Inulin

Inulin

Origin and history :  

Inulin is a polysaccharide produced in many plants and is a dietary fiber. It is also often found in foods today, for example, it is used in yogurt as a fat substitute and in some animal products , such as sausage , as a source of fiber. Due to its slightly sweet, subtle flavor, inulin is easy to incorporate into foods and products. Our bodies cannot break down inulin on their own; instead, it is fermented by intestinal bacteria into short-chain fatty acids, which are considered beneficial to health. Common plants that contain inulin are artichokes, onions, garlic, asparagus, bananas and many more. However, commercial insulin is extracted from the roots of chicory.  

Consumption of fiber such as inulin is generally associated with a lower risk of overall mortality and a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. It is also believed to have a protective effect against diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. There is no official daily requirement for fiber, but the guideline is at least 30 g per day. In Germany, the average intake is 18-19 g, which is below the guideline. Therefore, it is important to educate yourself about possible fiber sources such as inulin and their sources, as well as to develop an awareness of your fiber intake.  

Characteristics :  

Inulin as a fiber can be used as a prebiotic. A prebiotic is like food for healthy intestinal bacteria and can be metabolized by them, promoting their growth and increasing the bacteria's health-promoting products. As such a source of fiber, it has positive effects on the digestive system & intestinal bacteria and can also form a protective film on the intestinal wall. Inulin is therefore often used in intestinal treatments and cleansing .  

Numerous beneficial effects that have been discovered so far and are interesting as a prebiotic:  

  • Intestinal flora – Inulin helps regulate the intestinal microbiome by promoting the growth of healthy bacteria. A healthy gut also improves inflammatory responses in chronic intestinal diseases and improves constipation and bowel movements. Studies have also shown that inulin can reduce the risk of colon cancer. Better results were seen when inulin is taken with probiotics.  

  • Mineral intake​ and bone health – When taken in sufficient amounts over a long period of time, inulin is believed to improve calcium absorption in the body and thus has a positive effect on bone mineral density. Magnesium and iron absorption may also be enhanced. One study showed an 18% improvement in calcium absorption after 3 weeks of inulin supplementation. Improved calcium absorption also promotes bone health in postmenopausal women, for whom bone density is particularly problematic. Incorporating inulin into the diet could therefore reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later years. A daily intake of 8-10 g of inulin is believed to support calcium absorption and overall bone mineral content.  

  • Lipid metabolism – Inulin influences the regulation of lipid metabolism and thus has a positive effect on lowering blood lipids and cholesterol levels when elevated . Since high blood lipid levels are associated with atherosclerosis and other coronary heart diseases, inulin, like other fiber, can reduce the risk of these diseases .  

  • Diabetes mellitus type 2 – Inulin has been shown in studies to reduce long-term blood sugar and lower inflammatory markers in diabetic patients. Diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus are also usually associated with impaired intestinal flora and fermentation, which could be improved with inulin in a study after 6 weeks of supplementation.  

  • Weight regulation Inulin has demonstrated a positive effect on weight in many ways. Firstly, in animal models , fat deposits are broken down in an inulin - rich diet . Secondly , appetite is also a major factor in the development of obesity. Inulin increased satiety and improved subjective appetite assessment in overweight and obese children aged 11 to 12 years . Studies have shown that supplemental insulin intake in a weight-loss program improved weight loss. Also​​​ became​​​​ a n over weight​​​​​​​​​​​​​ mice​​​​​ shown ,​​​​​​ that​​​ Inulin​​​​​ to​ one​​​​ RESTORE​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ the​​ a n t i m i c r o b i e l l e n P o r t i o n​​​​​​​ in the Colon​​​ contributes​​​​​​​ and thus​​​​​​ could protect against possible obesity- related intestinal inflammation.  

  • Relief from depression – Since the gut microbiome is also strongly linked to the brain and has shown considerable influence on psychological illnesses , inulin could also have positive , supporting​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Effects​​​​​​​​ at​​ Diseases​​​​​​​​​​​ How​​ D e p r e s s i o n e s l i e f e r n . Studies have shown improved memory and antidepressant effects when taking inulin .  

 

Foods containing inulin  

Foods that are good sources of inulin are: artichoke, Garlic , leek, shallot, asparagus, yacon root , chicory root and onion .  

Possible side effects 

Fibers such as inulin have a beneficial effect on the intestines, but can cause bloating and diarrhea in some people, especially those who are not used to a high-fiber diet.  

To support the effect of probiotics 

A diet rich in fiber usually supports the effects of probiotics, as prebiotics such as fiber promote the growth and activity of probiotic bacteria in the gut. Foods such as whole grain products, vegetables, and fruit are recommended. Adequate fluid intake should also be ensured. 

We at AgilNature have in our “ SynbioticAgil ” product that provides you with probiotics such as Bifidobacterium lactis and others , we also take care to include prebiotics for maximum effectiveness. Our product SynbioticAgil also contains the prebiotic inulin. 

Which AgilNature ® products contain Inulin ? 

product 

Crowd 

NRV * 

SynbioticAgil  

3.02​ g per daily ration ( 6 capsule n )  

**  

 

* Nutrient Reference Value = percentage of the reference value according to Annex XIII of the Food Information Regulation (EC) No. 1169/2011.  

** No recommendation available.  

 

Literature :  

  1. Dietary Fiber. DGE. https://www.dge.de/gesunde-ernaehrung/faq/ausgewaehlte-fragen-und-antworten-zu-ballaststoffen/ ( Accessed on May 19, 2024) 

  1. Rehberg, C. (2024, April 26). Inulin: Effects and Properties of the Prebiotic. Center for Health. https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/nahrungsergaenzung/praebiotika-uebersicht/inulin (Accessed on May 19, 2024) 

  1. Qin YQ, Wang LY, Yang XY, Xu YJ, Fan G, Fan YG, Ren JN, An Q, Li X. Inulin: properties and health benefits. Food Function . 2023 Apr 3;14(7):2948-2968 . 

  1. Shoaib M, Shehzad A, Omar M, Rakha A, Raza H, Sharif HR, Shakeel A, Ansari A, Niazi S. Inulin: Properties, health benefits and food applications. Carbohydr Polym. 2016 Aug 20;147:444 -454 . 

  1. Ahmed W, Rashid S. Functional and therapeutic potential of inulin: A comprehensive review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr . 2019;59(1):1-13 . 

  1. Hughes RL, Alvarado DA, Swanson KS, Holscher HD. The Prebiotic Potential of Inulin-Type Fructans : A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr . 2022 Mar;13(2):492-529. 

  1. Tawfick MM, Xie H, Zhao C, Shao P, Farag MA. Inulin fructans in diet: Role in gut homeostasis, immunity, health outcomes and potential therapeutics. Int J Biol Macromol . 2022 May 31;208:948 -961. 

  1. Wan X, Guo H, Liang Y, Zhou C, Liu Z, Li K, Niu F, Zhai X, Wang L. The physiological functions and pharmaceutical applications of inulin: A review. Carbohydr Polym . 2020 Oct 15;246:116589 . 

  1. Akram W, Pandey V, Sharma R, Joshi R, Mishra N, Garud N, Haider T. Inulin: Unveiling its potential as a multifaceted biopolymer in prebiotics, drug delivery, and therapeutics. Int J Biol Macromol . 2024 Feb;259(Pt 1):129131 

  1. Vandeputte D, Falony G, Vieira-Silva S, Wang J, Sailer M, Theis S, Verbeke K, Raes J. Prebiotic inulin-type fructans induce specific changes in the human gut microbiota. Good. 2017 Nov;66(11):1968-1974. 

  1. Birkeland E, Gharagozlian S, Birkeland KI, Valeur J, Måge I, Rud I, Aas AM. Prebiotic effect of inulin-type fructans on faecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. Eur J Nutr . 2020 Oct;59(7):3325-3338. 

  1. Guimarães JB, Rodrigues VF, Pereira ÍS, Manso GMDC, Elias-Oliveira J, Leite JA, Waldetario MCGM, de Oliveira S, Gomes ABDSP, Faria AMC, Ramos SG, Bonato VLD, Silva JS, Vinolo MAR, Sampaio UM, Clerici MTPS, Carlos D. Inulin prebiotic ameliorates type 1 diabetes dictating regulatory T cell Homing via CCR4 to pancreatic islets and butyrogenic gut microbiota in murine model. J Leukoc Biol. 2024 Feb 23;115(3):483-496. 

  1. Beisner J, Filipe Rosa L, Kaden-Volynets V, Stolzer I, Günther C, Bischoff SC. Prebiotic Inulin and Sodium Butyrate Attenuate Obesity-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction by Induction of Antimicrobial Peptides. Front Immunol. 2021 Jun 11;12:678360 . 

  1. Visuthranukul C, Chamni S, Kwanbunbumpen T, Saengpanit P, Chongpison Y, Tepaamorndech S, Panichsillaphakit E, Uaariyapanichkul J, Nonpat N, Chomtho S. Effects of inulin supplementation on body composition and metabolic outcomes in children with obesity. Sci Rep. 2022 Jul 29;12(1):13014 . 

  1. Bakirhan H, Karabudak E. Effects of inulin on calcium metabolism and bone health. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2023 Feb;93(1):85-96 . 

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