Resistant starch-enriched brown rice exhibits prebiotic properties and enhances gut health in obese mice

[Display omitted] •In vitro digestibility, prebiotic effect, and characterization of RS-enriched brown rice (RBR) were investigated.•The total digestible starch content decreases, and the RS content significantly increases during the in vitro digestion process.•RBR suppressed colonic shortening and inflammatory responses induced by HFD.•RBR increased the levels of tight junction proteins in the gut epithelium.•RBR enhanced mice gut environment through protecting gut barrier function. Resistant starch serves as a prebiotic in the large intestine, aiding in the maintenance of a healthy intestinal environment and mitigating associated chronic illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of resistant starch-enriched brown rice (RBR) on intestinal health and functionality. We assessed changes in resistant starch concentration, structural alterations, and branch chain length distribution throughout the digestion process using an in vitro model. The efficacy of RBR in the intestinal environment was evaluated through analyses of its prebiotic potential, effects on intestinal microbiota, and intestinal function-related proteins in obese animals fed a high-fat diet. RBR exhibited a higher yield of insoluble fraction in both the small and large intestines compared to white and brown rice. The total digestible starch content decreased, while the resistant starch content significantly increased during in vitro digestion. Furthermore, RBR notably enhanced the growth of four probiotic strains compared to white and brown rice, displaying higher proliferation activity than the positive control, FOS. Notably, consumption of RBR by high-fat diet-induced obese mice suppressed colon shortening, increased Bifidobacteria growth, and improved intestinal permeability. These findings underscore the potential prebiotic and gut health-promoting attributes of RBR, offering insights for the development of functional foods aimed at preventing gastrointestinal diseases.