A type of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and behaves more like dietary fiber. Instead of being broken down and absorbed, resistant starch passes into the large intestine, where it can be fermented by gut bacteria. This fermentation process produces beneficial short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate, which can provide various health benefits.
Resistant starch (RS) has gained attention for its potential benefits in metabolic health, glycemic control, and obesity management. Studies have shown that RS types 1 and 2 significantly lower postprandial blood glucose and improve insulin response in patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, highlighting its role in managing glycemic levels effectively (Frontiers in Nutrition, 2023).
High-amylose maize starch supplementation has also been found to improve markers of metabolic health, such as insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles, reinforcing RS’s benefits for individuals with metabolic syndrome (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2022).
RS supplementation enhances beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to better gut microbiota composition and overall health outcomes (Gut Microbes, 2022). Additionally, RS consumption leads to reductions in body weight and fat mass in overweight and obese individuals, attributed to increased satiety and reduced caloric intake (Obesity Reviews, 2022).
However, a randomized crossover assessment of native banana starch and high-amylose maize starch concluded that these types did not significantly improve glycemic control or variability, suggesting a need for further research to understand RS’s mechanisms better (Nutrients, 2021).
In conclusion, RS shows promise for improving metabolic health, glycemic control, and weight management. Further research is needed to optimize RS supplementation strategies for various health outcomes.
RS1 – Physically inaccessible starch found in whole or partially milled grains, seeds, and legumes.
RS2 – Starch granules that resist digestion due to their natural structure, found in raw potatoes, green bananas, and high amylose corn starch.
RS3 – Retrograded starch formed when starchy foods like potatoes and rice are cooked and then cooled. Upon cooling, some of the starch becomes resistant to digestion.
RS4 – Chemically modified starches that are designed to be resistant to digestion, often used as food additives in processed foods.
RS5 – Starches that are complexed with lipids.