Inulin: Carbohydrate, Polysaccharide and Fructan

In short: Inulin is a prebiotic dietary fibre (a fructan) found in plants like chicory root. It isn't digested in the small intestine but passes to the large intestine, where it feeds gut bacteria. It's used as a food supplement and in the food industry, and in sensitive people it can cause digestive discomfort.

Products with inulin

Inulin is commercially available, for example, in the form of capsules and as a powder.

Masticlife offers food supplements made from PDO-protected Chios mastic that also contain inulin (read the ingredients carefully). These are:

Mastic supplements that combine inulin with Chios mastic:

• Mastic+ Prebiotic
• Mastic+ Vitamin D3
• Mastic Comfort
• Mastic Active Pack

Inulin should not be confused with insulin.

Structure and characteristics of inulin

Inulins are predominantly linear polysaccharides composed of numerous fructose units with a terminal glucose molecule. The chain length is variable, and the fructoses are linked β-glycosidically. Inulins are natural products found in many plants such as wheat, onions, Jerusalem artichokes, garlic, bananas and asparagus. They are often extracted from the chicory root (Cichorium intybus) — which is also the source used in Masticlife supplements.

Effects

Inulin is a water-soluble dietary fibre that is not digested in the small intestine. Depending on the type, it has a slightly sweet taste. As a prebiotic, inulin promotes the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

Dosage

According to the package insert. Inulin is taken orally as a food supplement.

Unwanted effects

Possible adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances such as flatulence, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. These occur primarily in sensitive individuals — for example, those with vegetable intolerance or fructose malabsorption.

In the large intestine, inulin is fermented by the bacteria of the intestinal flora and releases, among other things, short-chain fatty acids and gases such as methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

FAQ: inulin

Text source: pharmawiki.ch