Inulin

Inulin is a type of soluble fiber that can be taken as a supplement or found naturally in foods (e.g., Jerusalem artichokes, chicory, asparagus, garlic, onions, wheat, bananas). Inulin can have prebiotic effects on the gut microbiome, leading to increases in the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium spp.. Inulin may have various benefits on gut and overall health, but clinical trials tend to report inconsistent results, which may be due to variability in baseline microbiomes, habitual diets, and health status.

Quick Answer

What it is

Inulin is a type of soluble fiber that can be taken as a supplement or found naturally in foods (e.g., Jerusalem artichokes, chicory, asparagus, garlic, onions, wheat, bananas). Inulin can have prebiotic effects on the gut microbiome, leading to increases in the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium spp..

Key findings

  • Grade B: Blood glucose (Type 2 Diabetes)
  • Grade B: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (Obesity)
  • Grade D: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (Dyslipidemia)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Inulin

Quick Facts: Inulin

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:9
  • Research Outcomes:28
  • Grade B Findings:4
  • Key Effect:Type 2 Diabetes
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B4
C0
D3
9 conditions Β· 28 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
D
Body Mass Index (BMI)
No effect
1 study
none
?
Insulin
26 studies
↑Worsens
?
Total cholesterol
20 studies
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
19 studies
↑Improves
?
Triglycerides
19 studies
↓Improves
?
Insulin Resistance
18 studies
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
12 studies
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Insulin
26 studies
↑Worsens
?
Insulin Resistance
18 studies
↓Improves
?
HbA1c
12 studies
↓Improves
B
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Small Decrease
small↓Improves
?
Ghrelin
3 studies
↑Improves
B
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Small Decrease
small↓Improves
?
Ghrelin
3 studies
↑Improves
D
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
No effect
19 studies
none
?
Total cholesterol
20 studies
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
19 studies
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
D
Appetite
No effect
1 study
none
?
Bifidobacterium Abundance
↑Improves
?
Liver Fat
1 study
↓Improves
?
Visceral Fat
1 study
↓Improves
?
Bifidobacterium Abundance
↑Improves
?
Constipation Signs and Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Migraine Frequency
↓Improves

Research Citations (8)

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