Inulin-Type Fructans with Different Degrees of Polymerization Improve Lipid Metabolism but Not Glucose Metabolism in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet Under Energy Restriction

Background Inulin-type fructan ameliorates metabolic diseases associated with obesity in animals. However, relatively little information is available on the comparative effects of inulins with different degree of polymerization (DP) on the lipid or glucose metabolism. Aim The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of inulins with various DP on metabolic disorders associated with obesity in rats fed a high-fat diet under food restriction. Methods Rats were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with 5 % inulin-GR (Raftiline GR), inulin-Tokachi (Tokachi), or inulin-HP (Raftiline HP) without cellulose for 28 days at normal energy intakes or 14.5 % energy restriction. Results Under food restriction, the dietary inulin-Tokachi (mean DP 15) and -HP (mean DP 24), but not -GR (mean DP 10), reduced ( p