inulin

noun

in·​u·​lin ˈin-yə-lən 

: a white, mildly sweet, indigestible polysaccharide that occurs chiefly in the roots or tubers of various plants (such as chicory or Jerusalem artichoke), that on hydrolysis yields levulose, and that is used as an additive in low-fat and low-sugar foods to improve the flavor and texture, and as a diagnostic agent in a test for kidney function

Examples of inulin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sculpt Nation adds inulin into their probiotic, providing fiber that can further diversify the gut microbiome and provide fuel for good bacteria to make important nutrients, such as short-chain fatty acids. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Jan. 2024

This product also contains inulin, a plant fiber that is considered a prebiotic. —Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Verywell Health, 21 Feb. 2024

Some of these ingredients include a mix of land and sea greens, fruits, green tea for an antioxidant blend, and black pepper and inulin to help with absorption and digestion. —Kelsey Kunik, Rd, Health, 29 Dec. 2023

Most of them have a prebiotic fiber called inulin that’s been extracted from its richest source—chicory root, Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and the founder of Real Nutrition NYC, told Health. —Amber Sayer, Health, 29 Aug. 2023

Dandelion root contains inulin, which is a dietary fiber, and prebiotics, while chamomile and peppermint can help relax the intestines and keeps things moving. —Emilia Benton, Women's Health, 11 Aug. 2023

Quaker Chewy 25% Less Sugar chocolate chip granola bars, for instance, are sweetened with inulin, which is made from plants, and polydextrose, a complex carbohydrate made from glucose. —Laura Reiley, Washington Post, 14 July 2023

Other popular synthetic fibers, like inulin, fructooligosaccharides, and wheat dextrin do not have a significant cholesterol-lowering benefit, unless given at very high doses.5 Does fiber help with weight loss? —Casey Seidan, Ms, Rdn, Cdn, Health, 27 June 2023

The study also found that inulin improved gut microbiota, which can aid in weight loss. —Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

probably from German Inulin, from Latin inula elecampane

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

inulin

noun

in·​u·​lin ˈin-yə-lən 

: a white mildly sweet plant polysaccharide that resists digestion in the stomach and small intestine, is extracted commercially especially from the roots and rhizomes of composite plants (as chicory), and is used as a source of levulose, as a diagnostic agent in a test for kidney function, and as a food additive to improve the flavor and texture of low-fat and low-sugar processed foods see oligofructose