inulin Soluble but undigested polymer of fructose found particularly in Jerusalem artichoke, and, to a lesser extent, other root vegetables. Included with non‐starch polysaccharides (dietary fibre). Also called dahlin and alant starch.

inulin A polysaccharide in which about 32 beta-fructose units are joined in a chain by glycosidic (see GLYCOSIDE) linkages between the first and second carbon atoms on neighbouring sugar units. Each chain is initiated by a sucrose residue. Inulin is found as a storage compound, especially in the roots, rhizomes, and tubers of many members of the family Compositae.

inulin (in-yoo-lin) n. a carbohydrate with a high molecular weight that is filtered from the bloodstream by the kidneys. i. clearance a test of kidney function in which inulin is injected into the blood. By measuring the amount that appears in the urine over a given period, it is possible to calculate how much filtrate the kidneys are producing.

inulin A polysaccharide, made up from fructose molecules, that is stored as a food reserve in the roots or tubers of many plants, such as the dahlia.