There is a history of interest in the metabolic effects of alterations in small intestinal digestion and colonic fermentation of
carbohydrate. It is believed that the rate of digestion of carbohydrate determines the place and form in which carbohydrate
is absorbed. Slowly absorbed or lente carbohydrate sources may reduce postprandial glucose surges and the need for
insulin with important implications for lowering coronary heart disease risk and reducing diabetes incidence.
Carbohydrates that are not digested in the small intestine will enter the colon, and those that are fermentable will be
salvaged as short-chain fatty acids in the colon and at the same time may stimulate colonic microflora, such as
bifidobacteria. This process may have metabolic effects in the gut and throughout the host, possibly related to short-chain
fatty acid products, although these effects are less well documented