Does resistant starch reduce the risk of colorectal cancer?

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    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Higher intakes of dietary fiber are associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer,[1][2][3] but it is unclear whether RS has a similar effect.

    Some in vitro study and animal studies have suggested that RS could have a beneficial effect on colorectal cancer prevention (particularly related to butyrate production),[4] but clinical trials to date have not found any beneficial effect.[5][6] Interestingly, preliminary research suggests that RS supplementation might offset some of the potentially negative effects of red meat consumption on colorectal health. One study found that RS (40 g/day) supplemented alongside a high-red-meat diet (300 g/day) increased fecal levels of SCFAs and reduced the formation of DNA adducts in rectal tissue cells, compared to the high red meat diet alone. DNA adducts occur when a potentially cancer-causing compound (as can be found in some red meats or produced through their bacterial fermentation) binds to cellular DNA, which could induce cell mutations leading to cancer.[7]

    Ultimately, clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer durations will be required to better understand the relationship between RS and colorectal cancer prevention.

    Does resistant starch reduce the risk of colorectal cancer? - Examine