Perspectives on evaluating health effects of starch: Beyond postprandial glycemic response

Starch is an important dietary carbohydrate in the human diet and is greatly associated with human health. The health effects of starch are classically evaluated by postprandial glycemic response. However, glycemic response is the test result of blood glucose level and sometimes fails to perfectly describe the health effects exerted by starch. Therefore, other factors, besides glycemic response, merit consideration. Herein, we endeavor to provide some insights into the description of health effects exerted by starch. For this purpose, we summarize advances in recent studies to support the crucial roles of glucose kinetics, insulin response, and gut hormones release. A moderate postprandial insulin response and an enhanced release of several specific gut hormones are critical characteristics of a healthier starch, such as those slowly digested till the distal ileum. It is also hoped that further studies can develop feasible methods to produce tailor-made starches with individualized health effects.