Inulin For Food Allergies

The online journal Science Direct asks the question “Could a dietary fiber supplement offer long-awaited treatment for food allergy sufferers”

Research from the University of Michigan indicates that inulin, a naturally occurring plant fiber may be a potential treatment for food allergies. Inulin is commonly available as a supplement with probiotics, and as a natural sweetener.

This study which was published in the journal Nature Materials presents what looks like a major advancement, possibly promising relief to those who suffer from potentially serious food allergies such as peanuts, egg whites and milk products. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1048/inulin

Inulin is a type of prebiotic. Since it is not absorbed and in the stomach it stays in the bowel helping species of beneficial bacteria to grow. Inulin is a starchy substance found in wheat and  a variety of fruits, and  vegetables, such as  onions, bananas, leeks, artichokes, and asparagus. The inulin that is used in supplements most commonly comes from soaking chicory roots in hot water.
People commonly use inulin by mouth for weight loss, constipation, and diabetes

 James Moon from U-M’s College of Pharmacy was the lead researcher for this study. He is studying inulin’s potential to treat disease. He believes that inulin gel-based therapy holds great promise. “Inulin, a widely consumed dietary fiber recognized as safe by the FDA, forms the basis of the gel, making it a feasible and translatable option for clinical use. Inulin, a widely consumed dietary fiber recognized as safe by the FDA, forms the basis of the gel, making it a feasible and translatable option for clinical use,” 

Inulin for Food Allergies

While further research and clinical trials are needed to test the findings, the study, which emphasized the role of the small intestine’s microbiota and metabolites in food allergy regulation, opens potentially life-changing new avenues for therapeutic interventions, he said. 

As many as 1 in 3 adults and more than 1 in 4 children have food allergies, a life-altering condition that is getting harder to manage as allergens can be hidden in a variety of foods and drinks. Research has shown that inulin gel, formulated together with an allergen, normalizes the imbalanced intestinal microbiota and metabolites in mice studies. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is implicated in the increasing prevalence of food allergy, which will need to be regulated to enable for an effective oral immunotherapy against food allergy. Inulin effectively suppresses allergic reactions to a variety of food allergens.

Fang Xie lead reseacrh author says, “The therapy showed long-lasting protection even after the cessation of treatment, indicating its potential for sustained relief from food allergies. While further research and clinical trials are needed to test the findings, the study, which emphasized the role of the small intestine’s microbiota and metabolites in food allergy regulation, opens potentially life-changing new avenues for therapeutic interventions. ” Inulin-gel-based oral immunotherapy remodels the small intestinal microbiome and suppresses food allergy. Nature Materials, 2024; DOI: 10.1038/s41563-024-01909-w

 When taken by mouth: Taken as a supplement, short-term doses of 8-18 grams daily have been used safely for up to 24 weeks. The most common side effects include gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and cramps which are more likley with high doses of more than 30 gm.

Health Benefits of Inulin  – Improves Digestive Health

The gut microbiome contains the bacteria and other microbes that live in the gut. It is a very complex ecosystem which contains both good and bad bacteria. Having the right balance of bacteria is essential for keeping the gut healthy and protecting the body from disease (6Trusted Source). Inulin can help promote this balance. In fact, studies have shown that inulin can help stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria (1Trusted Source). Increasing the amounts of healthful bacteria can help improve digestion, immunity, and overall health.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318593

Other Benefits of Inulin

Relieves constipation

For many people, inulin may also help relieve symptoms of constipation. One analysis found that people taking inulin experienced more frequent bowel movements and improved stool consistency (7Trusted Source). In another 4-week study, older adults who consumed 15 g of inulin per day reported less constipation and better digestion (8Trusted Source).

Promotes weight loss

Several studies indicate that inulin can also help with weight loss (9Trusted Source10Trusted Source). In one weight loss study, people with prediabetes took inulin or another fiber called cellulose for 18 weeks. Those taking inulin lost significantly more weight between 9 and 18 weeks (10Trusted Source).

Helps control diabetes

Several studies suggest that inulin may improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes and prediabetes (10Trusted Source13Trusted Source14Trusted Source). One study found that HP inulin decreased fat in the livers of people with prediabetes (14Trusted Source).  Reducing fat in the liver can help reduce insulin resistance and potentially reverse type 2 diabetes (15Trusted Source). Another study showed that women with type 2 diabetes who consumed 10 gm ofHP inulin per day decreased their Hgb A1C (a measure of diabetes control) by an average of 10.4% (16Trusted Source).

Improved mineral absorption and bone health

Animal studies have found that inulin improves calcium and magnesium absorption, resulting in improved bone density (20Trusted Source21Trusted Source). Human studies have found similar benefits. According to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review, scientific evidence supports the idea that inulin-type fructans can benefit bone mineral density and how well the body absorbs calcium (22Trusted Source).

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