The importance of resistant starch for healthy nutrition

G. Jacobasch and D. Schmiedel, Bergholz-Rehbrücke/Berlin

Better knowledge of the needs for and possibilities of a healthy diet is necessary for reason of public health. More insight is needed into specific nutritional requirements of the human intestinal microflora and its physiological significance. Intestinal bacteria play an essential role as barriers to infection, ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer.

Resistant starch is a potential substrate for fermentation; its energy density is low. RS type 3 produced from miniamylose of about 20 glucose units has excellent prebiotic properties. RS 3 fermentation results in a high proportion of butyrate. This metabolite is an important substrate for the energy metabolism of colonocytes and an activator for cell proliferation.

Suitable initial materials for RS 3 production are either in vitro synthesized DP 20 a -1,4-D-glucans or amylopectin-rich starches with long side chains from wheat, rye and barley. The method of RS 3 production developed by the authors does not involve expensive equipment and may therefore be used also by SMEs (small and medium sized enterprises).

The prebiotic effect following oral uptake of 15 g RS 3 per day in adults is sufficient to stabilize an apathogenic intestinal population of bacteria and to obtaine a high level of butyrate. RS3 products can also be used by patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. EU01/02

Keywords: Resistant starch / properties / healthy nutrition

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs-Umschau 01/02 ab Seite 04.