Manipulation of Starch Digestibility in Particle Form

Abstract

This work investigates ways to prevent and manage hyperglycemia using preventive nutrition. Uncontrolled and chronic hyperglycemia is a global health issue leading to many health problems including diabetes. This thesis details the manipulation of highly retrograded starch particles in order to produce particles that are digested slowly to release glucose at a prolonged and moderate rate to prevent this. The first section of this study utilized acid hydrolysis to alter starch structure and change digestibility. The hydrolysis treatment showed that hydrolysis of native starch prior to particle formation changed the structure in a way that increased digestibility. The second section of this work introduced polyphenols into the particles which only a marginal effect on digestion. Overall the actual process of retrograding and making the particles themselves appeared to create particles that were more resistant to digestion. These could be used in a product to deliver a moderate glycemic response.