Select Studies on Natural RS2 and RS3 resistant starches from high amylose corn
There is substantial research on the health benefits of resistant starches from high amylose corn, including more than 120 peer-reviewed studies published over the last 15 years. These studies illustrate that these benefits range from weight management, glycemic (blood sugar) management, energy management, and digestive health. More than 40 studies in humans using RS2 and RS3 resistant starches from high amylose corn provide confidence that the benefits from these ingredients can be reliably delivered in foods.
Just like not all fibers are the same, not all resistant starches are the same. Data confirm that different types of resistant starches deliver different benefits. Thus, benefits demonstrated by high amylose corn resistant starches cannot be extrapolated to other types of resistant starches. Benefits demonstrated with RS2 and RS3 resistant starches cannot be extrapolated to chemically modified RS4 resistant starches.
Today, surveys show clearly that consumers seek the specific health benefits that RS2 resistant starches can provide (see Consumer Research section of this website). People are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of dietary fiber – and of their own personal fiber gaps.
The volume and findings of research on natural resistant starch from high amylose corn are compelling. Below are just select studies:
1. Natural resistant starch promotes a healthy colon
A new study led by Dr. Shusuke Toden, CSIRO Human Nutrition, Adelaide,
Australia, and published in Cancer Biology & Therapy, showed natural resistant starch prevents colonic DNA damage induced by a high protein diet. The study showed increased milk protein (cooked red meat and/or casein) in the diet increases colonic DNA damage, a biomarker indicating increased risk of colon cancer as damaged or mutated cells have the potential to develop into cancer. The addition of Type-2 Resistant Starch to the diet, however, prevented the damage. It also prevented the thinning of the protective mucous layer.
Another new study was led by Dr. Richard Le Leu at Flinders University in South Australia, and published in The Journal of Nutrition in 2005. It demonstrated that the combination of natural RS2 from high amylose corn and the probiotic bacteria Bifidobacterium lactis increases apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cells damaged by carcinogens by more than 30 percent. The study also confirmed that natural resistant starch reduced large intestinal pH, increased the growth of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria and increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyrate (all biomarkers for a healthy colon). Butyrate is the preferred energy source for healthy colon cells and is important for colon health.
[Toden S, Bird