Trehalose also known as mycose, which is a non-reducing disaccharide with each molecule made of two alpha-glucose molecules may be used as a supplement to improve vascular function in middle-aged and older men and women, a new study suggests.

The study in the journal Aging shows that men and women aged 50 to 77 years who ate 100 grams per day of trehalose for 12 weeks increased resistance artery endothelial function by about 30%.    Additionally, supplementation with trehalose increased endothelium independent dilation by about 30%. 

But these desirable changes were seen only in participants whose body mass change was no more than five pounds.  The benefits did not show up in those who gained more than five pounds at the end of the study, which was conducted by researchers at University of Colorado Boulder in Boulder, USA..

Resistance artery endothelial function is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.  The findings of the study indicate that this sugar may lower risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a major killer in the United States.  

Trehalose supplementation did not improve conduit artery endothelial function, large elastic artery stiffness or circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress or inflammation regardless of body weight status, according to the study report.

Previous studies have revealed that supplementation with trehalose can reverse arterial aging in mice.  (David Liu)

Source; Kaplon RE, Hill SD, Bispham NZ, Santos-Parker JR, Nowlan MJ, Snyder LL, Chonchol M, LaRocca TJ, McQueen MB, Seals DR. Oral trehalose supplementation improves resistance artery endothelial function in healthy middle-aged and older adults. Aging (Albany NY). 2016 May 19.