Inulin

Also known as chicory root fibre, chicory inulin.

Last reviewed October 9, 2026 · Jump to references

What is Inulin?

In plain words

Inulin is a type of fibre found in plants such as chicory. Your body cannot fully digest it, so bacteria in your large intestine break it down and make substances that help nourish the gut. Researchers study it for bowel regularity, gut bacteria and blood sugar control. It can cause gas, bloating or diarrhoea, especially in larger amounts.

Technical definition

Inulin is a plant-derived, nondigestible fructan fibre composed mainly of β-(2→1)-linked fructose units, often with a terminal glucose; chicory root is a common commercial source. Rather than acting at a single receptor, it reaches the colon largely intact and is fermented by gut microbes, producing short-chain fatty acids and supporting certain beneficial bacteria. It is used as a food ingredient and recognised as a dietary fibre, rather than approved as a medicine to treat disease.

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Evidence by use

Each use is rated on its own. There is no single overall effectiveness score.