Last updated September 1, 2026
Key finding
The potato intervention resulted in higher postprandial breath hydrogen.
This pilot randomized controlled trial examined the effects of resistant starch-enriched potatoes on insulin sensitivity and other metabolic outcomes.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This pilot randomized controlled trial examined the effects of resistant starch-enriched potatoes on insulin sensitivity and other metabolic outcomes.
Understanding the effects of resistant starch on metabolic health is crucial, especially for individuals at risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest that while resistant starch-enriched foods may not enhance insulin sensitivity, they could still offer benefits in managing blood glucose levels and reducing fat concentrations post-meal.
The study had a small sample size, limiting generalizability. Insulin sensitivity was not significantly different, indicating unclear effectiveness. The trial's short duration may not capture long-term effects.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
L. MS, M. RD, O. MP, C. EM, M. LW, K. CM. The effect of resistant starch-enriched potatoes on insulin sensitivity: A pilot randomized controlled trial. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2020;34(1):94-105. doi:10.1111/jhn.12822
The potato intervention resulted in lower fasting plasma glucose by -0.4 mmol/L (p=0.043).
Postprandial free fatty acid concentrations decreased by -10.265 μmol/L (p=0.039) after the potato intervention.
Participants reported significantly lower fullness ratings after consuming potatoes compared to control.
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) and Cross-sectional area of adipocytes, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Fasting insulin levels, and 3 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2)
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
2
Related topics
6
Evidence pairs
721
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_outcome
Related evidence
Evidence topic
Save evidence
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Fasting insulin levels
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Fasting insulin levels
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Fullness ratings assessed using a visual analogue scale
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Fullness ratings assessed using a visual analogue scale
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Insulin sensitivity
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Insulin sensitivity
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Postprandial breath hydrogen levels
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Postprandial breath hydrogen levels
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Cross-sectional area of adipocytes
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) → Cross-sectional area of adipocytes
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) and Insulin Resistance, Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) and Cross-sectional area of adipocytes.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Diet and Nutrition
Diet and Nutrition
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring Insulin Resistance
Measures Insulin Resistance as a key outcome.
All studies on Resistant starch (HAM-RS2)
Contributes to Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) evidence base.
All studies measuring Cross-sectional area of adipocytes
Measures Cross-sectional area of adipocytes as a key outcome.
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2 results
1 results
2 results
2 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) for insulin sensitivity.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
Insulin sensitivity
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) appears to improve cross-sectional area of adipocytes.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Cross-sectional area of adipocytes
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) appears to improve fasting plasma glucose (FPG).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Resistant starch (HAM-RS2) appears to improve fullness ratings assessed using a visual analogue scale.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Fullness ratings assessed using a visual analogue scale
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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