Starch to Replace Sugar as Carbohydrate Source

John Robyt, professor of biochemistry and biophysics and researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new modified cornstarch that could prevent problems associated with digesting sugar. The starch can replace sugar as a carbohydrate source in many solid and liquid foods, leading to more sustained blood sugar and insulin levels. The starch is flavorless, highly digestible and water soluble, which allows it to be used in liquids.

"Sugars are widely used in liquid foods because they're the only soluble carbohydrate," said Rick Sharp, professor of health and human performance who led the research project. Sharp found the starch could be used for the slow release of glucose into blood.

Too much sugar, however, can have health drawbacks. High blood sugar levels increase the production of insulin. Too much insulin in the blood results in short-lived energy levels, increases fat storage and cholesterol, and leads to the loss of minerals from the body. Low blood sugar levels are also detrimental and can result in fatigue, dizziness, headaches and loss of coordination.

Research by Sharp and Murry Kaplan, professor of food science and human nutrition, has further show the potential use of the starch as a food supplement.

The starch, which was patented in December, is modified through a process using alcohol and hydrochloric acid.

The modified starch has potential for use in several food products, including sport and diet drinks, liquid nutritional supplements and infant formulas. Some sugar, or artificial sweetener, will most likely remain in these products simply to sweeten the taste. However, Sharp said research has documented Americans consume too much sugar.

"If one can replace sugar with a carbohydrate that better modulates the insulin response, we expect that in the long term, better health will result," Sharp said.

One possible market for the modified starch is a carbohydrate supplement for people who exercise. Unlike currently available carbohydrate supplements, modified starch can be consumed for energy immediately before exercise.

The starch holds particular potential for regulating insulin in people with diabetes, Sharp added. By ingesting modified starch, either as a snack food or as a liquid, before going to bed, the diabetic may be able to sustain normal blood sugar levels throughout the night.

"Modified starch ingested during the daytime may also help diabetics improve the daily regulation of their blood glucose and reduce their reliance on frequent snacking and insulin injections," Sharp added.

The starch could also help newborns. If substituted for sugar in infant formula, the starch could sustain a baby's blood sugar level longer and may enable them to go longer between feedings.