Advances in resistant starch: mechanisms, applications, and challenges in obesity management and low-fat food development

Yangchao Ou; Ke Chen; Jie Guo; Chanjuan Ye; Xinqiao Zhou; Dagang Chen; Biansheng Li; Chuanguang Liu; Juan Liu

doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145679

Advances in resistant starch: mechanisms, applications, and challenges in obesity management and low-fat food development

Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 Jul 1:145679. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145679. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Yangchao Ou¹, Ke Chen², Jie Guo², Chanjuan Ye², Xinqiao Zhou², Dagang Chen², Biansheng Li³, Chuanguang Liu⁴, Juan Liu⁵

Affiliations

¹ School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, China.
² Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou 510640, China.
³ School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, China. Electronic address: febshli@scut.edu.cn.
⁴ Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou 510640, China. Electronic address: liuchuanguang@gdaas.cn.
⁵ Rice Research Institute, Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Technology in Rice Breeding, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding of High Quality Rice in Southern China (Co-construction by Ministry and Province), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangdong Rice Engineering Laboratory, Guangzhou 510640, China. Electronic address: ljane0505@126.com.

PMID: 40609947
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145679

Abstract

Obesity is a major global public health challenge associated with metabolic disorders and chronic diseases. Resistant starch (RS), a type of dietary fiber that resists digestion in the small intestine and undergoes fermentation in the colon, has gained attention for its potential role in obesity management and functional food development. This review explores the intricate relationship between RS and gut microbiota, focusing on its impact on microbial composition, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and gut barrier integrity. Key mechanisms underlying RS-mediated metabolic regulation, including its influence on appetite control, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory pathways are discussed. The review also highlights the classification of RS types (RS1-RS5), their distinct metabolic effects, and their targeted applications in addressing obesity-related gut dysbiosis. Additionally, the challenges associated with RS incorporation into low-fat functional foods, such as thermal stability and processing compatibility, are critically evaluated. Future research directions emphasize the need for precision dietary interventions utilizing multi-omics approaches to optimize RS efficacy. By bridging current knowledge gaps, this review aims to advance RS-based strategies for obesity prevention and innovative food product development.

Keywords: Gut microbiota; Low-fat food; Obesity; Resistant starch.

Publication types

Review