Physiological Responses to Novel Carbohydrates as Assessed Using Canine and Avian Models

The objective was to quantify in vitro digestion, true metabolizable energy (TMEn) content, glycemic and insulinemic responses, and gastrointestinal tolerance to fructose (Fruc), maltodextrin (Malt), polydextrose (Poly), pullulan (Pull), resistant starch (RS), sorbitol (Sorb), and xanthan gum (Xan). Limited digestion of RS, Poly, and Xan occurred. Fruc, Malt, and Sorb resulted in the highest (P < 0.05) TMEn values, Pull was intermediate, and RS and Poly were lowest. Malt had the highest (P < 0.05) area under the curve for glucose and insulin in the glycemic tests. Gastrointestinal tolerance was examined for diets containing carbohydrates at either 100 or 200% of the adequate intake (AI) value for dietary fiber. At 100% and 200% AI, Malt, RS, and Sorb resulted in ideal fecal scores, while Pull and Xan resulted in looser stools and Poly resulted in diarrhea. The carbohydrates studied varied widely in physiological outcomes. Certain carbohydrates could potentially benefit large bowel health.