The structure and properties of resistant starch (RS)
and its digestive
products were assessed in mice. Digestion of recrystallized (group
RS3, including RS3a and RS3b) and control RS (RS2, RS4, and RS5) in
the stomach, duodenum, and ileum of mice was systematically analyzed
along with in vivo digestive degradation of RS3.
RS3a and RS3b significantly reduced the release of blood glucose.
During in vivo digestion, the proportion of ultrashort
and A chains in the RS3a and RS3b digestive residues gradually increased,
whereas the proportion of B1 and B2 chains gradually reduced. B3+
chain proportions did not change. The final digestive residues in
the ileum (RS3a-I90 and RS3b-I90) maintained a high proportion of
suitable chain length, accounting for more than 60%. The crystalline
structure of RS3a-I90 was weakened, indicating the hydrolysis of partial
crystal structure. In comparison, RS3b-I90 maintained an orderly crystalline
structure, indicating its higher resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. In vivo experiments showed that RS could maintain the normal
growth of mice and effectively control weight gain. RS3a significantly
increased the concentrations of acetic, propionic, and butyric acids,
while reducing the abundance of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio,
further confirming the benefits of RS3 in gastrointestinal health.