inulin

American  

[in-yuh-lin] / ˈɪn yə lɪn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a polysaccharide, (C 6 H 10 O5 ) n , obtained from the roots of certain plants, especially elecampane, dahlia, and Jerusalem artichoke, that undergoes hydrolysis to the dextrorotatory form of fructose: used chiefly as an ingredient in diabetic bread, in processed foods to increase their fiber content, and as a reagent in diagnosing kidney function.

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inulin British  

/ ˈɪnjʊlɪn /

noun

1. a fructose polysaccharide present in the tubers and rhizomes of some plants. Formula: (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) n

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Etymology

Origin of inulin

1805–15; < New Latin Inul ( a ) a genus of plants ( Latin: elecampane) + -in ²

Example Sentences

"Think of it like a continuous glucose monitor, but for intestinal gas," Hall said, explaining that the device detected increased hydrogen production after participants consumed inulin, a prebiotic fiber.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2026

Cobbs cited research showing that consuming 7.5 grams of agave inulin daily for three weeks was insufficient to confer any meaningful prebiotic benefit.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2024

And they are a great source of inulin, a type of prebiotic, soluble fiber that provides nourishment for all the favorable bacteria in your gut microbiome.

From Salon • Oct. 12, 2023

Chitin is similar to inulin, a polysaccharide with fructose, but with additional glucose monomers.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The roots contain starch; and the ashes of the plant burnt when green yield carbonate of potash abundantly, with nitre, and inulin.

From Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure by Fernie, William Thomas