Dietary Inulin Alleviates NAFLD Through Regulating the Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Signaling Pathways

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a widespread chronic liver disease worldwide, with its incidence significantly increasing in high-risk populations, imposing a heavy burden on global health. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is a key factor driving the onset and progression of this disease. The disruption of the gut microbiota may disrupt the balance of the gut-liver axis, leading to impaired intestinal barrier function and abnormal metabolites, thereby triggering liver inflammation and fatty degeneration. As a naturally occurring prebiotic, inulin can be metabolized by resident microorganisms in the colon, generating bioactive beneficial substances, which can alleviate NAFLD. This review systematically summarizes the important mechanisms by which inulin reduces NAFLD, including reshaping the composition of the gut microbiota, restoring the intestinal barrier, regulating the metabolic composition of the gut microbiota, and alleviating liver inflammation. It provides a theoretical framework for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD based on inulin.