Introduction
Trehalase is an enzyme that helps us break down starch. When the body cannot properly digest starch, a condition called trehalase deficiency might result. This article covers the basics of this uncommon condition and how it affects the body when an individual has low levels of this enzyme. Taking simple steps can improve the overall health of a person suffering from trehalase deficiency. Read the article to learn more about what causes trehalase deficiency and how to prevent and manage it effectively.
What Is Trehalase?
Trehalose is a simple sugar that is naturally found in many plants. It is also used as a sweetener in many processed foods, including candy, baked goods, and certain beverages, such as soft drinks. Trehalose is a disaccharide, which means that it is a sugar that contains two simple sugars, glucose, and fructose. It is a white, crystalline solid that dissolves easily in water. Trehalase is an enzyme that breaks down trehalose. Trehalose is coverted into other substances that can be more easily used as food for our bodies.
What Are the Symptoms of Trehalase Deficiency?
People suffering from trehalase deficiency may experience symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, weight loss, and fatigue. Diarrhea and abdominal cramps can be caused by a deficiency in vitamins like B and E, which can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes and minerals like potassium, sodium, and calcium, which are important for the body’s digestive processes. Trehalase deficiency can cause a wide range of other symptoms as well, including fatigue, low blood sugar, low potassium, low calcium, low magnesium, and low vitamin B.
Symptom development is influenced by three factors:
1. Small-Bowel Trehalase Activity: If it is low, trehalose is poorly absorbed and more trehalose is excreted into the colon.
2. Maldigested Trehalose: The maldigested trehalose results in diarrhea and loose stools by osmotic water flow into the colon.
3. Colonic Bacteria: Most importantly, the presence of bacteria in the colon's microflora can produce gases from improperly digested trehalose. Distention of the abdomen and intestinal gas expulsion as eructations and flatus will happen if colonic bacteria produce gases.
How Does Trehalase Deficiency Occur?
In order to properly digest starch, the body needs the enzyme trehalase. When an individual has low levels of this enzyme, they suffer from trehalase deficiency. This rare condition is usually due to an inherited genetic mutation. Trehalase is found in the pancreas, the small intestine, and the liver. In people with trehalase deficiency, very little amount of this enzyme is released, which interferes with the normal breakdown of starch. As a result, more unabsorbed starch may appear in the stool. People with trehalase deficiency may have very mild symptoms, or they may have no symptoms at all. Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Most people with this condition do not require treatment. If symptoms are bothersome, dietary changes may be helpful. In rare cases, people with very low levels of trehalase may need to take a supplement containing this enzyme.
What Are the Effects of Having Low Levels of Trehalase?
When there is a deficiency in trehalase in the body, it may lead to trouble digesting starch, which is found in many foods, including bread, pasta, and rice. The lack of this enzyme can also interfere with the breakdown of glycogen, a form of protein found in muscles. Glycogen is important for energy storage. When the body does not have enough trehalase to break down glycogen, it may convert the glycogen to other substances that does not produces energy. People with low levels of trehalase may also have trouble digesting certain sugars. This can lead to digestive symptoms such as bloating and gas.
How to Prevent Trehalase Deficiency?
There is no way to prevent trehalase deficiency as it is inherited. An individual affected with this condition should take steps to minimize the symptoms. Smaller meals containing a high percentage of simple carbohydrates may help minimize digestive discomfort. Drinking plenty of water may help reduce bloating symptoms and eat a diet with high fiber content. An individual with trehalase deficiency may experience abdominal discomfort and it is necessary to avoid eating foods that are known to cause digestive upset, including spicy foods and fiber-rich foods, carbonated beverages, and caffeinated drinks.
What Is the Diagnosis of Trehalase Deficiency?
To diagnose trehalase deficiency, the doctor will run a blood test to measure the levels of enzymes like trehalase, maltase, and sucrase, which are enzymes responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, sugar, and starch, respectively. If the blood test results show that the enzyme levels are low, then the doctor may recommend following a special diet designed for people with trehalase deficiency. This diet will help to get the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for the person with trehalase deficiency.
What Is the Management of Trehalase Deficiency?
Following a Special Diet - For people with trehalase deficiency, following a special diet can help manage the condition. This special diet restricts the intake of certain carbohydrates, like those found in legumes, grains, starchy vegetables, and root vegetables, to avoid triggering deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Foods containing trehalose should be avoided or limited as part of treatment. Trehalose is naturally present in insects, algae, and mushrooms.
What Are the Risk Factors of Trehalase Deficiency?
The risk factors for trehalase deficiency include:
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A family history of the condition.
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A history of gastrointestinal distress or chronic pain.
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A history of unexplained weight loss or malnutrition.
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Exposure to a diet low in dietary fiber in childhood or adolescence.
Conclusion
Trehalase deficiency is a rare condition that is usually due to an inherited genetic mutation. It is not very common and has been reported from different parts of the world. People who are suffering from this deficiency should follow a healthy diet to manage the condition. If left untreated or uncontrolled, trehalase deficiency can seriously affect health. If someone notices any changes in their health, be sure to contact the doctor immediately.
