ABSTRACT
Inulins, the β-(2,1)-fructans extracted on industrial scale from chicory roots [1] and present in many other plants [2], are interesting carbohydrates that exhibit a variety of physiological e¬ects and potential health bene…ts. Being nondigestible-the β(2,1)-bond cannot be hydrolyzed in our digestive system-these ingredients are dietary …bers with the associated physiological e¬ects. ´is means that they have a positive e¬ect on bowel habits, as they improve frequency of defecation and stool consistency, and that they may lower serum lipids as other soluble …bers will also do. In addition, they have a low glycemic and insulinemic response and a low caloric value, and may increase feelings of satiety with a possible e¬ect on food and energy intake. Inulin and oligofructose share these important features with many other dietary …bers [3-5]. ´ere is still discussion whether fermentation in the colon is a bene…cial physiological e¬ect, but it becomes now accepted that it is important for colonic health and thus should be considered as a bene…cial e¬ect of …bers [6,7].
