Reviews and Information for Inulin (Prebiotics)
Prebiotics
You can't easily tell how much prebiotic fiber is actually in a prebiotic supplement -- ConsumerLab found it could be as little as 26% of what's labeled. Find out how much fiber ConsumerLab found in supplements, which one ConsumerLab considers best, and learn what prebiotics can and can't do, as well as their side effects.
Prebiotics Review
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Product Review
Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review (Including Spirulina and Chlorella)
Avoid Lead in Greens, Problems with Pills, and Don't Give Up Eating Whole Foods.
CL Answer
What are prebiotics? Is it important to look for them when choosing a probiotic supplement?
Learn more about prebiotics, including benefits and safety.
CL Answer
I developed a rash soon after starting a probiotic. Is it possible to be allergic to probiotics?
Find out if probiotics can cause allergic reactions, including skin rashes, and why.
Product Review
Probiotic Supplements Review (Including Pet Probiotics)
Probiotics: See What They Really Contain and Our Top Picks
CL Answer
What are the benefits of Daily Synbiotic by Seed Health? Does it do what it claims, and is it better than other probiotics and prebiotics?
Review of Daily Synbiotic by Seed, including information about the prebiotic and probiotic strains in the supplement, and whether there is evidence of benefit for the synbiotic.
Clinical Update
8/16/2016
Inulin for Constipation
A small study among men and women with constipation found that inulin, a type of prebiotic, was able to modestly increase the frequency of bowel movements in men and women with constipation. For details, evidence for other uses of prebiotics and our tests of products, see the Probiotics Supplements Review >>
CL Answer
Are Hormone Harmony and other Happy Mammoth Supplements Worth Taking?
Are the supplements Hormone Harmony, Hormone Harmony Plus+, Prebiotic Collagen Protein, or Bloat Banisher by Happy Mammoth likely to be beneficial for menopause symptoms or digestive health? Find out.
Clinical Update
8/26/2024
Prebiotic for Migraine?
Did supplementing with inulin, a prebiotic, reduce the frequency, severity or duration of migraine in women? Find out what a recent study showed in our Prebiotics Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick among prebiotics.
Also see: Do any supplements or foods help with migraine? Do any trigger migraine?
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods can help treat constipation?
Find out which supplements and foods can help for constipation, including fiber, flaxseed, probiotics, magnesium and fruit.
CL Answer
Does Provitalize work for weight loss and is it safe?
Find out if taking Provitalize, a probiotic supplement that also contains turmeric extract, moringa leaf extract, curry leaf extract and piperine (BioPerine), relieves joint pain, decreases abdominal fat, or helps with weight loss.
CL Answer
I am curious why some probiotics do not require refrigeration even though they contain some of the same bacteria in probiotics that require refrigeration? Which probiotics need to be refrigerated?
Refrigerating certain probiotic pills and other probiotic supplements is important. Get tips on how to store probiotics properly.
CL Answer
Can white kidney bean extract lower blood sugar or help me lose weight?
Does white kidney bean extract help promote weight loss? Find out more including evidence from clinical studies and dosage.
CL Answer
Are gummy vitamins better or worse than pills?
Learn more about gummy supplements, including those for multivitamins, vitamins C and D, calcium, and B vitamins.
CL Answer
How does Athletic Greens’ AG1 compare to multivitamins and Greens powders? Is AG1 worth it?
ConsumerLab reviews the ingredients in AG1, its safety and possible side effects, and how AG1 compares to other products.
CL Answer
Dandelion Tea & Supplements: Health Benefits and Safety
Find out about the potential health benefits of dandelion tea and supplements, as well as safety, side effects, and potential drug interactions.
CL Answer
Once I've taken probiotics for a few months, will the positive bacteria remain in my system, or do I have to keep taking them?
Find out how long you should take probiotics through understanding how long the positive bacteria remain in the system.
CL Answer
Do any supplements or foods help with migraine? Do any trigger migraine?
Find out if supplements such as magnesium, CoQ10, riboflavin, butterbur, feverfew and others help with migraine. Also learn about foods that may trigger migraine, including chocolate and watermelon.
CL Answer
Sugar Substitutes: Pros, Cons, and Best Choices
Learn about the pros and cons of using sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners in place of table sugar. Sweeteners discussed include stevia, monk fruit, and other high-intensity sweeteners; xylitol, erythritol, allulose and other low-calorie sweeteners; and agave syrup, coconut sugar, honey, molasses and other sugar alternatives.
Clinical Update
3/11/2017
Prebiotics for Appetite Control?
A study suggests that a prebiotic supplement may be helpful for appetite control — although more research is needed. Prebiotics fuel the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. For more information about the study and prebiotics (including how to get prebiotics from foods), see the "Prebiotics" section of the Probiotics Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>
Clinical Update
8/02/2015
Prebiotics for Immune Health
Prebiotics are complex sugars which can support the growth of probiotic organisms in the gut. A recent study reported a specific type of prebiotic increased amounts of beneficial bacteria and improved certain markers of immune function in older men and women. Get the details, including dosage, plus our tests of popular probiotics and prebiotics in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
3/03/2023
Prebiotic for Sleep and Mood?
Does supplementation with a prebiotic improve mood or sleep? See what a recent study found in the What It Does section of our Prebiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among prebiotics.
Also see: What are the best supplements or lifestyle modifications for insomnia, and which can make insomnia worse?
Clinical Update
3/07/2023
Prebiotic Diet for Mood?
Did eating foods rich in prebiotic compounds improve mood in people with moderate psychological distress? See what a recent study showed in our Prebiotics Supplements Review.
Also find out which foods are high in prebiotic fiber.
Clinical Update
12/12/2023
Beans as Prebiotics
Beans can be a good source of prebiotic fiber. See what happened when one cup of beans was added to a regular daily diet in our Prebiotics Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among prebiotic supplements.
Clinical Update
6/23/2023
Prebiotic For Immune Health?
Can taking a prebiotic reduce upper respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms during colder months? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of our Prebiotic Supplements Review.
Also see our Top Picks for prebiotics.
Clinical Update
4/23/2024
Prebiotic for Better Memory?
Did taking Sunfiber, a prebiotic, boost memory, mood, or sleep in older men and women? See what a recent study found in our Prebiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among prebiotic supplements.
Also see: Do any supplements, foods or lifestyle modifications help with brain function, like memory and cognition?
Clinical Update
7/15/2024
Gas & Prebiotics
Find out who is most likely to suffer gastrointestinal discomfort when taking a prebiotic supplement, and what to do about it, in the Cautions and Concerns section of our Prebiotic Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among prebiotics.
CL Answer
Does yacon syrup decrease appetite or help with weight loss? How do I find a quality brand?
Can yacon syrup can help with weight loss? Learn more, including clinical evidence, side effects, and dosage.
Clinical Update
5/20/2022
Inulin for Constipation?
Can inulin increase bowel movements in people with constipation? Find out in our updated CL Answer about supplements for constipation.
Recalls & Warnings
January 04, 2024
Lone Star Botanicals Warned by FDA for Manufacturing Violations
On November 26, 2023, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Lone Star Botanicals, Inc.
Clinical Update
6/25/2019
Prebiotic for Insulin Sensitivity
Does consuming a prebiotic improve insulin sensitivity in overweight people? See what a study recently found in the All About Prebiotics section of the Probiotic Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
5/27/2022
Prebiotics for Reducing Appetite?
Can adding prebiotics (such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) or partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG)) to meals help increase satiety or reduce appetite? Find out what a recent study showed in the All About Prebiotics section of the Probiotics Supplements Review.
Clinical Update
10/27/2015
Prebiotic Helps With Weight
A certain prebiotic was found to increase the amount of weight men and women lost while on a calorie-restricted diet. For details, including brand and dosage, plus our tests of popular probiotics and prebiotics, see the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
9/06/2023
Prebiotic for Mood?
Did supplementing with prebiotic fiber improve mood? Find out what a recent study showed in the Mood section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among prebiotic supplements.
Clinical Update
10/14/2022
Do Prebiotics Cause Liver Cancer?
Some CL readers expressed concern over recent headlines suggesting that prebiotic fiber may cause liver cancer. Learn if this should be of concern in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Prebiotics Review.
Clinical Update
12/07/2014
Prebiotic for Reducing Anxiety?
We've reported in the past that some probiotic bacteria may help reduce anxiety. A new study suggests that one type of prebiotic powder (which helps probiotic bacteria grow) has a related beneficial effect. See the update in the Probiotic Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
7/20/2018
Green Tea as a Prebiotic
Green tea may have a prebiotic effect — stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Find out what clinical trials are showing in the What It Does section of the Green Tea Review. (Also see our Top Picks among green tea products).
Clinical Update
3/12/2024
Lead in Meta Mucil
A CL member asked why Meta Mucil 4-in-1 Fiber powder was not tested by us this year. It is because of the lead contamination we found when we tested it in 2021, as noted in our recent report. Hoping to find less contamination, this year we tested Meta Mucil 3-in-1 capsules, as well as Meta Mucil Fiber Gummies (a prebiotic).
See our Top Picks among psyllium fiber and prebiotic fiber supplements.
CL Answer
Can psyllium help control hunger and appetite?
Learn more about psyllium (found in Metamucil), including effects on appetite and hunger control, results from clinical studies and safety.
CL Answer
Butyrate Supplements for Gut Health: Does butyric acid really work and is it safe?
Can butyrate supplements improve gut health or help reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn's disease? Find out what the clinical evidence shows, learn about the different forms of butyrate, including sodium butyrate, calcium-magnesium butyrate, and tributyrate, and get details about products such as BodyBio Sodium Butyrate and Healus Complete Biotic Tributyrin, dosage, safety and cost.
CL Answer
Which supplements and foods help relieve constipation and which can cause constipation?
Find out which supplements can cause constipation, including iron, calcium, protein powders and drinks and others. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
What are the best supplements for depression and anxiety?
Best natural supplements for depression and anxiety, including the evidence for fish oil, vitamin D, probiotics, and herbal supplements for depression such as curcumin (from turmeric) and saffron.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
IBS supplements may help reduce irritable bowel symptoms such as pain, diarrhea and constipation. Supplements include probiotics, melatonin, and flaxseed.
Clinical Update
6/20/2018
Intestinal Benefit of Cocoa?
Cocoa flavanols may support intestinal health, according to an animal study with a cocoa powder that acted like a prebiotic. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review. (Also see our Top Picks among cocoa and dark chocolate products.)
Clinical Update
11/08/2022
Synbiotic for Constipation?
Can supplementing with a synbiotic (probiotic + prebiotic) increase bowel movements in children with constipation? Find out what research showed in our CL Answer about this brand of synbiotics.
Clinical Update
3/08/2024
Benefiber, Meta Mucil Tested
Find out how Benefiber compares to less expensive Optifiber and about its health claims, and how Meta Mucil Fiber Gummies is different from other Meta Mucil products we’ve tested. It’s all in our updated Prebiotic Supplements Review.
Also see our recent tests of psyllium supplements.
News Release
November 10, 2022
Best Probiotic Supplements Identified by ConsumerLab Tests
White Plains, New York, November 10, 2022 — Probiotic supplements can be helpful in preventing or treating constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, vaginal infections, and other conditions, but with so many different products on the market, choosing the best one is no easy task.
Recalls & Warnings
January 06, 2025
ZOE Prebiotic Blend Recalled Due to Metal Pieces, Stones
On December 4, 2024, Zoe US, Inc. recalled 142 units of ZOE Daily 30+ Prebiotic blend because it may contain foreign objects such as small metal pieces and/or stones.
News Release
October 28, 2022
Labels on Prebiotic Supplements Are Often Unreliable, Tests Show
White Plains, New York, October 28, 2022 — Prebiotic supplements provide fiber that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. However, recent ConsumerLab tests show that consumers often can’t rely on labels to know how much prebiotic fiber is really in products.
Recalls & Warnings
April 29, 2020
Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber Supplements Recalled Due to Possible Plastic Contamination
On April 28, 2020, GSK Consumer Healthcare recalled one lot of Benefiber Healthy Shape Prebiotic Fiber Supplement powder and four lots of Benefiber Prebiotic Fiber Supplement powder because they have the potential to be contaminated with green plastic pieces or shavings from bottle ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 26, 2023
Allergy Bee Nasal Swabs Contaminated With Illness-Causing Bacteria
On January 18, 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to Buzzagogo, LLC, after the company’s Allergy Bee Gone for Kids nasal swab products were found to be contaminated with bacteria that have the potential to cause life-threatening illness.
Recalls & Warnings
October 11, 2013
Prebiotic and Digestive Enzyme Supplement Recalled Due To Drug Risk
On October 10, 2013, Adeeva Nutritionals Inc. issued a voluntary recall of digestive supplement Flora Essentials due to potential contamination with the prescription antibiotic chloramphenicol.
Recalls & Warnings
July 10, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Omega XL
On June 31, 2021 the FDA issued a warning letter to Great Healthworks, Inc. following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about Omega XL and ProbioticXL supplements to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
November 10, 2020
FDA Warns Seller of Digestive Enzymes, Nattokinase, and More
On October 27, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to World Nutrition, Inc.
Recalls & Warnings
September 07, 2012
Prebiotics Recalled For Salmonella Risk
On September 4, 2012, Eco Health, Inc. announced a recall of its florAlign Prebiotic Formula (Powder) due to the potential for the product to be contaminated with Salmonella.
Recalls & Warnings
July 06, 2018
Prescript-Assist Probiotic Recall Expanded
On July 6, 2018, LL's Magnetic Clay, Inc., expanded its original recall of Prescript-Assist, a "broad spectrum probiotic and prebiotic" supplement, because it may contain undeclared almonds, crustaceans, dairy, casein, eggs, and peanuts.
Recalls & Warnings
June 29, 2018
Prescript-Assist Probiotic Recalled
On June 29, 2018, LL's Magnetic Clay, Inc., issued a recall of certain lots of Prescript-Assist, a "broad spectrum probiotic and prebiotic" supplement, because they may contain undeclared almonds, crustaceans, dairy, casein, eggs, and peanuts.
Recalls & Warnings
November 01, 2013
Protein Shakes Containing Prescription Drug Pose Serious Health Risk
On November 1, 2013, Health Canada warned consumers that Vega One Vanilla Chai (sizes 437g and 874g) and Vega Sport Performance Chocolate nutritional shakes, by Sequel Naturals Ltd., have been found to contain the prescription antibiotic chloramphenicol.
Recalls & Warnings
January 31, 2002
Recall Update for Certain Metabolife Bars - Excessive Vitamin A
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the following Class I recall information in its January 30, 2002 Enforcement Report.
Recalls & Warnings
October 12, 2013
Metagenics Enzyme Supplement Recalled Due To Drug Risk
On October 11, 2013, Metagenics Canada issued a voluntary recall of digestive enzyme supplement Spectrazyme, due to potential contamination with the prescription antibiotic chloramphenicol.
Recalls & Warnings
July 10, 2012
Children's Probiotics Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
On July 9, 2012, Sedona Labs announced the voluntary recall of certain lots of iFlora Kids Multi-Probiotic and iFlora 4-Kids Powder distributed between 3/16/2011 and 5/3/2012 due to potential contamination with Salmonella.
