Sweet potato resistant starch type 3 improves lipid metabolism by modulating intestinal microbiota in high-fat diet-fed mice

Abstract Type 3 resistant starch (RS3) has been recognized for its potential to ameliorate obesity by modulating the intestinal microbiota. Our previous study confirmed that sweet potato RS3 (SP-RS3), which is readily obtainable from daily life, exhibited excellent resistance to gastrointestinal digestion. This study aimed to further investigate the effects of SP-RS3 on high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. Results showed that SP-RS3 significantly reduced body weight gain and fat accumulation, reduced blood lipid level, alleviated oxidative stress, and improved liver function. Furthermore, SP-RS3 modulated the abundance and composition of the intestinal microbiota, decreasing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides , Ruminococcus , Akkermansia , Bifidobacterium , while decreasing the relative abundance of Desulfovibrio and Helicobacter . In summary, SP-RS3 shows promising potential in regulating lipid metabolism by modulating intestinal microbiota • Type 3 resistant starch from sweet potato (SP-RS3) reduced weight gain in obese mice. • The administration of SP-RS3 alleviated metabolic syndrome in obese mice. • SP-RS3 could reduce the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes. • SP-RS3 alleviated lipid metabolism by regulating intestinal microbial composition.