Structural analysis of type 3 resistant starch from Canna edulis during in vitro simulated digestion and its post-digested residue impact on human gut microbiota
Leimengyuan Tang, Jiahui Wu, Lvbu Aga, Nan Wang, Yan Li, Houxier Li, Xueyong Wang
Abstract
Introduction Resistant starch (RS) has garnered attention for its health benefits, including modulating the gut microbiota and promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Methods This study investigates structural changes of type 3 resistant starch from Canna edulis (CE) during in vitro simulated digestion and explores its health-relevant properties using healthy individuals’ fecal microbiota. Results CE, prepared with a RS content of 59.38%, underwent a comprehensive analysis employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). During simulated digestion, XRD analysis demonstrated a significant rise in CE’s relative crystallinity from 38.92 to 49.34%. SEM illustrated the transition of CE from a smooth to a rough surface, a notable morphological shift. Post-digestion, CE was introduced into microbial fermentation. Notably, propionic acid and valeric acid levels significantly increased compared to the control group. Furthere more, beneficial Bifidobacterium proliferated while pathogenic Escherichia-Shigella was suppressed. When comparing CE to the well-known functional food fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS), CE showed a specific ability to support the growth of Bifidobacterium and stimulate the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) without causing lactic acid accumulation. Discussion CE demonstrates potential as a functional health food, with implications for gut health enhancement and SCFAs production.