Super-efficient starch absorption

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that super-efficient starch absorption, by reducing the supply of carbohydrate to the colon, may be associated with and possibly promote colonic neoplasia. By means of breath hydrogen measurements following a potato meal and comparison with the hydrogen response to lactulose, the amount of starch escaping small bowel absorption was measured in 10 patients who had a colonic adenoma removed endoscopically and in 10 controls. The subjects' consumption of starch and fiber was assessed. Percentage unabsorbed starch was approximately half as much in the patients (5.3%) compared with the controls (10.9%,PP<0.05). This study confirms that unabsorbed starch provides an important quantity of colonic carbohydrate and suggests that super-efficient starch absorption, by reducing this provision, may promote colonic neoplasia.