Fiber
Chicory
Also known as: Cichorium intybus, chicory extract, chicory fiber, inulin source
Chicory root extract is a natural source of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that may support digestive health and beneficial gut bacteria. Evidence for its efficacy is moderate, with some studies showing improvements in bowel regularity and microbiota composition.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Chicory product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutricost Chicory Root Capsules | 90 A | $0.12 |
| 2 | Thorne Liver Cleanse | 90 A | $0.45 |
| 3 | Codeage Akkermansia | 76 B+ | $0.28 |
| 4 | Integrative Therapeutics Pro-Biome | 70 B | $1.26 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Chicory should I take?
The typical range is 2–15 grams inulin daily (from chicory root extract or whole root). Ongoing daily use; effects on microbiota typically observed after 2–4 weeks of consistent use
When should I take Chicory?
With meals or as directed. Can be taken with or without food; with food may reduce GI discomfort.
Which form of Chicory is best?
Powder. Other forms in the catalog: Extract, Whole root, Capsules, Capsule, Dried root.
Is Chicory safe?
Commonly reported: Bloating, Gas, Abdominal discomfort, Loose stools (dose-dependent).
Which Chicory supplement scores highest?
Nutricost Chicory Root Capsules, at 90/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Prebiotic fiber supplementation
- Gut microbiome support
- Digestive health
- Bowel regularity
- Prebiotic support
- Gut microbiota support
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Chicory reached a verdict on: 6 with a benefit, 2 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (6)
“Chicory ITF supplementation may benefit weight management by reducing body weight, BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, and, to a certain extent, body fat percentage.” PMID 39313030
“Chicory inulin and probiotics reduced IBP in adults with a moderate GRADE level of evidence.” PMID 38931225
“This meta-analysis showed that chicory supplementation may exert potential hepatoprotective effects in patients with NAFLD.” PMID 37202083
“A significant positive effect on periodontal parameters (PPD, bleeding on probing) was found for vitamin E, chicory extract, juice powder, green tea, and oolong tea.” PMID 36986267
“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).” PMID 35833477
“Significant beneficial effects on bowel function parameters were observed in healthy subjects.” PMID 35833477
Not enough to say: glycaemic status and metabolic markers in diabetes; body fat percentage.
How it works
- Inulin acts as a prebiotic, selectively promoting growth of beneficial Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus
- Increases fecal bulk and stool frequency
- Modulates gut pH and short-chain fatty acid production
- Supports intestinal barrier function
Dosage
- Typical range
- 2–15 grams inulin daily (from chicory root extract or whole root)
- Timing
- With meals or as directed
- With food
- Can be taken with or without food; with food may reduce GI discomfort
- Duration
- Ongoing daily use; effects on microbiota typically observed after 2–4 weeks of consistent use
- Special populations
- Start with lower doses (2–5 g) and titrate up gradually to minimize initial bloating or gas; not recommended for patients with fructose malabsorption or FODMAP sensitivity
Forms
- Powder· 70/100
- Extract· 70/100
- Whole root· 70/100
- Capsules· 70/100
- Capsule· 70/100
- Dried root· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Bloating
- Gas
- Abdominal discomfort
- Loose stools (dose-dependent)
Contraindications
- Fructose malabsorption or intolerance
- IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea) — may exacerbate symptoms
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) — high FODMAP content
- Pregnancy and lactation — limited safety data, use with caution
Products containing Chicory
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Chicory on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Chicory root/inulin has good clinical evidence from multiple RCTs demonstrating prebiotic effects and improvements in gut microbiota composition. Well-established mechanism and consistent positive outcomes in digestive health studies.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Fiber
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.