'
NOW Supplements Inulin Prebiotic Powder
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 12 Researches
5.2
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.4
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Level Teaspoon (approx. 4 g)
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
10 
 
Total Carbohydrate
4 g
1%**
Dietary Fiber
4 g
14%*
Organic Inulin (FOS) (from Blue Agave)
3.3 g

Top Medical Research Studies

5
Agave inulin shows mild bloating
Gastrointestinal tolerance and utilization of agave inulin by healthy adults.
Research directly explores agave inulin
We examined the effects of agave inulin on gastrointestinal tolerance, particularly focusing on bloating, in a structured study. This research utilized a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, involving 29 healthy adults across three periods, each lasting 21 days with one-week breaks in between.

Participants consumed either 5.0 g or 7.5 g of agave inulin, or a placebo, while we surveyed them for gastrointestinal symptoms. Interestingly, we found that while both doses led to slight increases in bloating and other symptoms like flatulence, the overall intensity remained low on a scale of 0 to 12.

For example, bloating and flatulence were reported slightly more frequently with the inulin, but our scores indicated minimal discomfort. Additionally, we noted improvements in bowel movements, with softer stools and more frequent visits to the bathroom, especially at the higher dosage. Remarkably, diarrhea was not more common with inulin consumption compared to the placebo.

Overall, our findings suggest that while agave inulin can cause some bloating, it's not significant enough to deter its use. Instead, it seems to offer potential benefits in terms of digestive health without major gastrointestinal issues.
Read More
5
Inulin well tolerated in study
Digestive tolerance of inulin-type fructans: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over, dose-ranging, randomized study in healthy volunteers.
Highly relevant to bloating effects
We engaged in a comprehensive study to compare the digestive tolerance of various inulin-type fructans over a period of two weeks. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 84 healthy volunteers participated, testing products like Fibrulose F97 and Fibruline Instant at different dosages.

We recorded various digestive symptoms, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and flatulence, using visual analogue scales. While we noted that the three types of inulin did lead to a mild increase in symptoms, particularly with Fibruline Instant at the highest dose of 20 grams per day, the overall changes were not severe.

Importantly, despite some variations, the different inulin treatments were generally well tolerated. The increase in bloating and other symptoms was significant for the highest dose of Fibruline Instant, but not enough to indicate a problematic response. Therefore, we can say that inulin-type fructans are well tolerated by most people, with only mild digestive discomfort reported.
Read More
5
Inulin's role in IBS bloating
Colon Hypersensitivity to Distension, Rather Than Excessive Gas Production, Produces Carbohydrate-Related Symptoms in Individuals With Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Relevant study on IBS symptoms
We conducted a comprehensive study involving patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to better understand how inulin, a type of carbohydrate, affects bloating and related symptoms. Utilizing a carefully designed cross-over study, we observed both IBS patients and healthy individuals as they consumed drinks containing inulin on multiple occasions.

Our findings revealed that patients reported more frequent symptoms after inulin consumption compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, the physiological responses, such as the levels of gas produced in the intestines, were similar between both groups. However, what stood out was that IBS patients seemed to have heightened sensitivity to abdominal distension.

This suggests that the discomfort associated with inulin isn't necessarily due to creating more gas but rather a unique sensitivity of the colon in those suffering from IBS. While we noted that inulin may lead to bloating, it seems that addressing this discomfort involves understanding the patient's sensitivity rather than merely focusing on gas production levels. In conclusion, our study highlights the intricate relationship between inulin and bloating in IBS patients, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to treatment.
Read More

Most Useful Reviews

10
No bloating experienced
Good addition to my daily supplement. I bought this on the recommendation of my doctor. I was pleased to see it didn't contain gluten or yeast. The taste is unnoticeable and didn't affect my oatmeal, smoothies, or water when added. I was extremely happy that I didn't experience bloating or gas as I have with other products. I feel better after just a couple of days. This was gentle and, in my opinion, a good choice.
Read More
8
Requires careful use
This stuff is fantastic! It promotes great bowel movements and tastes nice, but I recommend starting slowly with about 1/4 teaspoon to avoid gas pains and bloating initially. With gradual use, it’s very effective.
Read More
7.5
Reduces bloating
Works for stomach and digestive issues. I like it and it seems to do its job well. It reduces bloating and helps with occasional constipation, as well as my acid reflux. However, it takes a long time to dissolve, and I don't want to put it in hot water because the prebiotics could die out. They need to improve on that.
Read More

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 12 Researches
5.2
8
Inulin reduces IBS-related bloating
[Using a multicomponent functional food in IBS patients with constipation a comparative controlled study].
Mixed composition influences findings
We conducted a study involving 49 patients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) to evaluate the impact of a specially formulated drink containing inulin, menthol, and pyridoxine on digestive symptoms, particularly bloating.

Over two weeks, one group consumed this drink alongside a standard diet, while a control group only followed the diet. We monitored daily reports of symptoms, including bloating, using a simple scale. Our findings were striking: participants who consumed the drink experienced a significant reduction in bloating scores, moving from an average of 2.22 to 1.53 on our scale. This improvement was statistically significant, suggesting that inulin can positively influence bloating in patients with IBS-C.

However, we also noted that some patients experienced side effects, such as heartburn. While the functional drink showed promise in reducing bloating and enhancing overall quality of life, these adverse effects indicate a need for further refinement of the drink's composition.
Read More
7
Inulin may reduce bloating symptoms
Inulin, Choline and Silymarin in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation-Randomized Case-Control Study.
Combined treatment effects observed
We conducted a randomized study focusing on patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Our aim was to see how adding a specific food supplement that includes inulin, choline, and silymarin could help alleviate bloating and other IBS symptoms compared to a standard constipation diet alone.

After eight weeks of treatment, we observed a notable improvement in bloating severity. Specifically, the addition of the supplement led to a 34.8% reduction in bloating symptoms among participants who used it in conjunction with their diet. This indicates that inulin, as part of this combination, may have a positive effect on alleviating bloating.

However, while stool frequency and consistency did show some improvement, these results were not statistically significant when comparing the two groups. Therefore, while there are clear benefits to including inulin with other ingredients for bloating relief, we must recognize that inulin’s isolated effects are part of a larger picture.
Read More
7
Inulin jelly improves bloating
[Dry jelly concentrate with vitamins and dietary fiber in patients with IBS with constipation: a comparative controlled study].
Uses combined components, affects bloating
We conducted a study to evaluate how a dry jelly concentrate containing inulin affects bloating in patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). In this controlled study, fifty patients followed either a standard diet or the same diet plus two servings of jelly daily for two weeks.

Our findings revealed that those who consumed the jelly saw a notable decrease in bloating, with the Likert scale points improving from an average of 2.03 to 1.55. This indicates that using inulin in the form of a jelly may help ease feelings of bloating among those with IBS-C.

While both groups noted some improvement in abdominal pain, the jelly group enjoyed more significant enhancements not only in bloating but also in stool frequency and overall quality of life. It’s encouraging to see that this functional food product can offer relief and improve daily living for IBS-C patients.

Throughout the study, no significant adverse events were reported, suggesting that the jelly concentrate is safe for consumption.
Read More
5
Inulin's role in IBS bloating
Colon Hypersensitivity to Distension, Rather Than Excessive Gas Production, Produces Carbohydrate-Related Symptoms in Individuals With Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Relevant study on IBS symptoms
We conducted a comprehensive study involving patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to better understand how inulin, a type of carbohydrate, affects bloating and related symptoms. Utilizing a carefully designed cross-over study, we observed both IBS patients and healthy individuals as they consumed drinks containing inulin on multiple occasions.

Our findings revealed that patients reported more frequent symptoms after inulin consumption compared to healthy controls. Interestingly, the physiological responses, such as the levels of gas produced in the intestines, were similar between both groups. However, what stood out was that IBS patients seemed to have heightened sensitivity to abdominal distension.

This suggests that the discomfort associated with inulin isn't necessarily due to creating more gas but rather a unique sensitivity of the colon in those suffering from IBS. While we noted that inulin may lead to bloating, it seems that addressing this discomfort involves understanding the patient's sensitivity rather than merely focusing on gas production levels. In conclusion, our study highlights the intricate relationship between inulin and bloating in IBS patients, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to treatment.
Read More
5
Agave inulin shows mild bloating
Gastrointestinal tolerance and utilization of agave inulin by healthy adults.
Research directly explores agave inulin
We examined the effects of agave inulin on gastrointestinal tolerance, particularly focusing on bloating, in a structured study. This research utilized a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, involving 29 healthy adults across three periods, each lasting 21 days with one-week breaks in between.

Participants consumed either 5.0 g or 7.5 g of agave inulin, or a placebo, while we surveyed them for gastrointestinal symptoms. Interestingly, we found that while both doses led to slight increases in bloating and other symptoms like flatulence, the overall intensity remained low on a scale of 0 to 12.

For example, bloating and flatulence were reported slightly more frequently with the inulin, but our scores indicated minimal discomfort. Additionally, we noted improvements in bowel movements, with softer stools and more frequent visits to the bathroom, especially at the higher dosage. Remarkably, diarrhea was not more common with inulin consumption compared to the placebo.

Overall, our findings suggest that while agave inulin can cause some bloating, it's not significant enough to deter its use. Instead, it seems to offer potential benefits in terms of digestive health without major gastrointestinal issues.
Read More

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 4 Reviews
8.4
10
No bloating experienced
Good addition to my daily supplement. I bought this on the recommendation of my doctor. I was pleased to see it didn't contain gluten or yeast. The taste is unnoticeable and didn't affect my oatmeal, smoothies, or water when added. I was extremely happy that I didn't experience bloating or gas as I have with other products. I feel better after just a couple of days. This was gentle and, in my opinion, a good choice.
Read More
8
Requires careful use
This stuff is fantastic! It promotes great bowel movements and tastes nice, but I recommend starting slowly with about 1/4 teaspoon to avoid gas pains and bloating initially. With gradual use, it’s very effective.
7.5
Helpful for children
This affordable prebiotic is easy to take and mix into various items. We are using it for my daughter on the spectrum. Initially, it caused gas, bloating, and constipation, but after a couple of months, she can now use the bathroom independently. Thank you for providing a product that's easy to give to children to aid them.
Read More
7.5
Reduces bloating
Works for stomach and digestive issues. I like it and it seems to do its job well. It reduces bloating and helps with occasional constipation, as well as my acid reflux. However, it takes a long time to dissolve, and I don't want to put it in hot water because the prebiotics could die out. They need to improve on that.
Read More
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