Inulin refers to a group of polysaccharides that are primarily long chains of fructose with a few glucose units. Inulins are soluble fibers present in high amounts in many plants including yams, Jerusalem artichokes, jicama, onion and garlic. An article in the U.S. Pharmacist reports that inulin has many health benefits including promoting colon health, increasing calcium absorption and reducing cholesterol and glucose. However, much of the scientific evidence for the health benefits of inulin is inconsistent and conflicting.
Colon Health
Inulin is considered a prebiotic. Prebiotics are defined as foods that are not digested and absorbed, but do promote the growth of bacteria in the colon that provide some health benefit. An article in the March 2009 issue of the "Alternative Medicine Review" reports that inulin does not significantly affect stool frequency and consistency in healthy adults, but it does in infants. Additionally, in small short-term studies inulin supplements improved the symptoms in people who have irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease, but larger and longer studies are required to better determine the efficacy of inulin supplements in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disorders.
Increases Calcium Absorption
The article from the U.S. Pharmacist reports that three of four studies suggest inulin supplements improve calcium absorption. The article in "Alternative Medicine Review" notes that the effects of inulin on calcium absorption are more prominent in certain groups such as adolescents and postmenopausal women.
Lipid Levels
Inulin does not affect lipid levels in people with normal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. But, in some studies in which participants had high lipid levels or type 2 diabetes inulin supplementation slightly decreased cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins, also known as LDLs, according to the article in "Alternative Medicine Review." This source concludes that the majority of the evidence suggests inulin does not significantly improve lipid profiles in most people.
Glucose Levels
Although marketed sometimes as a glucose-lowering supplement the article in "Alternative Medicine Review" reports that in several human studies that included both diabetic and nondiabetic people inulin did not decrease blood glucose levels.
