Inulin Challenge: Late rise in your f-scores

Concerned about Inulin?

If you’ve completed your Inulin Challenge having suspected an issue with this FODMAP, only to observe no real change in your fermentation levels during the 3 hour Challenge —you might be feeling confused or discouraged. Please know you’re not alone. Inulin is a complex FODMAP, and it can sometimes behave in ways that aren’t immediately obvious in your results.

This article explains why that happens, what it means for your digestion, and how you can move forward with more clarity and confidence.

Inulin Challenge: Why a late rise isn’t unusual

For some users, fermentation levels don’t rise during the initial 3–4 hour testing window. But later in the day—sometimes many hours afterward—scores begin creeping up, even if no additional FODMAPs were eaten.

This isn’t unusual with inulin. Here’s why:

• Inulin is a large molecule made up of long chains of fructose.
• It has a longer transit time through the digestive system.
• Fermentation, therefore, often happens much later compared to other FODMAPs.
• This is especially common for those who have slower motility.

So if your fermentation results increased later in the day, this may still point to a meaningful response to inulin.

Why can’t we digest inulin directly?

The simple answer: none of us have the enzymes to break down inulin in the small intestine.

• About 90% of inulin consumed passes undigested into the large intestine.
• Once there, it becomes fuel for gut bacteria, which do have the enzymes needed to ferment it.

This is why some level of fermentation after inulin consumption is completely normal.

The double-edged sword: inulin as a prebiotic

Here’s where inulin gets interesting—it isn’t all bad news.

• Inulin is considered a prebiotic, which means it feeds the “good” bacteria in your gut.
• Supporting these bacteria can help maintain a healthy microbiome and digestive balance.

For people who experience symptoms, the key is often finding your personal balance:

• Consider running a custom challenge in your FoodMarble app with smaller or varied doses of inulin-containing foods.
• On days when you eat foods with inulin, it may help to reduce other FODMAPs to avoid “stacking” effects that can worsen symptoms.

This approach allows you to benefit from inulin’s prebiotic effects while minimizing discomfort.

What if my score doesn’t seem right?

If you feel that your inulin challenge result in the app doesn’t reflect your true experience—perhaps because of a late rise or symptoms that don’t match the numbers—don’t worry.

You can email us at [hello@foodmarble.com](), and our data team will:

• Review all your breath scores from your Inulin Discovery Day.
• Recalculate your final result, taking any delayed responses into account.

We want to make sure your results feel accurate and useful to you.

Moving forward

Inulin can be tricky, but discovering your personal response to it is a powerful step in managing your digestive health.

Remember:

• A late rise can be totally normal and doesn’t mean you did anything wrong.
• Your gut bacteria need fuel too—so the goal is balance, not avoidance.
• If your scores don’t look right, we’re here to help you review and clarify them.

By learning how your body handles inulin, you’ll gain valuable insight that can reduce guesswork, guide your food choices, and help you feel more confident day to day.

Updated on: 03/09/2025