Resistant Starch as a Functional Nutrient to Control Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Humans: An Integrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Resistant starch (RS) has been widely investigated as a dietary component with potential metabolic benefits, including improved insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers. However, clinical findings remain inconsistent, particularly regarding RS type and dosage. This integrative review aimed to synthesize evidence on the effects of RS consumption in dietary interventions on metabolic and cardiovascular parameters in adults and older adults. RECENT FINDINGS: RS intake, particularly RS2 and RS3, was associated with significant reductions in postprandial glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR, as well as improvements in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides. Additional findings indicated modest decreases in blood pressure and central adiposity, linked to increased short-chain fatty acid production and higher GLP-1 and PYY levels. Despite promising results, methodological heterogeneity and short intervention durations limit the strength of conclusions. RS shows potential as a functional nutrient for cardiometabolic modulation, particularly for glycemic and lipid control. However, longer, standardized clinical trials are required to confirm efficacy and clarify its physiological mechanisms.