How does inulin work?

Most research suggests that inulin works primarily as a fermentable fiber which can undergo bacterial fermentation in the gut, leading to changes in the composition and function of the gut microbiome and the production of bioactive metabolites, like SCFAs.^[1] SCFAs are capable of influencing the health of our body in a multitude of ways, including by promoting a healthy gut environment and helping to regulate appetite, inflammation, and metabolism.^[2] While some clinical trials have reported increased levels of SCFAs in the blood or feces with inulin supplementation, most have actually failed to find an effect.^[1] Additionally, while inulin can certainly modulate the gut microbiome, connecting these changes to beneficial health outcomes in humans has proved challenging. Ultimately, further research is needed to better understand how inulin works.