INULIN (Jerusalem Artichoke)

The body is home to trillions of microorganisms, most of which are bacteria living in the gut, collectively known as the microbiome. Maintaining a balance between the good and bad bacteria is fundamental in supporting optimal health and well-being, and prebiotic fiber like Inulin plays a crucial role in creating a healthy microbiome.

Inulin is a soluble dietary fiber (carbohydrate), and because of the β–(2←1) configuration of the fructosyl-fructose glycosidic linkages, it is resistant to digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Once it reaches the colon it is fermented by the gut microflora and helps in the metabolism of compounds, mainly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which promote health benefits.

With the rising demand for nutrient-rich foods and the increased awareness of the role a balanced gut microbiome plays in promoting good health, prebiotic fiber like inulin is becoming popular not only in dietary supplements, but in functional foods and beverages, and even in pet products. Inulin has the ability to bind water molecules, and when heated in the presence of water, it can form a gel-like substance which helps to create texture and improve the stability of foods and beverages. It can also replace some fat and sugar in products.