Results of a recent study appearing in the British Journal of Nutrition suggests consuming 48 grams of resistant starch over a 24-hour period may be useful in managing the metabolic syndrome and appetite. The acute randomized, single-blind crossover study involved researchers at the University of Surrey.

Twenty healthy adult males consumed either 48 grams of resistant starch or a placebo divided equally between two mixed meals on two separate occasions. A significant lower energy intake followed the resistant starch supplement compared to the placebo. Postprandial plasma glucose concentrations were not significantly different, but a significantly lower postprandial insulin response followed the resistant starch supplement.

The study used Hi-maize resistant starch from National Starch Food Innovation, Bridgewater, N.J.

"Resistant starch appears to impact hunger and food consumption over many hours, coinciding with its fermentation in the large intestine," said Denise Robertson, lecturer in nutritional physiology within the postgraduate medical school at the University of Surrey and principal investigator of the study. "The main effect occurred at the ad libitum dinner and then later in the day after the participants left the controlled environment.

"Resistant starch does not act like other viscous fibers and gums, which may delay emptying of the stomach or slow glucose absorption over a few hours. Its effects occur over a longer period of time. This could have beneficial implications for weight management and potentially weight loss."

For more information, call (866) 961-6285, e-mail nstarch@essentialms.com or visit www.foodinnovation.com.