The Science of Trehalose

What scientific evidence is there to support the use of Trehalose?

  • Trehalose has been shown to have prebiotic effects, meaning it promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It can also help reduce inflammation in the body and supports healthy immune function.
  • Trehalose has neuroprotective effects and has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety-like behaviour in animal studies.
  • Trehalose has been shown to improve lipid metabolism and reduce blood pressure in animal studies. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help support cardiovascular health.
  • Trehalose can help protect cells against stress and damage, including damage caused by oxidative stress. It also has anti-aging effects and can help support skin health.
  • Trehalose provides a slow and steady release of energy, helping to maintain steady blood sugar levels and avoid crashes in energy. It has been shown to improve endurance and physical performance.
  • Trehalose has prebiotic effects and supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to improved gut health and immune function.
  • Trehalose has been shown to stimulate the production of immune cells, such as dendritic cells and T-cells, and enhance the activity of natural killer cells, leading to improved immune function and protection against infection.
  • Trehalose has been shown to increase metabolic rate and energy expenditure, leading to improved weight management and reduced risk of obesity-related diseases. It may also have a beneficial effect on blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity.
  • Trehalose has been found to protect against liver damage and improve liver function, including reducing liver fat accumulation and inflammation. It may also have a beneficial effect on blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity.
  • It has been suggested that trehalose is capable of preventing dental caries, because Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus showed lower levels of lactic acid production from trehalose than from sucrose.
  • Trehalose has neuroprotective effects and has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in animal studies. It may also have a beneficial effect on brain health and aging in humans.

Dr. Coy and Intelligent Sugar Research

Award winning scientist Dr. Johannes Coy discovered the TKTL1 gene. This gene allowed modern humans to evolve from our Neanderthal ancestors.

Homo sapiens produce more neurons in the frontal lobe than Neanderthals due to a single amino acid change in the protein TKTL1.

Unfortunately, our modern diet contains an excess of glucose, fructose and sucrose (‘classic sugars’) and we need half the calories our ancestors needed to survive. This has turned TKTL1 against us.

Classic sugars spike blood sugar, causing inflammation, insulin resistance and disease. The epidemic of lifestyle diseases, like diabetes and cancer, are driven by TKTL1 and our sweet excess. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Trehalose provides a sweet and sustaining energy which actively nourishes the body and, crucially, doesn’t activate the TKTL1 gene.

“The suffering for those affected, and their relatives (as well as the financial impact on society, and the burden on the next generation) could be avoided, if knowledge about the importance of blood sugar levels were implemented promptly, and our diet adapted to today’s situation with little physical exercise and a lot of stress”

Dr Johannes Coy

Want to know more?

If you would like to learn more about the extensive research supporting the way trehalose impacts wellness, here is a small sample of some studies we think you’ll find interesting.

american journal

Trehalose Improves Cognition in the Transgenic Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

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.

american journal

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.

• 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 improves traumatic brain injury-induced cognitive impairment

This study looked at the potential of trehalose, a natural sugar, to treat traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a mouse model. Trehalose is known for its neuroprotective properties and ability to enhance cellular cleaning and antioxidant effects. The study found that trehalose improved the behavioral performance of mice in multiple tests without changing the volume of brain injury or metal levels in the brain. However, it did increase the levels of certain proteins associated with brain function. The study suggests that trehalose may be a potential treatment option for TBI and related neurological disorders.

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:

1. 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).

2. 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.

Latest News & Insights

Warburg Effect Diet and Cancer

The Warburg Effect: Diet and Cancer (the latest evidence)

In 1931 Otto Warburg won a Nobel Prize for his research into tumours, and cancer cells. He discovered that healthy cells and cancer cells ‘breathe and eat’ (metabolise) very differently. 

Caroline Justich, Founder of Be Accepted

Empowering Women with Cancer: An Interview with Caroline Justich, Founder of Be accepted

Inspirational and cancer-defying, Caroline Justich is the founder of Be accepted, Home of the smart 8, an initiative for women diagnosed with cancer.