Evidence supporting the use of: Potato starch
For the health condition: Constipation (children)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Potato starch is a source of resistant starch, a type of dietary fiber that resists digestion in the small intestine and reaches the colon, where it acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. The fermentation of resistant starch by gut microbes produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate, which have positive effects on gut health and motility. Several studies have investigated the use of resistant starch supplements—including potato starch—in children with constipation. For example, research published in JPGN Reports (2022) and World Journal of Gastroenterology (2019) demonstrated that supplementation with resistant starch improved stool frequency and consistency in children with functional constipation compared to controls. The proposed mechanisms include increased fecal bulk, enhanced water retention in the stool, and favorable changes in microbiota composition. Potato starch is often chosen as a resistant starch source because it is inexpensive, widely available, and relatively tasteless, making it easy to incorporate into the diets of children. However, while results are promising and potato starch is occasionally recommended by pediatricians as a gentle, non-pharmacological adjunct, high-quality, large-scale randomized controlled trials are limited. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale and preliminary evidence for its use, more robust data are needed to establish standardized dosing and long-term safety in pediatric populations.
Other ingredients used for Constipation (children)
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Other health conditions supported by potato starch
Constipation (adults)Constipation (children)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Leaky Gut Syndrome