The Science Behind Keep It Moving
Why we chose chicory root inulin
Keep It Moving is made with one simple ingredient: 100% chicory root inulin.
We chose it because inulin isn’t just another fibre ingredient. It’s a well-studied prebiotic fibre, with human research exploring how chicory-derived inulin-type fructans interact with the gut microbiota, including their effect on beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium.
Below are some of the studies and scientific reviews behind our ingredient choice.
This research relates to chicory-derived inulin and inulin-type fructans generally. Individual responses can vary.
Study 1.
Chicory inulin, beneficial gut bacteria & bowel function
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis examined 50 controlled trials involving 2,525 participants ranging in age from infancy to older adulthood.
The researchers found that chicory-derived inulin-type fructans significantly increased levels of Bifidobacterium — a group of bacteria commonly associated with a healthy gut microbiota.
The review also reported beneficial effects on bowel-function measures in healthy participants.
Why it matters
This is part of the reason we chose chicory root inulin: its prebiotic role has been studied across a substantial body of human research, rather than being based on one isolated study.
Reference:
Nagy DU, Sándor-Bajusz KA, Bódy B, et al. (2023). Effect of chicory-derived inulin-type fructans on abundance of Bifidobacterium and on bowel function: a systematic review with meta-analyses. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 63(33), 12018–12035.
Study 2.
Inulin-type fructans & the gut microbiota
A systematic review published in Advances in Nutrition looked at human clinical research into inulin-type fructans and their prebiotic effects.
Across the studies reviewed, inulin-type fructans were associated with increases in beneficial bacterial groups including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. The authors concluded that the available human evidence supports the prebiotic potential of inulin-type fructans, while also noting that individual factors and differences between fibres can influence outcomes.
Why it matters
Prebiotic fibres don’t simply add bulk to the diet. They can also be used by certain beneficial gut bacteria - which is what makes inulin different from fibre ingredients chosen only for their fibre content.
Reference:
Hughes RL, Alvarado DA, Swanson KS, Holscher HD. (2022). The Prebiotic Potential of Inulin-Type Fructans: A Systematic Review. Advances in Nutrition, 13(2), 492–529.
Study 3.
What changes in the gut microbiome with inulin?
Another systematic review looked specifically at human studies examining inulin supplementation and gut microbiome composition.
Across the studies included, the most consistent finding was an increase in Bifidobacterium following inulin supplementation. Other bacterial changes varied between studies, which is why we prefer to talk about the research carefully rather than make sweeping promises about individual outcomes.
Why it matters
Different fibres behave differently in the gut. This repeated Bifidobacterium finding is one of the key reasons inulin is recognised and studied as a prebiotic fibre.
Reference:
Le Bastard Q, Chapelet G, Javaudin F, et al. (2020). The effects of inulin on gut microbial composition: a systematic review of evidence from human studies. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 39(3), 403–413.
The simple version...
We believe meaningful support can start with simple, real ingredients.
That’s why we chose chicory root inulin - one well-studied prebiotic fibre that works with the gut by feeding beneficial bacteria and supporting a healthy gut environment.
For us, it’s about supporting little bodies from the inside out. No complicated formulas. No unnecessary extras. Just simple support that fits into real family life.
Whole foods when you can. Simple support when you need it.