut microbial balance. Chicory root and its inulin are widely used as a fiber supplement, a natural sweetener component, and a fat or sugar replacer in foods, and roasted chicory root is also used as a caffeine-free coffee substitute. Research interest centers on inulin's effects on digestive health, the gut microbiome, mineral absorption, and glycemic and appetite responses. As a topic within the International Journal of Nutrition, chicory roots sit alongside broader work on dietary fiber, functional foods, and the relationship between food composition and health. Research relevant to this area examines how prebiotic fibers and plant-derived nutrients influence digestion, metabolism, and overall well-being. This page gathers peer-reviewed, open-access research relevant to chicory roots, dietary fiber, and their role in human nutrition.

Research published in this journal

1 peer-reviewed article, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.

How this research is being cited

The 1 article above has been cited 31 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.

A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on Chicory Roots, linking to each citing work.

Editorial oversight

Curated from peer-reviewed research published in International Journal of Nutrition (ISSN 2379-7835).

Journal editorial board
Kadri Koppel · United States Alicja Kuban-Jankowska · Poland Luigia Pazzagli · Italy

This page summarises published research for orientation; it is not medical or professional advice.