Inulin
Plain-English definitions of microbiome research vocabulary — the terms you'll see across articles, testing services, and probiotic claims.
A naturally occurring prebiotic fibre found in chicory root, garlic, onions, leeks, and artichokes. It selectively feeds beneficial Bifidobacterium species and is one of the most studied and widely used prebiotic supplements.
Related terms
Prebiotic
Non-digestible food components (typically dietary fibres) that selectively stimulate the growth or activity of beneficial gut bacteria. Common examples include inulin, FOS, and GOS.
Bifidobacterium
A genus of beneficial bacteria that dominates the infant gut and remains important throughout life. Various species (B. longum, B. infantis, B. breve) are among the most studied probiotics, with evidence for IBS, immunity, and infant health.