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TAPIOCA

Other Names:

Tapioca pearls, cassava starch.

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TAPIOCA Overview Information

Tapioca is a starch that comes from the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). It is used to thicken foods such as puddings, noodles, bread, and others.

Tapioca starch is prepared by cooking cassava, drying it, processing it, and then cooking it again. When eaten, tapioca takes longer for the body to break down into sugar when compared to other grains or carbohydrates. This might help lower blood sugar levels after eating.

People use tapioca for prediabetes and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse tapioca with cassava. These are not the same.

TAPIOCA Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for TAPIOCA Uses & Effectiveness

TAPIOCA Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Tapioca is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. Side effects might include stomach pain, bloating, gas, and vomiting.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Tapioca is commonly consumed in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if tapioca is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

TAPIOCA Interactions

We currently have no information for TAPIOCA Interactions

TAPIOCA Dosing

Tapioca is commonly consumed in foods. As medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of tapioca might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement Sources

References:

Astina J, Saphyakhajorn W, Borompichaichartkul C, Sapwarobol S. Tapioca resistant maltodextrin as a carbohydrate source of oral nutrition supplement (ONS) on metabolic indicators: a clinical trial. Nutrients 2022;14(5):916. View abstract.

Astina J, Sapwarobol S. Attenuation of glycaemic and insulin responses following tapioca resistant maltodextrin consumption in healthy subjects: a randomised cross-over controlled trial. J Nutr Sci 2020;9:e29. View abstract.

Basic Report: 20068, Tapioca, pearl, dry. National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 28. May, 2016. Retrieved from: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/6532?fgcd=&manu=&lfacet=&format=&count=&max=50&offset=&sort=default&order=asc&qlookup=tapioca&ds=

Bornet FR, Fontvieille AM, Rizkalla S, et al. Insulin and glycemic responses in healthy humans to native starches processed in different ways: correlation with in vitro alpha-amylase hydrolysis. Am J Clin Nutr. 1989 Aug;50(2):315-23. View abstract.

CFR - Code of Federal Regulations Title 21; Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, April 1, 2016. Retrieved from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=182.70

Kehoe SH, Chopra H, Sahariah SA, et al. Effects of a food-based intervention on markers of micronutrient status among Indian women of low socio-economic status. Br J Nutr. 2015;113(5):813-21.

Tachibe M, Ohga H, Nishibata T, et al. Digestibility, fermentability, and energy value of highly cross-linked phosphate tapioca starch in men. J Food Sci. 2011;76(6):H152-5. View abstract.

Yamada Y, Hosoya S, Nishimura S, et al. Effect of bread containing resistant starch on postprandial blood glucose levels in humans. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2005;69(3):559-66. View abstract.

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Conditions of Use and Important Information: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2009.

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