Abstract: An assay and a method for identifying a prebiotic to treat a subject in need thereof to promote intestinal barrier integrity or to blunt an inflammatory response are provided.

Abstract: An assay and a method for identifying a prebiotic to treat a subject in need thereof to promote intestinal barrier integrity or to blunt an inflammatory response are provided.

Abstract: An assay and a method for identifying a prebiotic to treat a subject in need thereof to promote intestinal barrier integrity or to blunt an inflammatory response are provided.

Abstract: An assay and a method for identifying a prebiotic to treat a subject in need thereof to promote intestinal barrier integrity or to blunt an inflammatory response are provided.

Abstract: A method of treating constipation is disclosed. The method includes administering starch-entrapped microbeads.

Abstract: Compositions which provide slowly digestible starch and a source of fermentable dietary fiber. Microparticles in which starch is entrapped in a crosslinked matrix to provide dietary benefit. Such microparticles are used to deliver glucose to targeted regions in the small intestine for beneficial physiological effects, and fermentable dietary fiber to the colon to improve colon health and to treat diseases of the colon. Microparticles can be employed to selectively deliver fermentable dietary fiber to targeted portions of the colon. A method for making the microparticles is provided as well as methods for using the microparticles for controlled digestion of starch on ingestion in the small intestine and methods for using the microparticles to deliver dietary fiber. The microparticles with entrapped starch provide a low glycemic index and extended glucose release in food products and food ingredients.

Abstract: The invention provides processes to make slowly digestible starches from native and commercial starches. Slowly digestible starches are prepared by controlled hydrolysis of gelatinized starch by alpha amylase. The slowly digestible starches have a range of starch digestion rates and fall between normal, untreated commercial and native starch, and commercial resistant starches. The slowly digestible starches provide a range of starch functionalities. These slow digesting starches retain their digestion characteristic after cooling, and can used in a range of processed food products to modulate the rapid glucose release typical of many processed starchy foods. Edible products incorporating slowly digestible starch will exhibit lower glycemic index and increase satiety. The invention provides solid and liquid food, nutritional, and drug preparations containing the slowly digestible starch.

Abstract: A method of processing a starchy plant material to produce a processed material having an increased solubility in alcohol comprising mixing the starchy plant material and a liquid at an elevated temperature to form a mixture and applying shear force to the mixture to produce the processed material. The processed material is one or more or a combination or complex of protein, zein, and oil.