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2Corrective

Prebiotic fibre (inulin)

Also sold as Inulin, FOS, GOS, chicory root fibre, prebiotic

Fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria — reasonable evidence, but they commonly cause bloating at first.

TrustedSupp Tier System™ · Tier 2Take until levels correct

Evidence strength

55/100Moderate
WEAKLIMITEDMODERATESTRONGVERY STRONG

What the evidence supports: increasing beneficial gut bacteria and improving stool regularity.

This scores how well-supported the claim above is — not how much benefit you personally would get. A high score on a narrow claim does not extend to everything the product is marketed for.

How long to take it

Ongoing use is fine if tolerated.

Who it's actually for

People with low fibre intake; those with IBS should be cautious.

Safe upper limit

Unverified
No formal upper limit; start with 2–3 g daily and build slowly
Fermentable fibres produce gas as bacteria break them down. Rapid increases cause bloating, and they can worsen IBS symptoms in people sensitive to FODMAPs.
No source or citation attached yet.

Interactions to know about

No commonly documented medication clashes in our data. That is not the same as none existing.

Run your full list through the interaction check.

Practical notes

  • Increase slowly over two to three weeks.
  • If you have IBS, inulin may conflict with a low-FODMAP approach — ask a dietitian.
  • Food sources include onions, garlic, leeks, and slightly green bananas.