Inulin

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Other names for inulin

Chicory Root Inulin
Jerusalem Artichoke Inulin
Prebiotic Inulin Fiber

Synopsis of inulin

Inulin is a naturally occurring soluble dietary fiber and prebiotic found in a variety of plants, most abundantly in chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, garlic, onions, leeks, and bananas. It is a type of fructan, composed primarily of fructose chains with a terminal glucose molecule, and is not digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Instead, it reaches the colon intact, where it ferments and feeds beneficial gut bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.

As a prebiotic, inulin supports gut health, digestion, and immune function by promoting a balanced microbiome. It also contributes to regular bowel movements, softening stools and improving overall colon function. In addition, inulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing glucose absorption and may support cardiovascular health by reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

In food manufacturing, inulin is often used as a fat substitute, texture enhancer, and sugar replacer due to its slightly sweet taste and ability to improve mouthfeel. In supplements, it’s typically consumed as a powder or capsule, and it’s frequently added to fiber blends, synbiotics, or gut health formulas.

Historical Use
While inulin itself was first identified in the early 19th century, its sources—especially chicory root—have been used for centuries in European and Middle Eastern herbal medicine. In traditional European herbalism, chicory was used to treat liver and digestive complaints, promote bile flow, and relieve constipation. Its ability to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract reflects what we now understand as inulin’s prebiotic and fiber-related benefits.

Jerusalem artichoke and dandelion root, other inulin-rich plants, were also used traditionally to support detoxification, gut health, and blood sugar balance.

Today, inulin is a popular ingredient in functional nutrition and gut-health-oriented diets, such as low-FODMAP protocols (in limited amounts), plant-based diets, and metabolic health regimens. It is often included in fiber blends, prebiotic supplements, and foods designed to support digestive regularity, offering a plant-derived, well-tolerated solution for promoting gut microbiome diversity and bowel health.

Inulin is used for these health conditions

Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Colitis (Scientific)
Colon (atonic) (Scientific)
Constipation (adults) (Scientific)
Constipation (children) (Scientific)
Crohn's Disease (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Scientific)
Leaky Gut Syndrome (Scientific)
Metabolic Syndrome (Scientific)
Sugar Cravings (Scientific)
Triglycerides (high) (Scientific)
Weight Loss (Scientific)

inulin is used to support these body systems

Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Scientific)
Peyer’s patches (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Scientific)