NANP Board Practice Exam

Which type of starch is only beginning to receive widespread attention for its clinical implications?

1. Rapidly digestible starch (RDS)

2. Resistant starch (RS)

3. Slowly digestible starch (SDS)

4. Soluble starch (SS)

The correct answer is: Resistant starch (RS)

Resistant starch (RS) is indeed the type of starch that has recently begun to garner significant attention for its clinical implications. This variety of starch is not fully digested in the small intestine, which means it acts much like fiber. As a result, it can provide numerous health benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced gut health, and potential weight management support. It serves as a substrate for fermentation by beneficial gut bacteria, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids, which are known to have various positive effects on metabolic health. The emerging research surrounding resistant starch highlights its role in managing conditions such as diabetes and obesity, which is why it is receiving increased scrutiny within the clinical and nutritional fields. This growing interest contrasts with other types of starch, which may be more established or have more limited clinical implications.