Abstract
It has been suggested that a significant amount of starch may reach the colon undigested and stimulate microbial fermentation. Indirect estimates of the quantity of starch reaching the colon have been obtained from breath hydrogen (H2) measurements, but numerous variables, i.e., dietary fiber source and level of intake, oral hygiene, hyperventilation, and cigarette smoking, stimulate H2 production and may exaggerate estimates of starch malabsorption. With proper controls, however, the lactulose breath H2 test based on total excess volume seems to provide a reasonable measure of the average amount of starch metabolized in the colon. Direct estimates of starch metabolism from human ileostomy studies suggest that typically < 5% of the ingested starch escapes digestion in the small intestine. The general assumption that starch malabsorption stimulates normal colonic function, particularly with respect to colorectal carcinogenesis, is not entirely supported by the limited number of available epidemiologic studies. Further experimental studies are needed to elucidate the role of starch intake and malabsorption on colonic function and human health issues.Key words: starch, malabsorption, colonic fermentation, carcinogenesis, large bowel.
Publisher
Canadian Science Publishing
Subject
Physiology (medical),Pharmacology,General Medicine,Physiology
Cited by
12 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献