Resistant starch suppresses postprandial hypertriglyceridemia in rats.

Postprandial increase in blood triglyceride levels is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, and dietary resistant starch (RS) is increasingly being considered for its contribution to disease prevention. Specifically, RS has beneficial effects on of the glycemic index, diabetes, cholesterol levels, and weight management. However, the effects of once-daily intake of RS on postprandial hypertriglyceridemia remain poorly characterized. In this study, the effects of a single administration of cornstarch-derived RS on postprandial increases in blood triglyceride levels were investigated in rats using oral fat tolerance/loading tests. Following the administration of lipid meals, increases in serum triglycerides levels were significantly reduced in rats fed corn oil containing 500mg/mL RS. Moreover, fecal lipid volumes and wet weights following lipid meals were significantly greater in rats fed corn oil containing 500mg/mL RS than in the corn oil only group, confirming the inhibition of dietary fat absorption. Finally, a significant positive correlation was observed between fecal lipid contents and wet weights in rats administered RS. These results suggest that RS intake with dietary fats induces defecation and confirm results of recent reports on the health-promoting potential of once-daily RS intake.