DefinePK

Abstract

Starch is a naturally occurring water insoluble carbohydrate derived from cereals, tuber crops, roots, and contributes up to 70% of the dry weight of these commodities. It contains two polysaccharides: amylopectin and amylose. Amylopectin comprises 70 – 85% of the composition while amylose makes up about 15 – 30% of the whole composition depending on plant source. Amylopectin is composed of α (1–4) glycosidic bonds with side chains at the α (1–6) hydrogen linkages while amylose is long chain polysaccharide. another form of starch, called resistant starch (RS) escapes digestion in the small intestine and ferments in the large intestine, producing short-chain fatty acids. RS is used in controlling type 2 diabetes, in the maintenance of gut health and it plays a role in weight control. The five types of RS in natural and processed foods have the following applications enhancing the general health of the public. More studies are required to investigate individual variability and the long-term impacts related to the intake of RS.
Keywords: Amylopectin; Amylose; Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs); Glycemic Management; Prebiotic
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2025.140052