Fibre

Inulin

Also called: chicory root fibre, FOS, fructooligosaccharides

A prebiotic fibre from chicory and other plants.

Why people take it
Gut bacteria, constipation.
What the evidence says
Feeds good gut bacteria; mild help with constipation.
How it is usually taken
Start with 2 to 3 g and build up to 5 to 10 g a day to limit wind.
Be careful
Gas and bloating; may worsen IBS.
Medicines it can interact with
No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.

Other fibre

PsylliumGlucomannanMethylcelluloseWheat dextrinPartially hydrolysed guar gumBeta-glucanApple cider vinegar

Common questions

What is Inulin?

A prebiotic fibre from chicory and other plants.

Why do people take Inulin?

Gut bacteria, constipation.

Does Inulin work?

Feeds good gut bacteria; mild help with constipation.

How much Inulin do people take?

Start with 2 to 3 g and build up to 5 to 10 g a day to limit wind.

Is Inulin safe?

Gas and bloating; may worsen IBS.

Does Inulin interact with medicines?

No important medicine interactions are known, but tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement you take.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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For information only, not medical advice. Supplements are not medicines: they are not tested and approved like drugs before they are sold, and they can interact with medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you start one, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take regular medicines, or have kidney, liver or heart disease.