Digestive fate of sugars and starches - consequences for tissue metabolism and health [review]. [Meeting paper]
1994
Mathers, J.C. (Newcastle upon Tyne Univ., Newcastle upon Tyne (UK). Dept. of Biological and Nutritional Sciences)
After languishing in the scientific wings for many years, starches and sugars are now centre stage in attempts to understand relationships between diet and health. The evidence that rate, extent and site of digestion (or fermentation) of these carbohydrates may be critically important in terms of tissue metabolism and human health is reviewed. Reaven's hypothesis (Syndrome X) provides the context for investigations of the extent to which dietary carbohydrates can be used to increase insulin sensitivity and thus contribute to strategies for reducing the risk of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease. The suspicion that colonic fermentation plays a major role in the aetiology of large bowel disease has stimulated research on the normal physiology of this organ. Fermentation of starch resistant to pancreatic alpha-amylase and other carbohydrates may increase production of butyric acid, a molecule which regulates gene expression and colonocyte differentiation and which may protect against colorectal cancer.
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