In the ever-evolving world of nutrition and health, an intriguing question emerges: Could the foods we eat influence our gut health beyond just providing essential nutrients? Particularly, could certain types of starch not only resist digestion but also play a role in managing histamine levels in our bodies? Histamine, commonly associated with allergic reactions, is also a key player in various gastrointestinal disturbances. Interestingly, histamine intolerance is thought to arise not only from our diet but also from the complex world of gut microbes. This interplay between diet, gut health, and histamine levels sets the stage for a captivating study on resistant potato starch (RPS), a dietary component that might just be more than meets the eye.

A groundbreaking study in the realm of nutritional science has unveiled the health benefits of resistant potato starch (RPS) supplementation, as published in the “Journal of Functional Foods.” This research shows that incorporating RPS into daily diets can significantly reduce serum histamine levels in healthy adults, signaling enhanced gut barrier function.

Led by Dr. Jason Bush, chief scientific officer at Manitoba Starch Products Inc., alongside collaborators from University of Victoria, University of Nebraska, Memorial University of Newfoundland,  University of Texas and Nutrasource Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Services, the study aimed to explore the impact of RPS on gut health. Participants, split into two groups, received either a daily dose of RPS or a placebo. Researchers employed advanced techniques like liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze changes in serum amino acid and other related metabolites.

The study’s results were remarkable. Participants who consumed RPS experienced a notable decrease in serum histamine levels. This is a positive sign for gut health, as histamine is closely linked to various gastrointestinal issues. “Seeing this reduction in histamine highlights the potential of RPS in promoting gut health,” Dr. Bush remarked. Furthermore, RPS was found to lower the levels of certain bacteria in the gut, which are known to produce histamine.

Beyond reducing histamine levels, RPS also positively influenced other metabolites related to gut barrier health. There were significant changes in specific compounds, pointing to the possibility that RPS could improve the gut’s protective lining. These broader findings offer a deeper understanding of how RPS can support overall intestinal health, complementing its known benefits as a prebiotic.

“Our findings raise the intriguing possibility that histamine sensitivity might involve impaired intestinal barrier function, expanding the complexity of the condition while also offering new avenues to mitigate it,” said Dr.Bush.

This research not only contributes to our understanding of gut microbiota and metabolism but also emphasizes the role of dietary components in maintaining health. As Dr.  Bush explains, “Our study broadens the scope of RPS as a dietary supplement, showing its influence on critical aspects of intestinal health in healthy adults.” The study’s findings hold promise for dietary supplementation strategies aimed at enhancing gut health and addressing histamine-related concerns.

In summary, this study on RPS underscores the therapeutic potential of this supplement, suggesting that regular inclusion in diets could be a simple yet effective approach to improving gut health and managing histamine levels in healthy individuals.

Journal and Image Reference:

Bush, Jason R., et al. “Resistant potato starch supplementation reduces serum histamine levels in healthy adults with links to attenuated intestinal permeability.” Journal of Functional Foods 108 (2023): 105740. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105740.

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About the Author

Dr. Jason Bush is an investigator of the microbiome. As the Chief Scientific Officer at MSP Starch Products Inc., he has led two clinical trials, which unlocked numerous clues explaining how resistant starch is utilized in the gut microbiome to influence human health. His keen interest in complex biological systems fuels his pursuit to fully understand how Solnul™ can be employed to positively impact our health within the gut and beyond. He has been integral in protecting the Intellectual Property behind the Solnul™ technology and has filed numerous patent applications around Solnul™’s ‘Beyond the Gut’ discoveries.