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NutrInsight • Slow-release carbohydrates: Growing evidence on metabolic responses and public health interest

SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVES

Dr Sophie Vinoy, Nutrition Research Group Leader at Mondele-z International R&D,
Saclay, France

Several short-term studies have shown very convincing evidence of the link between a high content in Slowly
Digestible Starch (SDS) and the slow release of carbohydrates from ingested products into the bloodstream,
which moderates the glycemic response and insulin demand in healthy (normal weight or overweight)
subjects. There is very convincing evidence showing that reducing glycemic response in the long-term
decreases the risk of metabolic disease genesis and complications of type 2 diabetes. The current scientific
challenge is to link these two pieces of evidence altogether. Thus, future research needs to demonstrate the
long-term benefit of consuming high-SDS foods, as part of a balanced diet, on metabolic status (including
oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) measurements) in the general population, or even diseased subjects. In
addition, the SDS content of starchy foods from different categories needs to be determined in order to make
recommendations for consumers regarding the selection of high-SDS foods. Beyond food characteristics,
there is also a need to investigate further the impact of food processing on the SDS content in other
categories than biscuits. This will enable the food industry to produce and promote products that have a
higher nutritional value due to enhanced SDS preservation. More broadly, there is a need for long-term
studies that will quantify the post-meal glycemic response, in order to determine the threshold at which
there is a beneficial health effect.

Mondele-z International R&D Center
France (Saclay)

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