Potato Starch as Health-Promoting Prebiotic

Principal Investigator: Todd C. Rideout, PhD



Funding Agency: University of Manitoba, Canada



Period: 08/2012-06/2013



Abstract: Resistant starch (RS) is defined as the sum of starch and starch digestion products that are not digested in the small intestine but instead reach the large intestine as a fermentable fiber substrate. Previous research has consistently established RS as an effective dietary prebiotic supplement to modulate intestinal function and improve systemic health in both animals and humans. In human health and disease prevention, RS has potential application in weight management, the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, and the improvement of blood lipids, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Although dietary guidelines recommend a daily dietary fiber intake of 25-35 g, it is clear that fiber consumption amongst Americans is low. Americans consume between 3-8 g of RS per day, partly due to the variability of RS content in common foods and a general lack of commercially available RS-enriched foods and nutraceutical products. The objective of this study is to examine a novel RS type 2 capsule in modulating metabolic health responses in a high fat-fed pig model.

