inulin

noun

in·​u·​lin ˈin-yə-lən 

: a white, mildly sweet, indigestible polysaccharide that occurs chiefly in the roots or tubers of various plants (such as chicory or Jerusalem artichoke), that on hydrolysis yields levulose, and that is used as an additive in low-fat and low-sugar foods to improve the flavor and texture, and as a diagnostic agent in a test for kidney function

Examples of inulin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To do this work, the researchers obtained mare’s milk from Poland, pasteurized it and used it to created four types of ice creams by varying additional yoghurt cultures and the sweetener inulin. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

Some fruit and vegetable supplements contain fibers from inulin, flaxseed, or various gums. —Miranda Galati, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2024

The 60 human taste-testers found all of the ice creams to be creamy and attractive — both tasty and with good texture, though the sample with both yogurt bacteria and inulin were described as having a slight acidic flavor. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

The inulin from Jerusalem artichoke may cause some digestive upset for those with IBS. —Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Rd, Health, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from German Inulin, from Latin inula elecampane

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

inulin

noun

in·​u·​lin ˈin-yə-lən 

: a white mildly sweet plant polysaccharide that resists digestion in the stomach and small intestine, is extracted commercially especially from the roots and rhizomes of composite plants (as chicory), and is used as a source of levulose, as a diagnostic agent in a test for kidney function, and as a food additive to improve the flavor and texture of low-fat and low-sugar processed foods see oligofructose