Glossary

Send

Fructan

Fructans is a collective term for a group of polysaccharides that consist almost exclusively of linked fructose subunits.

Inulins; compounds mainly produced in chicory, onion, jerusalem artichoke, and garlic; count among fructans. Inulins are indigestible fibres that promote the growth of certain bacteria in the digestive tract. They are said to have positive health effects and are even implicated in disease prevention (prebiotic effects). Today, inulins and other polyfructoses, usually extracted from chicory, are used in yogurts and other dairy foods to enhance their nutritional value (functional foods).

Genetic engineering research is going on to modify potatoes and sugar beets to produce higher amounts of inulins.