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Resistant starches and health
Cyril W C Kendall1, Azadeh Emam, Livia S A Augustin
1University of Toronto, Clinical Nutrition and Risk Factor Modification Center, St. Michael's Hospital, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3E2 Canada. cyril.kendall@utoronto.ca
Journal of AOAC International
|August 4, 2004
Summary
Resistant starches entering the colon show potential for chronic colonic disease prevention. Further research is needed to confirm their protective effects against colon cancer and ulcerative colitis.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Gastroenterology
- Chronic Disease Prevention
Background:
- Resistant starch (RS) is hypothesized to benefit colonic health, potentially reducing colon cancer risk and aiding ulcerative colitis treatment.
- Studies confirm RS increases fecal bulk, butyrate ratios, and dilutes fecal bile acids.
- However, RS's ability to reduce damaging luminal compounds like ammonia and phenols requires further evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of resistant starch in preventing and treating colonic diseases.
- To investigate the role of slowly digested carbohydrates (RS1) in systemic health and chronic disease risk reduction.
- To determine the colonic advantages of carbohydrates with varying glycemic index and resistant starch content.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on resistant starch effects in the colon.
- Analysis of systemic physiological effects associated with low glycemic index foods.
- Comparative assessment of different carbohydrate types based on glycemic index and resistant starch content.
Main Results:
- Resistant starch increases fecal bulk, butyrate, and dilutes bile acids.
- Slowly digested carbohydrates (RS1) are low glycemic index, reducing postprandial insulin and increasing HDL cholesterol.
- Low glycemic index foods are linked to reduced risk of coronary heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- The effectiveness of resistant starch in preventing or treating colonic diseases requires further demonstration.
- Systemic effects of low glycemic index foods may contribute to colon cancer prevention.
- Optimism exists for health benefits of resistant starches slowly digested in the small intestine.