Inulin

Category

Sweetening agent

Molecular Formula

C6H11O4(C6H11O4)nOH

Molecular Weight

≈5000

Description

Inulin occurs as an odorless white powder with a neutral to slightly sweet taste.

UNII

JOS53KRJ01

Chemical Name

Inulin

CAS Number

9005-80-5

Synonyms

Beneo; Frutafit; oligofructose; Orafti; polyfructose; Raftiline.

Stability and Storage Conditions

Inulin is slightly hygroscopic and should be stored at cool to normal temperatures, in air-tight and water-tight containers.

Source and Preparation

Inulin is extracted from the tubers of Dahlia variabilis, Helianthus, in a procedure similar to the extraction of sugar from sugar beet.

Applications

Inulin has many potential uses in pharmaceutical applications, as a filler-binder in tablet formulations; to stabilize therapeutic proteins; or to enhance the dissolution of lipophilic drugs. Methacrylated inulin hydrogels have been investigated for the development of colon-specific drug delivery systems. Inulin is used as a diagnostic agent to measure the glomerular filtration rate.It is used in the food industry as a sweetener and stabilizer; and also as a prebiotic, where it has been shown to provide protection against inflammatory and malignant colonic diseases in animals.It is also used as a noncaloric dietary fiber supplement.

Safety

Inulin is a naturally occurring plant polysaccharide and is one of the major constituents of the Compositae family. Inulin is recommended to diabetics, as it has a mild sweet taste, but is not absorbed and does not affect blood sugar levels. It is used widely in the food industry as a sweetener and stabilizer.

Incompatibilities

Inulin is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.