Beta(2-1)fructans, Chicory Extract, Chicory Inulin, Dahlia Extract, Dahlia Inulin, Extrait de Chicorée, Extrait de Dahlia, Inulina, Inuline, Inuline de Chicorée, Inuline de Dahlia, Long-chain Oligosaccharides, Oligosaccharides, Oligosaccharides à Chaîne Longue, Prebiotic, Prébiotique.
Inulin is a starchy substance found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including wheat, onions, bananas, leeks, artichokes, and asparagus. The inulin that is used for medicine is most commonly obtained by soaking chicory roots in hot water.
Inulin is used for high blood fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides. It is also used for weight loss, constipation, and as a food additive to improve taste.
How does it work?
Inulin is not digested or absorbed in the stomach. It goes to the bowels where bacteria are able to use it to grow. It supports the growth of a special kind of bacteria that are associated with improving bowel function and general health. Inulin decreases the body's ability to make certain kinds of fats.
SLIDESHOW
How to Lower Your Cholesterol & Save Your Heart See SlideshowPossibly Effective for...
- Lowering high levels of a kind of fat called triglycerides. Taking inulin seems to lower triglycerides by up to 19% after eight weeks of treatment.
- Constipation. Inulin helps elderly people who typically have a bowel movement only once or twice a week to have a bowel movement daily.
Possibly Ineffective for...
- Weight loss. Taking inulin in combination with chromium picolinate, capsicum, L-phenylalanine, and other nutrients, does not seem to significantly reduce weight in moderately obese people.
- High cholesterol levels. Taking inulin as a supplement does not seem to significantly lower blood cholesterol.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
QUESTION
What is cholesterol? See AnswerThe following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
- For high triglycerides: The usual dose of inulin is 10-14 grams daily.
- For treatment of constipation in older people: 20-40 grams per day for 19 days.
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