Calcium-d-glucarate is the commerical form of glucaric acid and is a widely used supplement for oestrogen regulation. Glucaric acid is actually found naturally in fruit and vegetables – particularly cruciferous vegetables, apples , oranges and grapefruit.
How does it work?
- It inhibits beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme produced by certain bacteria in our gut that deconjugates potential toxins, allowing them to be reabsorbed into the body rather than be excreted. Toxins are typically most harmful in their deconjugated state. This means hormones like oestrogen can be excreted effectively with calcium-d-glucarate.
- It also plays a role in Phase II liver detoxification. It allows lipid-soluble toxins like chemical carcinogens, hormone (such as oestrogen) metabolites to be conjugated with glucuronic acid (a process called glucuronidation) in the liver and then excreted as bile.
- By inhibiting beta-glucuronidase, calcium-d-glucarate slows down carcinogenic processes ie reduce the risk of cancers. Elevated levels of beta-glucuronidase is associated with increased risk of hormone-dependent cancers such as breast and prostate cancers.
- It reduces serum lipid levels by increasing enterohepatic circulation and reducing cholesterol synthesis. This study showed that it lowers LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol by up to 35%.
- A scientific study showed that calcium-d-glucarate decreases inflammation by increasing the activity of anti-inflammatory cytokines.