Comparing a Whole Grain Blend with Polished White Rice for Starch Digestibility and Gut Microbiota Fermentation in Diabetic Patients: An In Vitro Study

The high glycemic index (GI) of polished white rice (WR) presents challenges for blood glucose control in diabetes. This study investigated the in vitro digestibility of a whole grain blend (WGB, composed of black, red, and brown rice) and its effects on the gut microbiota in elderly diabetic indivi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Qian Du, Ruisheng Fu, Ming Zhao, Meihong Xu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Foods
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/15/2557
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Summary:The high glycemic index (GI) of polished white rice (WR) presents challenges for blood glucose control in diabetes. This study investigated the in vitro digestibility of a whole grain blend (WGB, composed of black, red, and brown rice) and its effects on the gut microbiota in elderly diabetic individuals. WGB exhibited lower starch digestibility (69.76 ± 5.71% vs. 73.02 ± 6.16%) and a reduced estimated glycemic index (eGI, 73.43 ± 4.49 vs. 77.55 ± 2.64) than WR, likely due to its higher amylose content. WGB fermentation increased <i>Bifidobacterium</i> and <i>Lactobacillaceae</i>, reduced pro-inflammatory <i>Bacteroides fragilis</i> and <i>Enterocloster bolteae</i>, and released more arabinose and xylose. Additionally, WGB yielded higher isobutyrate, while WR contained more glucose and fructose in its structure, leading to increased acetate production and a more acidic environment. Functional analysis revealed that WGB upregulated pathways related to fatty acid elongation and fiber fermentation. These findings suggest WGB as a viable staple food alternative for diabetic patients, offering dual benefits in glycemic control and gut microbiota.
ISSN:2304-8158