Inulin is a natural food fiber found in many, many fruits and vegetables. Inulin is an oligosaccharide made up of several simple sugar molecules linked together belonging to a class of carbohydrates known as fructans. Inulin is not digested in the upper GI tract, so it does not add calories. As such, even though it is a carbohydrate, it does not increase blood glucose or stimulate insulin production. It is added to low-calorie foods to improve their flavor and sweetness and to low-fat foods to improve their texture. Inulin is found in over 36,000 different plants.

Inulin is different from other fibers. Inulin is tasteless to slightly sweet, odorless, colorless, has no texture, is highly soluble, and is stable at high temperatures. These properties allow inulin to be added to foods including water, dairy products, and hot liquids. It can also be added to food before cooking or baking. Inulin has been added to many foods as a substitute for sugar, fat and flour. Inulin is available as a supplement.

Inulin is found in roots and rhizomes of plants where it acts to store energy. Most plants that store inulin do not store energy as starch. Food naturally high in inulin such as garlic, leeks, and chicory have been used for centuries to promote good health.

Like other fiber, inulin has been shown to help maintain regularity. Inulin is not digested in the upper GI tract but is fermented by bacteria in the colon. This fermentation adds to water content and volume of stools, promoting regularity. Other health benefits of inulin being investigated include lowering cholesterol and blood glucose, a prebiotic effect, increased mineral absorption, and improved immune function.

Prebiotics are foods that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon. Bifidobacteria is one of these bacteria thought to be beneficial. Although limited by small study populations, studies seemed to indicate that inulin can increase bifidobacteria. Inulin appears to increase calcium absorption even after only 3 weeks. Other effects being studied have had mixed results, but overall the benefits of inulin have been positive. The use of inulin-containing foods and as a supplement are proposed to help control blood sugar levels in diabetes, to lower cholesterol levels, and to promote the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria. Inulin is available as a supplement known as FiberSure.

References: http://www.uspharmacist.com/index.asp?show=article&page=8_1862.htm, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inulin, and http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/129/7/1402S, accessed 2/12/07.

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