Effect of hydrocolloids on starch digestion: A review

Rapidly digestible starch can increase postprandial blood sugar rapidly, which can be overcome by hydrocolloids. The paper aims to review the effect of hydrocolloids on starch digestion. Hydrocolloids used to reduce starch digestibility are mostly polysaccharides like xanthan gum, pectin, β-glucan, and konjac glucomannan. Their effectiveness is related to their source and structure, mixing mode of hydrocolloid/starch, physical treatment, and starch processing. The mechanisms of hydrocolloid action include increased system viscosity, inhibition of enzymatic activity, and reduced starch accessibility to enzymes. Reduced starch accessibility to enzymes involves physical barrier and structural orderliness. In the future, physical treatments and intensity used for stabilizing hydrocolloid/starch complex, risks associated with different doses of hydrocolloids, and the development of related clinical trials should be focused on. Besides, investigating the effect of hydrocolloids on starch should be conducted in the context of practical commercial applications rather than limited to the laboratory level.