Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 30, 2025

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Friend or foe? The roles of inulin-type fructans
Shuli Man1, Taohua Liu1, Yuan Yao1
1State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industry Microbiology, National and Local United Engineering Lab of Metabolic Control Fermentation Technology, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China.
Abstract:
Inulin-type fructans (ITFs) as functional fructans and soluble dietary fiber are a mixture of inulin, oligofructose and fructooligosaccharide with β configuration. They are modified by gut microbiota at the end of ileum, subsequently, improve digestive system, metabolic syndrome, immune system and inflammatory diseases, and prevent against infection and cancer. However, it has been reported that inadequate consumption of ITFs aggravates the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, results in gastrointestinal symptoms, liver cancer and intestinal inflammation. Therefore, this review summarizes the health benefits, pharmaceutical applications and safety evaluation of ITFs, which would direct their rational applications.
Related Concept Videos
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine
Carbohydrate Absorption
After being swallowed, the partially digested carbohydrates mix with gastric secretions in the stomach. However, the acidic environment...
Microorganisms in Agriculture and Food industry
Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
Transcellular Transport of Solutes

