Calcium d-glucarate is the calcium salt form of glucaric acid. Although it contains some calcium, it should not be taken as a calcium supplement.
Calcium d-glucarate is made by combining calcium and glucaric acid. It can be found in the body and in the diet in some fruits and vegetables. Other names for it include d-glucaric acid salt, calcium glucarate, and calcium D-saccharate.
Calcium d-glucarate is often claimed to lower estrogen levels and reduce the risk of hormone-related cancer, but there is not enough research to support its use.
This article will review what you need to know about calcium d-glucarate.
Getty Images / ljubaphoto
Uses of Calcium D-Glucate
A healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider, should individualize supplement use and prescribe it to the veterinarian. The intended purpose of any supplement is not to treat, cure or prevent disease.
Calcium d-glucarate is sometimes marketed as helping prevent or reduce cancer. Animal studies have shown that calcium d-glucate can slow tumor growth. However, only mice and rats were the subjects of these studies.
Taking calcium d-glucarate supplements by mouth blocks an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. High beta-glucuronidase is associated with hormone-dependent cancers such as breast and prostate cancers. Reducing beta-glucuronidase activity is also thought to protect against liver toxicity.
No human studies support the use of calcium d-glucarate supplements to prevent or treat any health problems, including cancer.
Although calcium d-glucarate contains some calcium, it is not intended to be used as a calcium supplement.
Human and Animal Studies
Animal studies are often conducted on non-human species such as mice, rabbits or rats. Although these studies often aid further medical research, animal studies may not accurately predict human responses or outcomes. Therefore, they are not an adequate substitute for high-quality clinical trials.
When reading about animal research, it is important not to make inferences based on the results. More research is needed to confirm the results found in animals.
Reinforcement Security
There is not enough data to report potential side effects or other safety considerations from taking calcium d-glucarate. Therefore, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take calcium d-glucarate supplements (nor should children).
Additionally, there is not enough research to provide the recommended dosage for calcium d-glucarate supplements.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the same way it regulates prescription drugs. This means that some supplement products may not contain what it says on the label. When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare professional, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Does Calcium D-Glucarate Interact with Any Medications?
If you decide to take calcium d-glucarate supplements, it is important to be aware of possible drug interactions.
Drugs that are broken down (or glucuronidated) by the liver may interact with calcium d-glucarate. Calcium d-glucarate may change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications, which might decrease the effects of the drug.
Read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel carefully to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss possible interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Can You Get Calcium D-Glucarate in Your Diet?
The body naturally produces small amounts of calcium d-glucarate. But you can also get it from certain foods, such as fruits, vegetables and seeds of some plants.
Calcium d-glucarate is found in the following foods:
- Apples
- Broccoli
- brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- carrots
- Grapefruit
- Grape
- Orange
- Potatoes
- Spinach
A food-first approach is always best when trying to get the nutrients your body needs. A balanced and nutritious diet is the key to improving and maintaining your overall health.
Summary
Calcium d-glucarate is the calcium salt of d-glucaric acid, which the body produces naturally. It is also found in some foods, including fruits and vegetables, and is marketed as a dietary supplement. Animal research suggests that the supplement form may play a role in preventing cancer, but there is no human data to support this.
If you want to make sure you’re getting enough calcium d-glucarate, increase your fruit and vegetable intake. Consuming the right foods in your diet can benefit your overall health.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/IMG_2478-1a786caa9be0415a8bd02f852849c5c7.jpg?resize=144%2C144&ssl=1)