Inulin and its health benefits reviewed
What it found
Inulin is a soluble fiber found in many plants and acts as a prebiotic that feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
The authors say it also shows benefits for fat metabolism, weight, blood sugar, inflammation, colon cancer risk, mineral absorption, constipation and depression.
What they found
Where inulin is found
Inulin is a soluble fiber found in more than 36 000 plant species. Common sources include Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, onion, garlic, barley and dahlia.
How inulin is made
Jerusalem artichoke tubers and chicory roots are often used as raw materials to produce inulin for the food industry.
Gut bacteria
Inulin acts as a prebiotic and stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
Health benefits
The authors report that inulin helps regulate fat metabolism, supports weight loss, lowers blood sugar, reduces inflammatory factors, lowers colon cancer risk, boosts mineral absorption, eases constipation and relieves depression.
What the authors conclude
“Inulin, a soluble dietary fiber, is widely found in more than 36 000 plant species as a reserve polysaccharide.”
Also in their conclusions
- They present a thorough overview of the function and health benefits of inulin.
How it was done
The authors wanted to give a thorough overview of what inulin does and how it may benefit health.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This is a review of other research, so it does not present new experiments or data.
- It cannot show how much inulin a person would need to eat to get these effects.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Huazhong Agricultural University, China; Institute of Chemistry Co. Ltd, China
The paper
- Title
- Inulin: properties and health benefits
- Type
- ReviewThe authors read earlier studies and describe what they found. It isn’t a new study.
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Qin YQ, Wang LY, Yang XY, et al (2023). Inulin: properties and health benefits. Food & function. doi:10.1039/d2fo01096hPubMed 36876591DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error