NANP Board Practice Exam

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Prepare for the NANP Board Exam. Study with detailed questions and explanations on key topics. Enhance your understanding and boost your confidence for the exam.

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Inulin belongs to which family of carbohydrates?

Fructan family
Galactan family
Glucan family
Mannan family

The correct answer is: Fructan family

Inulin is classified as a member of the fructan family of carbohydrates. This category is distinguished by its composition, primarily consisting of fructose units linked together by β(2→1) bonds, making it a type of polysaccharide characterized by its high soluble fiber content. Fructans are primarily found in certain plants, such as chicory root, onions, and garlic, and they play significant roles in plant storage and health promotion for humans, including potential beneficial effects on gut health. Additionally, the other families mentioned do not accurately describe inulin: the galactan family is primarily composed of galactose units, the glucan family mainly consists of glucose units, and the mannan family is made up of mannose units. Each of these has distinct properties and functions in biological systems, which helps to clarify why inulin is specifically categorized under the fructan family.