How does resistant starch work?

    Last Updated: October 24, 2023

    Most research suggests that RS works by acting as a source of fermentable fiber to feed microbes of the gut microbiome. When RS undergoes bacterial fermentation, it leads to the production of SCFAs like butyrate, propionate, and acetate.[1] These SCFAs are capable of influencing the health of our body in a multitude of ways, including the promotion of a healthy gut environment and assistance with regulation of appetite, inflammation, and metabolism.[2] The process of RS fermentation also encourages the growth of more bacteria capable of producing SCFAs,[3] which might explain why the effects of RS tend to be more pronounced when taken for longer durations.[4]

    References

    1. ^Wei Y, Zhang X, Meng Y, Wang Q, Xu H, Chen LThe Effects of Resistant Starch on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutr Cancer.(2022)
    2. ^Bojarczuk A., Skąpska S., Khaneghah A.M., Marszałek K.Health benefits of resistant starch: A review of the literatureJFF.(2022 May))
    3. ^Deehan EC, Yang C, Perez-Muñoz ME, Nguyen NK, Cheng CC, Triador L, Zhang Z, Bakal JA, Walter JPrecision Microbiome Modulation with Discrete Dietary Fiber Structures Directs Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production.Cell Host Microbe.(2020-Mar-11)
    4. ^Xiong K, Wang J, Kang T, Xu F, Ma AEffects of resistant starch on glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Br J Nutr.(2021-Jun-14)