Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Potato starch is increasingly being studied as a dietary intervention for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) due to its high content of resistant starch—a type of starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and reaches the colon, where it acts as a prebiotic fiber. Recent scientific research suggests that resistant starch can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, notably butyrate-producing bacteria, which in turn produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate. These SCFAs are associated with improved gut health, decreased inflammation, and better regulation of bowel movements.

Clinical studies on IBS patients have shown that increasing resistant starch intake can improve certain IBS symptoms, particularly constipation and bloating, by enhancing stool consistency and frequency. For example, a small 2019 randomized controlled trial found that potato starch supplementation improved gut microbiota composition and increased butyrate production in adults with IBS.

However, the quality and size of the available studies are still limited, and not all patients respond positively—some may experience increased gas or bloating. While the use of potato starch for IBS is grounded in scientific rationale related to gut microbiota modulation, more large-scale, high-quality human studies are needed before it can be considered a standard therapy. Overall, the evidence is promising but currently moderate, supporting a rating of 3 out of 5.

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