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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
09:27
Rapid One-step Enzymatic Synthesis and All-aqueous Purification of Trehalose Analogues
Published on: February 17, 2017
Trehalase deficiency in Greenland.
E Gudmand-Høyer1, H J Fenger, H Skovbjerg
1Medical-Gastroenterological Dept. F, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
At least 8% of adult Greenlanders have trehalase deficiency, a condition found not to impact nutrition. This study investigated its prevalence and implications in the Greenlandic population.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Human Genetics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Trehalase is an enzyme crucial for digesting trehalose, a disaccharide found in fungi and insects.
- The prevalence and clinical significance of trehalase deficiency in various populations remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of trehalase deficiency in adult Greenlanders.
- To assess the clinical and nutritional implications of trehalase deficiency in this population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of small-intestinal surgical biopsy specimens from 97 adult Greenlanders.
- Performance of trehalose tolerance tests in individuals with low trehalase activity.
Main Results:
- An incidence of at least 8% for trehalase deficiency was observed in the studied Greenlandic population.
- Trehalose tolerance tests in deficient individuals showed no significant increase in blood glucose levels.
- Co-occurrence of lactase deficiency was noted in three trehalase-deficient patients.
Conclusions:
- Trehalase deficiency is relatively common in adult Greenlanders.
- The condition does not appear to have significant nutritional implications.
- Further research may explore the genetic basis and potential co-morbidities like lactase deficiency.
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