Daily Intake of Trehalose Is Effective in the Prevention of Lifestyle-Related Diseases in Individuals with Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

SummaryWe previously performed animal studies that suggested that trehalose potentially prevents the development of metabolic syndrome in humans. To evaluate this possibility, we examined whether trehalose suppressed the progression of insulin resistance in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in 34 subjects with a body mass index (BMI) $23. The subjects were divided into two groups and were assigned to ingest either 10 g/d of trehalose or sucrose with meals for 12 wk. During the study, body composition and blood biochemical parameters were measured at week 0, 8, and 12. These parameters were also measured 4 wk after the end of intake to confirm the washout of test substances. In the trehalose group, blood glucose concentrations after a 2-h oral glucose tolerance test significantly decreased following 12 wk of intake in comparison with baseline values (0 wk). When a stratified analysis was performed in the subjects whose percentage of truncal fat approached the high end of the normal range, the change in body weight, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure were significantly lower in the trehalose group than in the sucrose group. Our data indicated that a daily intake of 10 g of trehalose improved glucose tolerance and progress to insulin resistance. Furthermore, these results suggested that trehalose can potentially reduce the development of metabolic syndrome and associated lifestyle-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.

Glycemic, insulinemic and incretin responses after oral trehalose ingestion in healthy subjects

“…In previous reports, we showed that the intake of trehalose suppressed adipocyte hypertrophy and mitigated insulin resistance in mice fed a high-fat diet [ 3 , 4 ]. Additionally, we confirmed that the consumption of trehalose with a meal three times daily improved glucose tolerance and mitigated the progression of insulin resistance in humans [ 26 ]. Low secretion characteristics of GIP may contribute to the suppression of adipocyte hypertrophy and insulin resistance.…”

Functional Oligosaccharide: Chemicals Structure, Manufacturing, Health Benefits, Applications and Regulations

“…Some research studies demonstrated that daily intake of 10 grams of trehalose improve glucose tolerance and reduce the progress of insulin resistance. Furthermore, researchers suggested that trehalose can potentially reduce the development of metabolic syndrome and reduce other associated lifestyle-related diseases such as, type 2 diabetes [41]. The only, reported disadvantages from trehalose intake is the high glycemic index, and is not suitable for patients with active celiac diseases, or GLUT 1 deficiency syndrome, [42] a disorder affecting the nervous system that can have a variety of neurological signs and symptoms, (GLUT 1, is the protein that transport glucose across brain barrier).…”

Metabolic shift from glycogen to trehalose promotes lifespan and healthspan in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…Mammals do not store sugar as trehalose but do possess the enzyme trehalase to breakdown ingested trehalose (28). Further, oral supplementation of trehalose has been shown to improve glucose tolerance in individuals at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes (29) and can improve recovery from traumatic brain injury in mice (30).…”