Inulin

Generality

Inulin is the stock oligosaccharide typical of Asteraceae (Composite).
It is essentially a soluble fiber, made up of long chains of fructose.
Although, like all fibers, it is indigestible for humans, inulin has very interesting nutraceutical characteristics.

Topinambur rhizomes, one of the most generous sources of Inulin

Thanks to its ability to promote digestion and regularize intestinal function, it is a typical ingredient of many food supplements.
The most interesting aspect of this fiber is its ability to raise the percentage of Bifidobacteria in the intestinal microbial flora, simultaneously decreasing the density of harmful bacteria.
Inulin is mainly extracted from chicory root, but also from white truffles and dahlia tubers. It belongs to the class of prebiotics, non-digestible food components that stimulate the proliferation of numerous beneficial bacteria in the colon.
In particular, inulin is used as a nutrient source by the "good" bacteria, which reproduce by neutralizing the pathogenic ones in many respects.
Many probiotic supplements are enhanced with inulin to improve the survival of lactic ferments and provide a specific substrate for the intestinal bacterial flora.
The so-called FOS (Fructo-Oligo-Saccharides), prebiotic substances with similar characteristics and activities, are obtained from the "enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin".

Indications

Why is inulin used? What is it used for?

Inulin is currently used in nutrition as a prebiotic.
By prebiotic we mean a substance, generally of vegetable origin, able, even without being absorbed by the intestine, to support the vitality and functionality of the microbiota (set of “good” microorganisms that populate the gastrointestinal system).
Inulin are currently attributed:

Enhancing activity of the alvo, thanks to a mass-forming effect;
Prebiotic activities;
Improving activities against intestinal absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium;
Metabolic activities, useful in reducing the risk of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia;
Protective activities against tumor pathologies, such as colon carcinoma;
Protective activities against pathogenic microorganisms.

Properties and Effectiveness

What benefit has inulin shown during the studies?

Despite the numerous biological activities of inulin, most of the studies in this regard consist of experimental evidence.
In recent years, however, the first clinical trials have appeared that have made it possible to better characterize the possible biological and clinical repercussions of inulin on human health.
Much of the aforementioned activities would seem to be attributable to the metabolic effect of inulin rather than to the mechanical effect.
Once ingested, inulin reaches the intestinal environment unaltered, where it is fermented by the intestinal flora, in particular by bifidobacteria, with the consequent formation of short-chain fatty acids, such as acetic acid, propionate and butyrate.
These three molecules would carry out most of the biological properties of inulin, exerting both a "direct action, mostly protective, against the enterocytes, and a" systemic action of an energetic and metabolic nature (inhibitory action against the "HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol).

Positive effects associated with the use of inulin and other prebiotics Increased fecal mass and number of bowel movements Selective growth of "good" bacteria, called eubiotics, responsible for the beneficial effects of inulin Increased absorption of calcium, iron and magnesium It does not increase blood sugar and is also suitable for the diet of diabetics Possible positive effect on the reduction of serum cholesterol and triglycerides Possible protective effect against colon cancer

Dosage and method of use

How to use inulin

The daily intake of inulin with the diet is between 3 and 10 grams.
Since this oligosaccharide is found mainly in vegetables, the diet of vegetarians provides such quantities as to make it unnecessary to resort to dietary supplementation.
On the other hand, people who follow a diet poor in fruit and vegetables, have to recover from antibiotic therapy or suffer from gastrointestinal disorders could benefit from its prebiotic effects (in this case it is good to talk to your doctor first, as, depending on of cases, it could have effects opposite to those hoped for).
The recommended intake doses are in the order of 5-10 grams of inulin per day, now available on the market in the form of powder, tablets or functional foods.

Side effects

When should inulin not be used?

The use of inulin is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the substance.

Pharmacological interactions

What drugs or foods can modify the effect of inulin?

Although there are no known drug interactions worthy of note, it should be remembered that inulin can improve the absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
We also remember the symbiotic effect towards probiotics.

Precautions for use

What do you need to know before taking inulin?

Patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal swelling, alternate alvus and other pathologies attributable to an altered sensitivity to fibers, should use inulin with particular caution, in order to avoid an aggravation of symptoms.