In vitro and in vivo effects of inuline on the immune system

The effects of inulin on the immune system are described. Both data from in vitro studies and from experimental animal in vivo studies are presented t o show the potential immune stimulating effect of inulin. We conclude that inulin can affect the immune system positively in various ways. The immune system can be influenced directly through macrophage activ ation and indirectly through cell wall fragments of Bifidobacteria that eli cit an immune response or through fermentation products such as butyrate. N ext to these effects, a positive influence of inulin on gut-associated lymp hoid tissue has been reported. Inulin is also able to support the immune sy stem by making the colon content less toxic, e.g. through reduction of pote ntially harmful enzyme activity: and by providing an adequate removal of (t oxic) waste materials through a regular bowel movement. It seems therefor t hat through its prebiotic activity inulin call also stimulate the immune sy stem.