Last updated September 2, 2026
Key finding
Overall mean serum-acetate over the 4 h study period was higher in NI than HI subjects (44.3 ± 6.9 vs 22.5 ± 3.7 μmol/L, p = 0.001).
This study investigated the effects of inulin on colonic fermentation markers in individuals with varying insulin levels, finding significant increases in breath hydrogen and methane.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study investigated the effects of inulin on colonic fermentation markers in individuals with varying insulin levels, finding significant increases in breath hydrogen and methane.
Understanding how dietary fibers like inulin affect gut fermentation can help in managing dietary recommendations for individuals with different insulin levels. This knowledge is crucial for developing strategies to improve gut health and metabolic outcomes, particularly for those at risk of insulin resistance.
The study did not explore long-term effects of inulin consumption. Sample size and demographic diversity may limit generalizability. Mechanisms behind the differences in serum acetate levels were not fully elucidated.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Judlyn F, Janet V, Thomas MW. Inulin increases short-term markers for colonic fermentation in humans with different insulin levels. European journal of clinical nutrition. 2011;65(12):1279-1286. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2011.116
Inulin elicited a higher breath hydrogen AUC.
Inulin elicited a higher breath methane AUC.
Serum acetate levels were significantly higher in NI subjects compared to HI subjects (44.3 ± 6.9 vs 22.5 ± 3.7 μmol/L, p = 0.001).
Free fatty acids at 4 hours were lower after inulin compared to glucose (0.310 ± 0.028 vs 0.432 ± 0.042 mEq/L, p = 0.008).
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Glucose plus inulin drink, Oral glucose drink and Breath Methane Area Under the Curve (AUC), Free fatty acids levels at 4 hours, Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test Results, and 1 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Glucose plus inulin drink
Primary outcomes
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
0
Related topics
5
Evidence pairs
0
Related studies
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Glucose plus inulin drink → Breath Methane Area Under the Curve (AUC)
Glucose plus inulin drink → Breath Methane Area Under the Curve (AUC)
Glucose plus inulin drink → Free fatty acids levels at 4 hours
Glucose plus inulin drink → Free fatty acids levels at 4 hours
Glucose plus inulin drink → Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test Results
Glucose plus inulin drink → Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test Results
Glucose plus inulin drink → Serum acetate levels
Glucose plus inulin drink → Serum acetate levels
Oral glucose drink → Serum acetate levels
Oral glucose drink → Serum acetate levels
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Glucose plus inulin drink and Breath Methane Area Under the Curve (AUC), Glucose plus inulin drink and Free fatty acids levels at 4 hours.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and Nutrition
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Breath Methane Area Under the Curve (AUC)
Measures Breath Methane Area Under the Curve (AUC) as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Free fatty acids levels at 4 hours
Measures Free fatty acids levels at 4 hours as a key outcome.
All studies on Glucose plus inulin drink
Contributes to Glucose plus inulin drink evidence base.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Glucose plus inulin drink appears to improve breath methane area under the curve (AUC).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Breath Methane Area Under the Curve (AUC)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Glucose plus inulin drink appears to improve free fatty acids levels at 4 hours.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Free fatty acids levels at 4 hours
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Glucose plus inulin drink appears to improve serum acetate levels.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Serum acetate levels
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Glucose plus inulin drink for lactulose hydrogen breath test results.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test Results
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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