Inulin

Tuesday 30 November 1999

Functional foods containing this material (a group of naturally occurring carbohydrate polymers, based on fructose) are attracting interest because of their benefits for human health.

These polymers, members of the fructan family, are soluble fibres. Beneficial properties claimed include use to partially replace fat or sugar, promotion of growth of ‘good bacteria’ in the lower gut, thus improving the digestive system and improved calcium absorption. Inulin is particularly prevalent in chicory root and Jerusalem artichokes.

Eclipse uses the AOAC method Measurement of total fructan in foods to measure inulin – contact sales@eclipsescientific.co.uk if you require this analysis.