Starch-lipid interaction alters the molecular structure and ultimate starch bioavailability: A comprehensive review

Starch bioavailability which results in eliciting postprandial glycaemic response, is a trait of great significance and is majorly influenced by the physical interaction among the matrix components governed by their molecular structure as well as dynamics. Among physical interactions limiting starch bioavailability, starch and any guest molecules like lipid interact together to alter the molecular structure into a compact V-type arrangement endorsing the processed crystallinity, thus limiting carbolytic enzymatic digestion and further bioavailability. Considering the importance of starch-lipid dynamics affecting bioavailability, intensive research based on endogenous (internal lipids which are embedded into the food matrix) as well as exogenous (those are added from outside into the food matrix during processing like cooking) lipids have been carried out, endorsing physical interactions at colloidal and microstructural levels. The shared insights on such binary (starch-lipid) interactions revealed the evolution of characterization techniques as well as their role on altering the functional and nutritional value. It is very much vital to have a thorough understanding about the mechanisms on the molecular level to make use of these matrix interactions in the most efficient way, while certain basic questions are still remaining unaddressed. Do starch – lipid complexation affects the ultimate starch bioavailability? If so, then whether such complexation ability depends on amylose - fatty acid/lipid content? Whether the complexation is influenced further by fatty acid type/concentration/chain length or saturation? Further comprehending this, whether the altered bioavailability by binary (starch-lipid) could further be affected by ternary (starch-lipid-protein) and quaternary (starch-lipid-protein-phenolics) interactions are also discussed in this comprehensive review.