Skip to main content

Fiber

Inulin

Also known as: Chicory root fiber, FOS

A
Evidence

Prebiotic fiber from chicory root that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. Supports microbiome diversity and calcium absorption.

Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.

Add Swanson Epic Pro 25-Strain Probiotic to your stack — free
The highest-scored Inulin product in our catalog (76/100). Track dose and overlaps in the app.
Add it →

Every Inulin product we have scored

Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.

Common questions

How much Inulin should I take?

The typical range is 5-15 g daily. Start low for tolerance

When should I take Inulin?

Any time. Optional.

Which form of Inulin is best?

Powder — Add to food/drinks. Other forms in the catalog: Capsules.

Is Inulin safe?

Commonly reported: Gas, Bloating, Cramping. Serious warnings: FODMAP intolerance. Safe

Which Inulin supplement scores highest?

Swanson Epic Pro 25-Strain Probiotic, at 76/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.

Daily target & upper limit

28 g / day

Inulin has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:

Inulin dosage reference →

Primary uses

  • Prebiotic
  • Gut microbiome
  • Calcium absorption
  • Digestive health

How it works

  • Fermented by bifidobacteria
  • Produces beneficial SCFAs
  • Enhances mineral absorption

Dosage

Typical range
5-15 g daily
Timing
Any time
With food
Optional
Duration
Start low for tolerance
Special populations
FODMAPs-sensitive start very low

Forms

  • Powder
  • Capsules

Safety

Common side effects

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Cramping

Contraindications

  • SIBO may worsen

Products containing Inulin

Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Inulin on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.

See all products →

Known interactions

Evidence notes

Well-studied prebiotic

Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.

Inulin compared head-to-head

Related in Fiber

Check a full stack

Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.

Open the checker

Where does Inulin fit in your stack?

Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.

Build my stack

2 questions · free · no account needed to start

Also on iPhone — get the free app

📬 Get new guides in your inbox

Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam

We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.

Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.