Inulin: A Widely Used Fiber With Potential Cancer Risks
Hailed as a solution for Americans who don’t eat enough vegetables and fruit, refined inulin has quietly crept into nearly every category of processed foods—from cakes and candies to yogurt and baby formula. Some people even scoop a spoonful of this powder into their morning coffee.
TL;DR
- Inulin is a plant-based fiber used as a prebiotic in processed foods.
- It is found in various products like cakes, candies, yogurt, and baby formula.
- Inulin has been linked to cancer in animal studies and an early human case report.
- It is added to foods to promote the growth of gut bacteria.
- Inulin is presented as a way to boost fiber intake.