How we pick our products
Welcome to our big Inulin Powder Test 2023. Here we present all the inulin powders we have tested. We have compiled detailed background information and added a summary of customer reviews on the internet.
We would like to make your purchase decision easier and help you find the best inulin powder for you.
You will also find answers to frequently asked questions in our guide. If available, we also offer interesting test videos. Furthermore, you will also find some important information on this page that you should be aware of if you want to buy inulin powder.
Summary
- Inulin is a high-fibre and plant-based prebiotic.
- Inulin powder can help you lose weight and prevent intestinal diseases and diabetes.
- With the help of inulin powder you can regulate your intestinal flora and relieve flatulence.
The Best Inulin Powder: Our Picks
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying an inulin powder
What is inulin powder?
Inulin is usually extracted from the root of the chicory plant or agave. The resulting powder can be taken orally by humans.
The plant substance also promotes the absorption of magnesium and calcium. It thus supports healthy bone formation and supplies the organism with necessary minerals.
As a prebiotic, inulin supports the development and maintenance of a healthy intestinal flora. In addition, it promotes digestion and can thus support weight loss.
For whom is inulin powder suitable?
Since it is a plant-based product, it is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
The plant substance does contain lactose, but this is not broken down by the body during the digestion process and is therefore tolerated in most cases.
With the help of inulin powder you can reduce the risk of colon cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis, regulate your intestinal flora and relieve constipation. In addition, the powder can support you in losing weight.
You can find out more about the many uses of inulin powder in the next section.
What is inulin powder good for?
There was a significant reduction in the risk of cancer or a decrease in tumours in the participants. (1)
In addition, the substance has a positive influence on the intestinal flora, as it only promotes the reproduction of healthy intestinal bacteria.
The scientists found that inulin reduced the number of harmful bacteria and promoted good bacteria. Furthermore, the level of short-chain fatty acids increased. At the same time, it could be shown that beta-glucuronidase was less active. (2)
In 2017, the Journal of Nutrition published a study that analysed the possible influence of inulin on intestinal infections, inflammation and leaky gut syndrome.
According to the study, inulin has a positive effect on the intestinal flora, for example by increasing the number of bifido and lactobacteria, as well as short-chain fatty acids, and by lowering the pH value in the intestine.
Thus, the researchers concluded that inulin prevents gastrointestinal infections and systemic inflammation. People with chronic intestinal diseases could also benefit from inulin. (3)
According to the researchers, the positive effect is derived from the fermentation of inulin. This produces substances that impede negative cell growth and inhibit metastases.
Inulin is also considered a natural appetite suppressant because it expands in the gastrointestinal tract and is therefore also wonderfully suitable if you want to lose weight. Because of this property, inulin is also often used in therapeutic fasting.
In 2009, a study was published that examined the effects of inulin on weight loss. In this study, 48 overweight people were given 21g of inulin daily.
Due to the intake of inulin, the levels of ghrelin decreased. This hormone is responsible for the development of the feeling of hunger. Simultaneously, the number of hormones responsible for the feeling of fullness increased. (4)
The study participants lost an average of 0.9 kilograms. The control group, on the other hand, lost only 0.45 kg. The observation period was 12 weeks. Thus, the researchers concluded that inulin has the potential to promote weight loss and improve glucose regulation in overweight adults, independent of any other lifestyle changes.
Inulin may help diabetics regulate fat metabolism and prevent obesity. Inulin promotes the absorption of calcium and can thus also prevent the development of osteoporosis. (5)
What can be the side effects of inulin powder?
Allergic reactions are very rare. It may be that your body first has to get used to the inulin intake. During this phase, you may also experience flatulence. However, this will decrease over time.
You should always drink enough water to support the inulin in your gastrointestinal tract.
How do I use inulin powder?
Another option is to add the powder to sauces, juices, smoothies or other dishes. Since the powder itself has hardly any flavour, the food or drink itself is changed very little in terms of taste. The consistency of the food, on the other hand, becomes creamy with inulin.
Decision: What types of inulin powder are there and which is right for you?
You can take inulin in two forms, as a powder and as a capsule. The two types differ in the way they are produced, the
- Inulin powder
- Inulin powder in capsules
Whether you take the powder in its pure form or as a capsule, one thing is the same in both: the inulin it contains promotes the growth of bacteria that are good for the intestines and thus ensure healthy intestinal flora.
In both cases, it is only a food supplement and therefore not a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of inulin powder?
You take one to two teaspoons of inulin powder throughout the day with water, juice or food. One teaspoon corresponds to about 5g of inulin. Because of the size of the spoon, it can happen more quickly that you take too much of the powder.
Unlike the inulin capsules, the powder is mostly free of additives.
It is best to store the product in the refrigerator away from light. A 100g pack of inulin powder will last for about 50 days if consumed by the teaspoonful daily and is on average cheaper than the capsule.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of inulin powder in capsules?
Inulin capsules are very easy to use and easy to dose. In most cases, you take two to three capsules a day. The recommended intake should not be exceeded.
If you are vegetarian or vegan, you should make sure that the capsules are not made from gelatine. In addition, some products contain colourings and other fillers besides inulin. You can find information about this on the product packaging.
The capsules should be stored in a dry place and protected from light. A pack of 90 capsules contains a total of about 50g of inulin and will last for 45 days if consumed at an average of two capsules per day.
You can also find many capsules that contain inulin as an additive along with other good intestinal bacteria. Most of these are lactic acid bacteria.
Buying criteria: You can compare and evaluate inulin powder based on the following factors
Quantity and packaging
Depending on whether you decide to buy inulin powder or capsules, the packaging is slightly different. The powders are usually packed in sealable paper or plastic bags or tins. The capsules, on the other hand, can be bought loose in tins or in blisters in paper packaging.
The powder is available in quantities of 100g or more. The capsules are usually available in packs of 60, 90 or 180.
Ingredients
When it comes to ingredients, you should make sure that there are no additional colourings, preservatives, fillers or flavourings. In the best case, go for organic products from the EU that are GMO-free and produced according to GMP standards.
If you want to buy inulin capsules and eat a vegetarian or vegan diet, you should make sure that the capsule shell is not made of gelatine.
Interesting facts about inulin powder
What are the alternatives to inulin powder?
The vegetable dietary fibre is also found in many natural foods. In the table below you will find some foods that contain inulin:
| Food | Inulin content per 100g |
|---|---|
| Chicory | 35.7 – 47.6 g |
| Topaniambur | 16.0 – 20.0 g |
| Artichoke | 2.0 – 6.8 g |
| Banana | 0.3 – 0.7 g |
| Asparagus (cooked) | 1.4 – 2.0 g |
| Dandelion | 12.0 – 15.5 g |
| Garlic | 9.0 – 16.0 g |
| Leek | 3.0 – 10.0 g |
| Onion | 1.1 – 7.5 g |
| Wheat flour | 1.0 – 3.8 g |
Inulin is also often found in industrially manufactured products such as yoghurt, soft drinks, ready-made bakery products, ice cream and sweets, as these enhance the sweet taste and creamy texture.
What is the difference between a prebiotic and a probiotic?
A prebiotic, such as inulin in this case, simply serves as a kind of food for the good gut bacteria already present in the gut. The bad bacteria in the intestine are not supplied by the prebiotic.
The probiotic, on the other hand, already contains the healthy intestinal bacteria. The combination of prebiotic and probiotic is called a synbiotic.
Image source: pixabay.com / dungthuyvunguyen
References (5)
1.
Beatrice L Pool-Zobel. Inulin-type Fructans and Reduction in Colon Cancer Risk: Review of Experimental and Human Data. Br J Nutr. Apr 2005; 93 Suppl 1, S73-90.
Source
2.
Emília Hijová, Viktória Szabadosova, Jana Štofilová, Gabriela Hrčková. Chemopreventive and metabolic effects of inulin on colon cancer development. J Vet Sci. 2013 Dec; 14(4): 387–393.
Source
3.
Furrie E, Macfarlane S, Kennedy A, et al Synbiotic therapy (Bifidobacterium longum/Synergy 1) initiates resolution of inflammation in patients with active ulcerative colitis: a randomised controlled pilot trial Gut 2005;54:242-249.
Source
4.
Jill A Parnell, Raylene A Reimer. Weight Loss During Oligofructose Supplementation Is Associated With Decreased Ghrelin and Increased Peptide YY in Overweight and Obese Adults. Am J Clin Nutr. Jun 2009; 89 (6), 1751-9.
Source
5.
LeeCole L. Legette WangHee Lee Berdine R. Martin Jon A. Story et al. Prebiotics Enhance Magnesium Absorption and Inulin‐based Fibers Exert Chronic Effects on Calcium Utilization in a Postmenopausal Rodent Model. Journal of Food Science. 06 March 2012; Volume77, Issue4, Pages 88-94.
Source
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