Learn more about Dr. Coy and the creation of his sugar solutions.
Dr Johannes Coy is a world-renowned scientist whose research focuses on the health benefits of sugar awareness. Dr Coy has made a number of important genetic discoveries which change our understanding of cancer and nutrition and make him the leading expert on sugars.
Book: Fit with Sugar, by Dr Johannes Coy
Dr Coy has written several books about cancer nutrition. His latest book, Fit with Sugar, is now available. In this book, you’ll discover the evolutionary role of sugar in the human body. Consuming too much conventional sugar isn’t good for our health, but with the right sugars, we can stop cell ageing, keep the brain fit, protect against diseases and switch on fat burning. Find out how you can maintain physical and mental performance using natural low- glycaemic sugars and sugar substitutes. The book includes many delicious recipes for cakes, snacks and desserts, so you can implement a sugar-conscious diet easily and intelligently, without giving up sweet treats.
Buy the book: Cancer-Fighting Diet: Diet and Nutrition Strategies to Help Weaken Cancer Cells and Improve Treatment, by Dr Johannes Coy.
Research & Resources
Intracellular Protective Functions and Therapeutical Potential of Trehalose
Trehalose, a naturally occurring saccharide, is a multifunctional molecule that protects cells from various stress factors. It serves as an osmoprotectant, chemical chaperone, free radical scavenger, carbon source, and metabolic regulator, while also contributing to the virulence of bacteria and fungi. Research highlights its potential medical and therapeutic applications, emphasising its role in maintaining cellular homeostasis under stress.
Mystery solved: Trehalose kickstarts autophagy by blocking glucose transport
Although vertebrates cannot synthesize the natural disaccharide trehalose, exogenous administration of trehalose to mammalian cells may be beneficial for protein misfolding disorders. In this issue, DeBosch et al. show that trehalose may also be useful in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and identify inhibition of cellular glucose import through SLC2A (also known as GLUT) transporters as a mechanism by which trehalose stimulates autophagy through the adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK).
Trehalose inhibits solute carrier 2A (SLC2A) proteins to induce autophagy and prevent hepatic steatosis
The accumulation of lipids in hepatocytes that occurs in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can result in liver failure or liver cancer. Trehalose is a ubiquitous sugar that is present in the food consumed by animals. DeBosch et al. determined that trehalose blocked glucose uptake into cells by inhibiting glucose transporters in the plasma membrane, which induced a “starvation”-like response that activated autophagy even in the presence of adequate nutrients and glucose. Furthermore, providing trehalose to mice that are a model of NAFLD prevented lipid accumulation in the liver. As noted by Mardones et al. in the associated Focus, trehalose, which has been previously under investigation to treat neurodegenerative diseases characterized by toxic protein aggregates, may be a “silver bullet” for treating diseases resulting from inadequate cellular degradative metabolism.
Using trehalose to prevent and treat metabolic function: effectiveness and mechanisms
Trehalose and its analogues are promising cardiometabolic therapeutic agents with pleiotropic effects across tissue types. It is likely that we are only beginning to uncover the broad efficacy and complex mechanisms by which these compounds modulate host metabolism.
Single Ingestion of Trehalose Enhances Prolonged Exercise Performance by Effective Use of Glucose and Lipid in Healthy Men
In a study with 12 healthy men, the effect of trehalose on prolonged exercise performance was investigated. Participants ingested 8% trehalose, 8% glucose, or water in three separate trials. The ingestion of trehalose resulted in lower adrenaline levels compared to water and glucose during later stages of exercise, indicating better preservation of carbohydrates. These findings suggest that a single intake of trehalose can contribute to maintaining exercise performance over a longer period.
Influence of Trehalose Mouth Rinse on Anaerobic and Aerobic Exercise Performance
Trehalose, a slow-absorbing disaccharide with a low glycemic index, has gained attention in sports nutrition. Limited studies have explored its impact on exercise performance. While pre-exercise ingestion of trehalose did not improve time trial performance, it showed potential in enhancing aerobic and anaerobic performance within 30 minutes of ingestion. Exogenous carbohydrate, including trehalose, may not directly contribute to performance but could have an effect through mechanisms like the mouth rinse effect. A study with collegiate runners used a randomized crossover design to investigate the performance-enhancing effects of trehalose, maltose, and an artificial sweetener through mouth rinsing. The concentrations of these substances were chosen to produce similar sweetness.
Effects of a Single Ingestion of Trehalose during Prolonged Exercise
This scientific article investigates the effects of trehalose (TRE) on exercise performance and energy metabolism. Trehalose is a disaccharide that slowly raises blood glucose levels and reduces insulin secretion. The study involved two parts:
- Exercise Performance: The researchers conducted exercise tests using the Wingate test and a 30-minute constant load exercise. Healthy male college students participated in three trials: water (placebo), glucose (GLU), and trehalose (TRE). The results showed that TRE ingestion significantly increased both average and maximum power values during exercise compared to the other groups (p < 0.01).
- Energy Metabolism: After ingesting TRE, the study measured respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and estimated lipid oxidation during 60 minutes of exercise at 40% VO2peak. The findings indicated that TRE ingestion resulted in significantly higher lipid utilization compared to GLU, suggesting that TRE is more effective in utilizing both glucose and lipids for energy during exercise (p < 0.01).
In summary, the study provides new insights into the positive effects of a single TRE ingestion on prolonged exercise performance by efficiently utilizing glucose and lipids for energy.
Trehalose alleviates oxidative stress-mediated liver injury and Mallor-Denk body formation via activating autophagy in mice
Trehalose, a disaccharide, has been shown to induce autophagy and reduce cellular stress in various disease models. However, its effects in hepatocytes have not been fully investigated. In a study using mice treated with 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC), trehalose was found to induce autophagy, reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, Mallory-Denk body formation, and apoptosis in hepatocytes. Electron microscopy revealed the formation of autolysosomes in close proximity to the Mallory-Denk bodies. These findings suggest that trehalose has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for liver diseases associated with oxidative stress by activating autophagy.
Trehalose improves traumatic brain injury-induced cognitive impairment
This study investigated the potential of trehalose, a natural sugar, to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a mouse model. The study found that trehalose improved the cognitive performance of mice through mechanisms that were independent of the reduction of Aβ protein or activation of autophagy. Trehalose increased the levels of proteins associated with synapses and neurogenesis, suggesting a neuroprotective effect. The study suggests that trehalose may be a potential treatment option for AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Trehalose Improves Cognition in the Transgenic Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
This study investigated the therapeutic effects of trehalose in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Trehalose treatment improved cognitive performance without significant changes in amyloid-β protein levels or autophagy. There was also no significant alteration in metal levels. However, trehalose treatment led to increased levels of synaptophysin, doublecortin, and progranulin, indicating enhanced synaptic function and neurogenesis. These findings suggest that trehalose may have neuroprotective mechanisms independent of traditional pathways, making it a potential therapeutic option for AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
A head-to-head comparison review of biological and toxicological studies of isomaltulose, d-tagatose, and trehalose on glycemic control
This study explores the benefits of three natural, low-glycemic sugars—isomaltulose, D-tagatose, and trehalose—in managing diabetes. These sugars, which are not produced by the human body but are commonly used in food products, help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin response, aiding in better control of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. The review compares these sugars with other sweeteners and emphasizes their potential in both pharmaceutical and food industries for improving the health of people with diabetes.
Daily consumption of one teaspoon of trehalose can help maintain glucose homeostasis: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted in healthy volunteers
Researchers conducted a study to see if consuming 3.3 g of trehalose daily improves glucose tolerance in healthy Japanese individuals. They compared it to a group consuming sucrose. After 12 weeks, the trehalose group had lower fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels compared to the sucrose group. This suggests that even a small amount of trehalose could help lower post-meal blood sugar in healthy individuals.
Autophagy induction by trehalose: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic impacts
The role of trehalose as an innovative drug in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and other illnesses opening a new scenario of intervention in conditions difficult to be treated.
Trehalose protects against oxidative stress by regulating the Keap1-Nrf2 and autophagy pathways
This study looked at the potential of trehalose, a natural sugar found in plants and microorganisms, to activate a pathway that regulates cellular balance and reduces oxidative stress. The study found that trehalose can activate this pathway in a way that induces autophagy (cellular cleaning) and increases the expression of antioxidant factors. This suggests that trehalose has the potential to be a useful treatment for chronic diseases that involve oxidative stress and problems with cellular balance.
Ingredients such as trehalose and hesperidin taken as supplements or foods reverse alterations in human T cells, reducing asbestos exposure-induced antitumor immunity
This study investigated the potential of trehalose (Treh) and glycosylated hesperidin (gHesp) to reverse the reduced antitumor immunity caused by asbestos exposure. Human immune cells exposed to asbestos were treated with Treh or gHesp, and gene expression levels related to immune response were assessed. The results suggest that Treh and gHesp may have the ability to restore antitumor immunity in T helper cells affected by asbestos exposure. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and evaluate their efficacy in asbestos-exposed populations.
Trehalose alleviates oxidative stress-mediated liver injury and Mallor-Denk body formation via activating autophagy in mice
This study investigated the effects of trehalose on autophagy, ER stress, oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity, and Mallory-Denk body (MDB) formation in hepatocytes. The study used a mice model with 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) treatment and administered trehalose through intraperitoneal injection. The results showed that trehalose induced autophagy, reduced ER stress, oxidative stress, MDB formation, and apoptosis in hepatocytes. Electron microscopy revealed autolysosome formation close to the MDBs. These findings suggest that trehalose has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related liver diseases by activating autophagy.
Trehalose improves traumatic brain injury-induced cognitive impairment
In this study, researchers investigated the therapeutic potential of trehalose in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Trehalose, known for its neuroprotective properties, was found to improve behavioral performance in TBI mice without affecting lesion volume or biometals. However, trehalose treatment resulted in an upregulation of synaptic proteins and neurotrophic factors in the contralateral cortex. These findings suggest that trehalose could be an effective treatment option for TBI and other central nervous system disorders
Trehalose Improves Cognition in the Transgenic Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
This study investigated the therapeutic effects of trehalose in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Trehalose treatment improved cognitive performance without significant changes in amyloid-β protein levels or autophagy. There was also no significant alteration in metal levels. However, trehalose treatment led to increased levels of synaptophysin, doublecortin, and progranulin, indicating enhanced synaptic function and neurogenesis. These findings suggest that trehalose may have neuroprotective mechanisms independent of traditional pathways, making it a potential therapeutic option for AD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Trehalose alleviates oxidative stress-mediated liver injury and Mallor-Denk body formation via activating autophagy in mice
Trehalose, a disaccharide, has been shown to induce autophagy and reduce cytotoxicity in neurodegenerative diseases. However, its effects on hepatocytes are not fully understood. In a study using a mice model of liver disease, trehalose was found to induce autophagy and decrease ER stress, oxidative stress, Mallory-Denk body (MDB) formation, and apoptosis in hepatocytes. The results suggest that trehalose could be a potential therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related liver diseases by activating autophagy.
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