Abstract
Wheat starch-myristic acid (WS-MA) complexes have shown potential in vitro for modulating glucose and lipid metabolism. However, their in vivo efficacy remains underexplored. In this study, we analyzed the regulatory effects of boiled WS-MA complex on glucose and lipid metabolism in a high-sucrose-induced Drosophila melanogaster model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The WS-MA complex, categorized as resistant starch type V (RS5), forms a stable V-type crystalline structure through hydrophobic interactions between amylose and myristic acid. This structure physically shields starch from enzymatic hydrolysis, thereby attenuating postprandial glucose surges and improving insulin sensitivity. Diabetic flies that were fed WS-MA-supplemented diets (15%, 30%, and 45% replacement of sucrose/corn flour) exhibited dose-dependent improvements in metabolic health, with blood glucose and triglyceride levels decreasing by 46% and 27%, respectively, in the 45% WS-MA group. Physiological parameters including climbing capacity (50% enhancement), pupation and emergence rates (93% and 91%, respectively), and lifespan were significantly improved. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that WS-MA modulated key pathways, such as starch/sucrose and glycerophospholipid metabolism, thereby attenuating insulin resistance. These findings demonstrate the potential of WS-MA complexes as functional ingredients in diabetes management via dietary interventions.
