NCIt definition : A form of dietary fiber that resists degradation by gastrointestinal (GI) enzymes
in the small intestine with potential chemopreventive and prebiotic activity. Upon
consumption of resistant starch, the fiber is not metabolized or absorbed in the small
intestine and enters the colon unaltered. Once in the colon, the starch is fermented
by anaerobic colonic bacteria and produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), including
butyrate, which has anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. In addition,
butyrate appears to exert antitumor effects by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation,
inducing tumor cell differentiation and promoting apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells.;