Inulin Research
45 peer-reviewed studies · Evidence score: 9/10
Galactomannans are the most effective soluble dietary fibers in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Juhász AE et al. • The American journal of clinical nutrition (2023)
Galactomannans were the most effective dietary fiber for reducing the levels of HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Galactomannans had the highest effect on reducing the levels of HbA1c (SUCRA: 92.33%) and fasting blood glucose (SUCRA: 85.92%).
- With regard to fasting insulin level, HOMA-IR, β-glucans (SUCRA: 73.45%), and psyllium (SUCRA: 96.67%) were the most effective interventions.
- Galactomannans were ranked first in reducing the levels of triglycerides (SUCRA: 82.77%) and LDL cholesterol (SUCRA: 86.56%).
The effects of inulin-type fructans on cardiovascular disease risk factors: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Talukdar JR et al. • The American journal of clinical nutrition (2024)
ITF may reduce low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and body weight.
- ITF may reduce low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and body weight.
- However, due to low to very low CoE, further well-designed and executed trials are needed to confirm these effects.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The effects of chicory inulin-type fructans supplementation on weight management outcomes: systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials
Reimer RA et al. • The American journal of clinical nutrition (2024)
Chicory ITF supplementation may benefit weight management by reducing body weight, BMI, fat mass, waist circumference, and, to a certain extent, body fat percentage.
- Chicory ITF significantly reduced body weight [mean difference (MD): -0.97 kg; 95% CI: -1.34, -0.59); n = 1184] compared with placebo.
- Except for considerable heterogeneity in body weight (I2: 73%) and body fat percentage (I2: 75%), all other outcomes had negligible to moderate heterogeneity.
- Significant reduction in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference was evident irrespective of participants' health status.
Probiotics for management of functional abdominal pain disorders in children
Wallace C et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2023)
The results from this review demonstrate that probiotics and synbiotics may be more efficacious than placebo in achieving treatment success, but the evidence is of low certainty.
- Meta-analysis showed no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events between probiotics (1/275) and placebo (1/269) (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.07 to 15.12).
- Synbiotics may result in more treatment success at study end when compared with placebo, with 47% success in the probiotic group versus 35% success in the placebo group (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.74; 310 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 0%; low certainty).
- Meta-analysis showed little to no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events between synbiotics (8/155) and placebo (1/147) (RR 4.58, 95% CI 0.80 to 26.19), or in any reported adverse events (3/96 versus 1/93, RR 2.88, 95% CI 0.32 to 25.92).
The Prebiotic Potential of Inulin-Type Fructans: A Systematic Review
Le Bastard Q et al. • Advances in Nutrition (2022)
ITF promotes abundances of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii.
- Significant prebiotic effect on intestinal microbiota
- Improved intestinal barrier function
- Increased calcium and magnesium absorption
Inulin-type fructans supplementation improves glycemic control for the prediabetes and type 2 diabetes populations: results from a GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 33 randomized controlled trials
Wang L et al. • Journal of translational medicine (2019)
Our analyses confirmed that these four main glycemic indicators were significantly reduced by ITF supplementation, particularly in the prediabetes and T2DM population.
- Overall, ITF supplementation could significantly reduce concentrations of fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin (FINS) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
- Our analyses confirmed that these four main glycemic indicators were significantly reduced by ITF supplementation, particularly in the prediabetes and T2DM population.
- Evidence supports that reasonable administration of ITF supplementation may have potential clinical value as an adjuvant therapy for prediabetes and T2DM management.
Gut microbiome-targeted therapies as adjuvant treatments in inflammatory bowel diseases: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Zhang T et al. • Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (2025)
FMT and multistrain probiotics showed superior efficacy in UC.
- FMT and multistrain probiotics showed superior efficacy in UC.
- However, the efficacy of MTTs varies among different IBD subtypes and disease stages; thus, the personalized treatment strategies of MTTs are necessary.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The effects of inulin on gut microbial composition: a systematic review of evidence from human studies
Le Bastard Q et al. • European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (2019)
Inulin supplementation associated with significant increase in stool frequency in constipated individuals.
- Bifidogenic effects confirmed
- Improved stool frequency in constipation
- Variable SCFA responses
Prebiotics for people with cystic fibrosis
Williams NC et al. • The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2023)
This review did not find any evidence for the use of prebiotics in people with CF.
- This review did not find any evidence for the use of prebiotics in people with CF.
- Until such evidence is available, it is reasonable for clinicians to follow any local guidelines and to discuss the use of dietary prebiotics with their patients.
- Large and robust RCTs assessing the dietary prebiotics of inulin or galacto-oligosaccharides or fructo-oligosaccharides, or any combination of these, are needed.
The Impact of Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Synbiotic Supplements and Yogurt Consumption on the Risk of Colorectal Neoplasia among Adults: A Systematic Review
Kim CE et al. • Nutrients (2022)
We found little evidence to suggest that prebiotic or probiotic supplements are associated with significant decreases in CRC occurrence.
- We found little evidence to suggest that prebiotic or probiotic supplements are associated with significant decreases in CRC occurrence.
- Prebiotic supplementation was not associated with colorectal neoplasia risk.
- There was some evidence that probiotic supplementation may be associated with lower risk of adenomas but not with CRC incidence.
Diet Therapeutics Interventions for Obesity: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Morsali M et al. • Journal of research in health sciences (2021)
Based on the results of network meta-analysis, it seems that Hypocaloricdiet+MonCam, LED, HFCS20+Ex, catechin-rich green tea +inulin, VLCD, NPD+RT, Hyc+Ex, SD, Hyc+BWL, are the better treatments for weight loss in patients with overweight and obesity.
- Based on the results of network meta-analysis, it seems that Hypocaloricdiet+MonCam, LED, HFCS20+Ex, catechin-rich green tea +inulin, VLCD, NPD+RT, Hyc+Ex, SD, Hyc+BWL, are the better treatments for weight loss in patients with overweight and obesity.
- Published in Journal of research in health sciences (2021)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Dietary interventions for functional abdominal pain disorders in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
de Bruijn CM et al. • Expert review of gastroenterology & hepatology (2022)
Based on current evidence, the use of fibers can be discussed in daily practice.
- Based on current evidence, the use of fibers can be discussed in daily practice.
- High-quality intervention trials are highly needed to investigate if other dietary interventions are effective in the treatment of pediatric FAPD.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
The Effects of Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Short-Chain Fatty Acids on Respiratory Tract Infections and Immune Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Williams LM et al. • Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) (2022)
Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society for Nutrition.
- The meta-analysis indicated that the numbers of subjects with ≥1 RTI were reduced with prebiotic (OR, 0.73; 95% CI: 0.62-0.86; P = 0.0002; n = 17) and synbiotic (OR, 0.75; 95% CI: 0.65-0.87; P = 0.0001; n = 9) supplementation compared to placebo.
- Further, NK cell activity was increased with synbiotic (standardized mean difference, 0.74; 95% CI: 0.42-1.06; P < 0.0001, n = 3) supplementation.
- This review provides evidence that prebiotic, specifically oligosaccharide, supplementation may play a protective role in RTIs in infants and children.
Effects of Dietary Fibers on Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Gut Microbiota Composition in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review
Vinelli V et al. • Nutrients (2022)
Future studies are needed to better elucidate the relationship between DFs and gut microbiota in terms of SCFA production and impact on health-related markers.
- Regarding the results obtained on the ability of fiber to modulate total SCFAs, seven studies reported a significant increase, while no significant changes were reported in five studies, depending on the analytical methodology used.
- Overall, these results underline that, although affecting microbiota composition and derived metabolites, DFs do not produce univocal significant increase in SCFA levels in apparently healthy adults.
- The effect of DF interventions on the SCFA profile seemed to be strictly dependent on the dose and the type and structure of DFs.
Maternal kidney function during pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis
Lopes van Balen VA et al. • Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (2019)
In healthy pregnancy, GFR is increased as early as the first trimester, as compared with non-pregnant values, and the kidneys continue to function at a higher rate throughout gestation.
- As early as the first trimester, GFR was increased by up to 40-50% in physiological pregnancy when compared with non-pregnant values.
- Decrease in serum creatinine level in uncomplicated pregnancy was most prominent at 15-21 weeks, with a 23.2% (-0.19; 95% CI, -0.23 to -0.15 mg/dL) decrease when compared with non-pregnant values.
- In contrast, kidney function is decreased in hypertensive pregnancy. © 2018 The Authors.
Effect of inulin-type fructans on blood lipid profile and glucose level: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Liu F et al. • European journal of clinical nutrition (2017)
In summary, the use of ITF may have benefits for LDL-c reduction across all study populations, whereas HDL-c improvement and glucose control were demonstrated only in the T2DM subgroup.
- In the overall analysis, the supplementation of ITF reduced only the low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) (mean difference (MD): -0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.29, -0.02; P=0.03) without affecting the other endpoints.
- Within the T2DM subgroup analysis, ITF supplementation was positively associated with a decreased fasting insulin concentration (MD: -4.01; 95% CI: -5.92, -2.09; P<0.0001) and increased high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) (MD: 0.07; 95% CI: 0, 0.14; P=0.05).
- Moreover, a reduced fasting glucose tendency was identified only in the T2DM subgroup (MD: -0.42; 95% CI: -0.90, 0.06; P=0.09).
Effects of inulin-type fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides and related synbiotics on inflammatory markers in adult patients with overweight or obesity: A systematic review
Fernandes R et al. • Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2017)
Some prebiotics and synbiotics may have immunomodulatory action, however, more randomized controlled trials are needed to support the clinical use of inulin-type fructans, galacto-oligosaccharides or related synbiotics for the treatment of metabolic endotoxaemia or low-grade inflammation in overweight/obese people.
- Systematic review examining Inulin efficacy
- Published in Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland) (2017)
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Advances in Dietary Modulation of the Intestinal Barrier: Mechanistic, Structural, and Functional Insights
Zang J et al. • Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety (2026)
Finally, this review emphasizes the need to assess coordinated dietary effects along the entire small-to-large intestine continuum to better guide targeted nutritional strategies for human health.© 2026 Institute of Food Technologists®.
- In the colon, fermentable carbohydrates, such as inulin, and fructooligosaccharides promote microbial fermentation and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production-especially butyrate-which strengthens epithelial integrity, stimulates mucus secretion, and regulates immune responses.
- Finally, this review emphasizes the need to assess coordinated dietary effects along the entire small-to-large intestine continuum to better guide targeted nutritional strategies for human health.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Effect of Prebiotic Supplementation With and Without Physiotherapy on Pain and Pain Sensitivity in People with Knee Osteoarthritis
Kouraki A et al. • Nutrients (2026)
Only inulin improved pain sensitivity and grip strength, the latter paralleled by increased GLP-1, and had much higher rates of retention compared to PSE.
- Results: A total of 117 participants (58.1% female; mean ± SD age = 67.5 ± 9.4 years; BMI = 29.5 ± 5.3 kg/m2; NRS = 3.96 ± 2.67) completed the trial.
- Pain improved with inulin (baseline-adjusted between-group mean difference (Δ) = -1.11 [95%CI -2.18, -0.04], p = 0.045) and PSE (Δ = -1.55 [95%CI -2.52, -0.58], p = 0.002) compared to placebo, with no synergistic effect.
- PSE improved TUG (p = 0.02) and 30-CST (p = 0.0004), while inulin improved grip strength (p = 0.002), pressure pain thresholds (p = 0.009) and temporal summation (p = 0.025) compared to placebo and had significantly lower dropout rates (3.6%) compared with PSE (21% p < 0.01).
Migraine and the Gut-Brain Axis-The Role of Microbiome-Targeted Biotics
Kozák M et al. • Nutrients (2026)
Well-powered, placebo-controlled trials with standardized migraine endpoints and integrated microbiome and metabolomic analyses are needed to define responders, optimal interventions, and clinical relevance.
- Emerging evidence also supports a potential role for prebiotics (e.g., inulin-type fructans) and microbiota-derived metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, although direct clinical data remain limited.
- Conclusions: Modulation of the microbiome-gut-brain axis represents a biologically plausible adjunct approach in migraine management.
- While probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics show potential benefits with favorable safety profiles, current evidence of their strain-, formulation-, and population-specific characteristics is lacking.