Trehalose

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Gut health · Autophagy · Neuroprotection

A disaccharide found naturally in fungi, insects, and some plants with unique biological effects beyond simple nutrition. Oral trehalose acts as a prebiotic for Bifidobacterium, mildly activates cellular autophagy, and has shown neuroprotective effects in animal models of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Human data is limited to gut microbiome effects. Safety is excellent. Most dramatic benefits remain preclinical.

Dose: 5–10 g/day in water or food