Hyejin Chun

Rice is a major source of carbohydrates. Resistant starch (RS) is digested in the human small intestine but fermented in the large intestine. This study investigated the effect of consuming heat-treated and powdered brown rice cultivars ‘Dodamssal’ (HBD) and ‘Ilmi’ (HBI), with relatively high and less than 1% RS content, respectively, on the regulation of glucose metabolism in humans. Clinical trial meals were prepared by adding ~80% HBI or HBD powder to HBI and HBD meals, respectively. There was no statistical difference for protein, dietary fiber, and carbohydrate content, but the median particle diameter was significantly lower in HBI meals than in HBD meals. The RS content of HBD meals was 11.4 ± 0.1%, and the HBD meals also exhibited a low expected glycemic index. In a human clinical trial enrolling 36 obese participants, the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance decreased by 0.05 ± 0.14% and 1.5 ± 1.40% after 2 weeks (p = 0.021) in participants in the HBI and HBD groups, respectively. The advanced glycation end-product increased by 0.14 ± 0.18% in the HBI group and decreased by 0.06 ± 0.14% in the HBD group (p = 0.003). In conclusion, RS supplementation for 2 weeks appears to have a beneficial effect on glycemic control in obese participants.