Potato Nutrition Research

Cardiometabolic Health

Efficacy of Potato Resistant Starch (RS) on Improving Gut Microbiota Composition, Inflammatory Profile, and Insulin Signaling in High-Fat Fed Rats
Claire de La Serre, PhD, University of Georgia
An animal study conducted in rodents that assessed the impact of potato RS supplementation on changes in gut microbiota composition. The study looked at gastrointestinal function, inflammatory signaling and insulin function to understand the role of potato RS as a potent prebiotic, with potential therapeutic benefits against obesity and its associated comorbidities.

Potato Product Form Impacts In Vitro Starch Digestibility and Glucose Transport but Only Modestly Impacts 24h Blood Glucose Response in Humans
Mario Ferruzzi, PhD, North Carolina State University
A trial with pre-clinical and clinical components that assessed the digestive release and accessibility of white potato phenols, as well as the ability of potato phenolics to impact starch digestion and glucose uptake and transport. The study also assessed the impact of potatoes on the gut microbiome.

Potato Consumption and Risk of Chronic Disease: Qualitative Gap Analysis
Liz Johnson, PhD, Tufts University
This study organizes and summarizes current observational study data related to potato intake and cardiometabolic health outcomes in adults. It is designed to lay the groundwork for more in-depth analyses and clinical trials around potatoes and their relationship to cardiometabolic health outcomes.

The Effect of Potatoes on Markers of Cardiometabolic Health
Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, RD, Pennsylvania State University
A clinical trial that compared the effect of daily potato consumption to a fixed amount of refined cereals and grains in healthy weight individuals. The study looked at the following markers of cardiometabolic health: fasting glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, lipids and lipoproteins, arterial stiffness, body weight and dietary intake, as well as diet quality.

Effects of Potato Resistant Starch (RS) Intake on Insulin Sensitivity, Related Metabolic Markers and Satiety in Overweight or Obese Men and Women
Kevin Maki, PhD, Midwest Biomedical Research – Center for Metabolic & Cardiovascular Health
A clinical trial comparing acute (one day) potato intake with carbohydrate-matched foods low in fiber and RS. Participants will consume roughly two potatoes per day, in different meal forms containing 15 grams of RS. The study looks at potatoes’ impact on postprandial insulin sensitivity, markers of satiety and free fatty acid levels in overweight or obese adults.

Potato Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in a Large Norwegian Cohort
Trine Moholdt, PhD, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
An epidemiological study investigated the association between potato intake and risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease mortality. The study also determined there is no association or a very weak association between boiled potatoes and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease-related hospitalization and obesity.

Healthy Adolescent Dietary Patterns for Minimizing Cardiometabolic Risk Include Regular Potato Consumption
Lynn Moore, DSc, MPH, Boston University
An epidemiological study evaluating the contribution of potato consumption, as part of a healthy diet, to changes in body fat and blood pressure throughout adolescence in young girls. The study will also evaluate the effects of potato consumption on the risk of elevated glucose levels and dyslipidemias at the end of adolescence.

Short-Term RCT of Increased Dietary Potassium from Potato or Potassium Gluconate: Effect on Blood Pressure, Microcirculation, and Potassium and Sodium Retention in Pre-Hypertensive-to-Hypertensive Adults
Connie Weaver, PhD, Purdue University
This clinical trial investigated the effect of increased dietary potassium from a whole food source – baked/boiled potatoes and baked French fries – or a potassium supplement on blood pressure and other cardiovascular disease risk factors compared to a ‘typical American’ control diet (lower potassium intake) among pre-hypertensive-to-hypertensive men and women. Results showed that baked/boiled potato consumption had the greatest benefit on reducing sodium retention, even more than the supplement, and resulted in a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared to the control diet.

Healthy Dietary Patterns

Nocturnal Blood Glucose Responses to Potato-Based Mixed Evening Meals 
Brooke Devlin, PhD, Australian Catholic University
A clinical trial investigating the impact of potato consumption on postprandial and nocturnal glycemic responses, when consumed as part of a balanced meal in a real-world setting. The results will help to extend understanding of the effect of potatoes prepared by different methods, and provided as part of a mixed meal, on glycemic responses in healthy subjects and subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Influence of Resistant Starch (RS) in Baked and Boiled Potatoes
Mindy Patterson, PhD, RDN, Texas Woman’s University
A clinical trial that investigated the impact of RS in potatoes prepared and served using different methods (baked then chilled versus boiled then reheated). The study also measured the impact of potato RS on blood glucose homeostasis and subjective satiety levels in overweight females.

Intake of Potatoes Is Associated with Higher Diet Quality, and Improved Nutrient Intake and Adequacy among US Adolescents: NHANES 2001–2018 Analysis 
Victor L. Fulgoni III, Nutrition Impact LLC
A cross-sectional study evaluating the association between potato consumption, diet quality, nutrient intake and nutrient adequacy among adolescents (9—18 years old). The study assessed dietary intake by examining dietary recalls from adolescents participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2008. Using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 as a measure of diet quality, researchers compared nutrient intake and adequacy among adolescents who included potatoes in their meals and those who did not.

Healthy Lifestyles

Athletic Performance

 

New Study Illustrates That Potato Protein Ingestion Strongly Increases Muscle Protein Synthesis Rates at Rest and During Recovery From Exercise
Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Sports Medicine.
The latest findings challenge outdated assumptions about the anabolic effects of plant-derived proteins.

Ingestion of Potatoes as a Nutritional Strategy to Improve Cycling Time-Trial Performance in Endurance-Trained Cyclists
Nicholas Burd, PhD, University of Illinois
A clinical trial that looked at the effect of potato consumption during a two-hour cycling challenge on subsequent time trial performance, when compared to a commercially available carbohydrate gel or a control in 12 well-trained cyclists. The results were used to determine the impact of potatoes on utility as a race fuel during prolonged endurance exercise.

Sustained Exposure to High Carbohydrate Availability Does Not Influence Iron-Regulatory Responses in Elite Endurance Athletes
Louise Burke, PhD, Australian Institute of Sport
A clinical trial that investigated the impact of a high carbohydrate diet on iron metabolism and performance in elite endurance athletes. The results showed that a high carbohydrate diet (which included potatoes) did not have an adverse effect of iron status in athletes, which is relevant for high intensity performance.

Neither Beetroot Juice Supplementation Nor Increased Carbohydrate Oxidation Enhance Economy of Prolonged Exercise in Elite Race Walkers
Louise M Burke, PhD, Australian Catholic University, Australian Institute of Sport
A clinical trial to investigate the impact of different dietary approaches on exercise economy in elite endurance athletes. Researchers assessed two separate dietary approaches: nitrate supplementation via beetroot juice intake and a Carb Max protocol including high intake of potatoes as a carbohydrate source.

The Effects of Potato Protein on Rates of Myofibrillar Muscle Protein Synthesis in Young Women
Stuart Phillips, PhD, McMaster University
A clinical trial that evaluated the impact of potato protein on muscle protein synthesis in younger, active subjects, ages 18-29. Participants underwent two weeks of resistance training, with half receiving a diet rich in potato protein and the other half receiving a placebo.

Effects of Potato-Based Supplemental Feedings on Glycogen Recovery, Exercise Performance
Brent Ruby, PhD, FACSM, University of Montana
A two-pronged study with laboratory and field components. The lab study looked at the impact of potato-based products compared to prepackaged sport supplement products on muscle glycogen resynthesis and exercise performance in trained males and females. The field study will provide prepared potatoes to fire crews to evaluate the efficacy of potatoes as a supplement food option for operational field rations.

Healthy Lifestyles

Lifestages

 

Effects of White Potatoes Consumed with Eggs on Satiety, Food Intake, and Glycemic Response in Children and Adolescents
Nick Bellissimo, PhD, Ryerson University
A series of clinical studies in normal weight and overweight children assessed the impact of various mixed meals compared to skipping meals and a control meal on satiety, food intake, and glycemic response. Results indicated that white potatoes, as part of a mixed meal, increased satiety, decreased short-term food intake, and resulted in similar energy intakes compared with skipping meals.

Effects of Potatoes and Other Carbohydrate-Containing Foods on Cognitive Performance, Glycemic Response, and Satiety in Children
Nick Bellissimo, PhD, Ryerson University
A series of clinical trials in normal weight and overweight children assessing the impact of 50 grams of carbohydrate from white potatoes and other sources on cognitive performance, glycemic response and subjective appetite. Among other things, results indicated that children had improved short-term declarative memory after French fries, and mashed potatoes increased satiety.

Effect of White Potatoes on Subjective Appetite, Food Intake, and Glycemic Response in Healthy Older Adults 
Nick Bellissimo, PhD, Ryerson University
A clinical trial investigating the effect of white potato cooking methods (baked, mashed and fried) on subjective appetite, short-term food intake (FI), and glycemic response in healthy older adults. Results indicated that white potatoes, whether baked, boiled or fried can have positive impacts on markers of metabolic health (e.g., satiety, blood glucose control) and be an effective way for healthy older adults to feel full for longer and manage their overall food intake.