This research aimed at evaluating the effect of
diets with high, intermediate and low amylose content of rice
on performance, glycemic and lipidic metabolism in rats. Male
Wistar rats were fed diets with grains of cooked rice of the
cultivars ‘IRGA 417’, ‘IRGA 416’ and ‘MOCHI’ with high,
intermediate and low amylose content, respectively. Wet and
dry fecal production and serum HDL cholesterol were not
affected by amylose content. The animals in the treatments
with high amylose content (‘IRGA 417’) presented lower feed
intake, body weight gain and apparent digestibility, higher
fecal water content and nitrogen excretion, reduced fecal pH,
lower postprandial blood glucose response, serum total
cholesterol and triglycerides levels and pancreas weight, and
higher fasting serum glucose concentration and liver weight.
Amylose:amylopectin ratio significantly affects rice starch
digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, affecting some
biologically relevant parameters.