Resistant Starch

Resistant starch is a type of dietary fiber that can be found naturally in foods (e.g., legumes, whole grains, potatoes, underripe bananas) or taken as a supplement. Resistant starch acts as a food source for microbes in the gut, which can stimulate the growth of potentially beneficial bacteria and lead to the production of short-chain fatty acids. While this might lead to positive effects both locally in the gut and for overall health, clinical trials tend to report inconsistent results and any benefits seem to be small in magnitude.

Quick Answer

What it is

Resistant starch is a type of dietary fiber that can be found naturally in foods (e.g., legumes, whole grains, potatoes, underripe bananas) or taken as a supplement. Resistant starch acts as a food source for microbes in the gut, which can stimulate the growth of potentially beneficial bacteria and lead to the production of short-chain fatty acids.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids (General Gut Health)
  • Grade B: Blood glucose (Type 2 Diabetes)
  • Grade D: Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) (Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD))

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Resistant Starch

Quick Facts: Resistant Starch

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:9
  • Research Outcomes:50
  • Grade A Findings:1
  • Grade B Findings:3
  • Key Effect:General Gut Health
Outcomes by grade:
A1
B3
C0
D5
9 conditions Β· 50 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
A
Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acids
Moderate Improvement
6 studies
moderate↑Improves
?
Fecal Weight
↓Improves
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Insulin
15 studies
↑Worsens
?
HbA1c
4 studies
↓Improves
?
Insulin Resistance
3 studies
↓Improves
?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
1 study
↓Improves
?
Interleukin 6
1 study
↓Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study
↓Improves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
1 study
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Insulin
15 studies
↑Worsens
?
HbA1c
4 studies
↓Improves
?
Insulin Resistance
3 studies
↓Improves
B
Blood glucose
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Insulin
15 studies
↑Worsens
?
HbA1c
4 studies
↓Improves
?
Insulin Resistance
3 studies
↓Improves
D
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
No effect
5 studies
none
D
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
No effect
4 studies
none
?
Serum Albumin
7 studies
↑Improves
?
Interleukin 6
6 studies
↓Improves
?
Serum Phosphorus
↑Worsens
?
Kidney Function
4 studies
↑Improves
?
Uric Acid
4 studies
↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
3 studies
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
3 studies
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
3 studies
↓Improves
D
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
No effect
1 study
none
?
Interleukin 6
1 study
↓Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study
↓Improves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
1 study
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
D
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
No effect
1 study
none
?
Interleukin 6
1 study
↓Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study
↓Improves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
1 study
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
D
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
No effect
1 study
none
?
Interleukin 6
1 study
↓Improves
?
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers
1 study
↓Improves
?
Superoxide Dismutase Activity
1 study
↑Improves
?
TNF-Alpha
↓Improves
?
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)
1 study
↑Improves
?
Appetite
↑Worsens

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