The digestion of complementary feeding starches in the young child

Digestible glycemic carbohydrates are an important energy source to support the rapid growth and development of young children. The aim of this comprehensive review is to present up‐to‐date knowledge of starch digestion in the young child. Starchy foods are consumed uncooked ( e.g ., fruit or vegetable salad) or cooked ( e.g ., mashed potato), and in granule (insoluble) or gelatinized (soluble) forms. Various aspects of digestive enzymes in the young child are described, including pancreatic α‐amylase deficiency and the existence of salivary α‐amylase, milk α‐amylase, blood α‐amylase, and α‐glucosidases. The young child can digest starchy foods and absorb dietary glucose. Among the various sources of starches, rice maltodextrin is most digestible because of its unique structural characteristics. Common sources of complementary starches are also described. This review would benefit the food industry in designing complementary foods (also known as beikost), and also health providers, such as pediatricians and dietitians in understanding starch digestion and the difference between granule and gelatinized starch.