PubMed NIH Article summary and link
below.
The metabolic differences between consuming tapioca and tapioca maltodextrin are significant, primarily due to their distinct structures and how the body processes them.
Tapioca
Tapioca is derived from cassava root and is primarily composed of starch. When consumed:
1. It is rapidly digested and absorbed, leading to a quick
rise in blood glucose levels[7].
2. It has a high glycemic index, meaning it can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar[7].
3. It provides a quick source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content (135g per cup)[7].
Tapioca Maltodextrin
Tapioca maltodextrin, particularly tapioca resistant maltodextrin (TRM), has different metabolic effects:
1. *Lower Insulin Response*: TRM has been shown to decrease the area under the curve of serum insulin by 33.12% compared to regular tapioca
maltodextrin[4][9].
2. *Improved Glycemic Control*: In a 12-week study, consumption of TRM30 (30% TRM replacement) decreased HbA1C levels in participants from 5.5% to 5.2%[4][9].
3. *Slower Digestion*: As a resistant starch, TRM is not fully digested in the small intestine, leading to a slower and more gradual rise in
blood glucose levels[4].
4. *Prebiotic Effects*: TRM may act as a prebiotic, promoting beneficial gut bacteria growth and potentially improving digestive health[5].
5. *Lower Caloric Value*: TRM contains fewer calories (180 kcal/100g) compared to regular tapioca (544 kcal/cup)[2][3].
Key Differences
The primary metabolic differences lie in:
1. *Glycemic Response*: Regular tapioca causes a rapid rise in blood glucose, while TRM leads to a more gradual increase[4][7].
2. *Insulin Response*: TRM results in a significantly lower insulin response compared to regular tapioca[4][9].
3. *Digestion*: Regular tapioca is quickly digested, while TRM is partially resistant to digestion, leading
to potential prebiotic effects[4][5].
4. *Long-term Metabolic Effects*: Regular consumption of TRM has been associated with improvements in HbA1C levels, indicating better long-term glycemic control[4][9].
These differences make tapioca maltodextrin, particularly in its
resistant form, a potentially beneficial ingredient for metabolic health, especially for individuals concerned about blood sugar management or those looking for a functional fiber in their diet[4][5][9].
Sources
[1] Effects of dietary levels of tapioca residue on growth performance ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6599954/
[2]
Tapioca: The particularly nutrient-rich & highly dosable energy source https://know-how.mnstry.com/en/tapioca-the-nutrient-rich-high-dose-energy-source/
[3] What Is Tapioca? Its Nutritional Value, Health Benefits & Uses https://www.truemeds.in/blog/tapioca-nutrition-and-its-health-benefits
[4] Tapioca Resistant Maltodextrin as a Carbohydrate Source of Oral ... https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8912595/
[5] What Is Tapioca? Benefits, Uses, and Recipes - Consensus
https://consensus.app/home/blog/what-is-tapioca-benefits-uses-and-recipes/
[6] What Is Maltodextrin? - WebMD https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-maltodextrin
[7] Tapioca: Nutrition facts and benefits - MedicalNewsToday https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318411
[8] 7 Amazing Tapioca Benefits | Organic Facts https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/tapioca.html
[9] Tapioca Resistant Maltodextrin as a Carbohydrate Source of Oral ...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35267892/
LINK: Effects of dietary levels of tapioca residue on growth performance and carcass characteristics in Hanwoo steers - PMC
