Inulin

What is Inulin?

To understand why Inulin matters, it helps to know a little about the gut. Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, mostly bacteria, along with fungi and others. Some of these bacteria are beneficial. They help with the digestion of food by producing enzymes, make certain vitamins and produce compounds that are used elsewhere in the body. Our gut and our brain are connected via 'the gut-brain axis', which is why our gut is our 'second brain'.

These bacteria feed on compounds called 'prebiotics', and Inulin is one of the best known. Our bodies don't digest Inulin itself, but it is a quality fibre that acts as food for the bacteria in our gut, allowing them to multiply.

What does Inulin do?

Chicory inulin contributes to normal bowel function by increasing stool frequency.*

Inulin has been studied for its effects on bowel habits and digestive comfort, in combination with choline and silymarin. It also feeds bifidobacteria, a well-studied group of gut bacteria that make certain vitamins.

Gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids when they ferment fibres like Inulin. These are absorbed in the gut and used around the body. Researchers are increasingly interested in the link between the gut and the skin, known as the gut-skin axis. To stay active, gut bacteria need a regular supply of prebiotic fibres, such as Inulin.

*The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 12g of chicory inulin.

You may also enjoy reading 'What are prebiotics and probiotics?' and 'How gut health affects the skin'. Learn about the '6 signs of an unhealthy gut' and discover 'Latest gut health customer survey: IBS causes & signs revealed'.

Why it's in Men's ProMulti

Inulin is a prebiotic and soluble fibre that feeds explicitly bifido bacteria in the gut. The probiotics, in turn, produce short-chain fatty acids, which enhance nutrient absorption. Inulin also has beneficial effects on metabolic health, helping to improve blood sugar levels and reduce body fat, especially in individuals with insulin resistance or prediabetes. Inulin can also contribute to weight management and enhanced immune function.^1,2

Why it's in Skin Saviour®

Inulin is a prebiotic fibre that promotes the growth of beneficial gut microbiota, which in turn supports skin health through the gut-skin axis.

Gut-skin axis: Improves gut microbial balance, reducing systemic inflammation that may affect the skin.

Anti-inflammatory effects: Reduces systemic markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), which indirectly supports clearer skin.³

Why it's in pH Hero®

Inulin is a prebiotic that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria. Its mechanisms of action include:

Selective fermentation: The fermentation of inulin by gut bacteria leads to the production of SCFAs, which have anti-inflammatory properties. SCFAs can inhibit the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-^KB) and other inflammatory pathways, reducing the expression of inflammatory mediators. Inulin serves as a food source for beneficial bacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, promoting their growth and activity. This selective feeding supports microbial diversity and helps suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria.

Why it's in Gut Works®

Inulin is a naturally occurring prebiotic fibre found in chicory root, artichokes, asparagus, and onions. It is classified as a fructooligosaccharide (FOS), a type of carbohydrate composed of fructose chains that resist digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Instead of being absorbed, Inulin reaches the colon, where it selectively stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Inulin serves as a substrate for beneficial bacteria, enhancing microbial diversity and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. This leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as butyrate, acetate, and propionate, which improve gut health and systemic metabolic function.