Friend or foe? The roles of inulin-type fructans

Inulin-type fructans (ITFs) as functional fructans and soluble dietary fiber are a mixture of inulin, oligofructose and fructooligosaccharide with β configuration. They are modified by gut microbiota at the end of ileum, subsequently, improve digestive system, metabolic syndrome, immune system and inflammatory diseases, and prevent against infection and cancer. However, it has been reported that inadequate consumption of ITFs aggravates the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, results in gastrointestinal symptoms, liver cancer and intestinal inflammation. Therefore, this review summarizes the health benefits, pharmaceutical applications and safety evaluation of ITFs, which would direct their rational applications.