Energy Value of Resistant Starch

Resistant starch was evaluated for energy value using fine silica and normal starch as controls and young rats as a test model. The net increase in rats' carcass energy due to the test materials fed over a 3-wk period formed the basis for assessing energy value. Rats fed normal starch deposited about twice as much fat and significantly more protein in the carcass than those fed either resistant starch or silica. Rats fed resistant starch or silica showed similar growth responses and increases in components of body composition and carcass energy content. This suggested that resistant starch provided, like silica, no energy.