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.
How does inulin work?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Inulin functions primarily as a fermentable fiber; it influences the gut microbiome and promotes the production of bioactive metabolites like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which may improve health. However, clinical trials have yielded mixed results on SCFA production, and establishing a direct association between gut microbiome changes and beneficial health outcomes in humans remains challenging.