Starch

Starch is a polysaccharide that is normally fully digested in the small intestine and should not be present in stool.

• Detection of starch in stool indicates impaired digestion and enzymatic activity, often due to pancreatic enzyme deficiency or diseases of the intestinal mucosa.
• Starch may be present as intracellular or extracellular inclusions:
• Intracellular starch indicates incomplete food breakdown and delayed digestion.
• Extracellular starch usually suggests disturbed intestinal motility or bacterial imbalance.
• Presence of starch is associated with digestive disorders such as chronic pancreatitis, celiac disease, enterocolitis, and other conditions.

Starch analysis in stool helps to identify hidden digestive system pathologies and evaluate the effectiveness of enzyme therapy.