Effects of Banana Starch on Glycemic Response in Obese and Lean Subjects

Previous studies have shown the beneficial effects of chronic native banana starch supplementation. In this study, the effects of acute ingestion of native banana starch on glycemic profiles by means of continuous glucose monitoring in obese and lean subjects was examined. All participants consumed beverages containing either 38.3 g of native banana starch or 38.3 g of digestible corn starch twice daily for 4 days. On day 5, a 3-h meal tolerance test was performed to evaluate glucose and insulin responses. After 1 week of washout period, treatments were inverted. Native banana starch supplementation reduced the 48-h glycemia area under the curve in lean, obese, and in the combined group of lean and obese subjects in comparison with digestible corn starch. Postprandial glucose and insulin responses at meal tolerance test were reduced after native banana starch in comparison with digestible corn starch in all groups. However, no changes were observed in glycemic variability indexes between groups. In conclusion, acute native banana starch supplementation improved postprandial glucose and insulin responses in obese and lean subjects during 48 h of everyday life and at meal tolerance test. Further research to elucidate the mechanism behind these changes is required.