Calcium-D-Glucarate

Calcium-D-Glucarate is the calcium salt of D-glucaric acid, a compound naturally found in fruits and vegetables. It inhibits β-glucuronidase, an enzyme that reverses glucuronidation (a liver detoxification pathway). By inhibiting this enzyme, CDG promotes excretion of steroid hormones, carcinogens, and toxins that undergo glucuronidation. Animal studies show cancer prevention at high doses. However, NO human clinical trials demonstrate efficacy for cancer prevention or hormone modulation. May reduce all steroid hormones (estrogen, testosterone, cortisol) indiscriminately. Evidence is primarily preclinical.

Quick Answer

What it is

Key findings

Grade D: Cancer Prevention (Preclinical)
Grade D: Beta-Glucuronidase Inhibition
Grade D: Cholesterol Reduction (Preclinical)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Calcium-D-Glucarate

Quick Facts: Calcium-D-Glucarate

Best Evidence:Grade D
Conditions Studied:2
Research Outcomes:5
Key Effect:Breast Cancer

Outcomes by grade:

2 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Cancer Prevention (Preclinical)

In rodent models, dietary calcium D-glucarate (typically 4% of diet, equivalent to very high human doses) reduced tumor incidence across multiple cancer types including mammary, lung, skin, liver, and colon tumors induced by chemical carcinogens such as DMBA, benzo[a]pyrene, and diethylnitrosamine. No human clinical trials have been conducted.

moderate↓Improves

Beta-Glucuronidase Inhibition

In rats, a single dose of calcium glucarate inhibited beta-glucuronidase activity in serum (57%), liver (44%), lung (37%), and intestinal microsomes (39%). A 4% dietary supplementation inhibited bacterial beta-glucuronidase by 70% in the small intestine and 54% in the colon. No human trials have confirmed these effects at supplement doses.

moderate↓Worsens

Hormone Metabolism Modulation

In mice, dietary calcium D-glucarate reduced 17-ketosteroid excretion, consistent with altered steroid hormone metabolism via beta-glucuronidase inhibition reducing enterohepatic recirculation. Theoretical mechanism suggests decreased levels of estrogen, testosterone, and other glucuronidated hormones. No human trials have confirmed hormone-modulating effects.

small↓Improves

Anti-inflammatory Effects (Preclinical)

In A/J mice exposed to benzo[a]pyrene, a 4% calcium D-glucarate diet reduced IL-6 levels by approximately 70% and TNF-alpha levels while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 at 4 weeks post-exposure. Cell proliferation (BrdU staining) was reduced by 67.2% in lung tissue. Limited to a single animal study.

small↓Improves

Cholesterol Reduction (Preclinical)

In female Sprague-Dawley rats, dietary calcium D-glucarate reduced total serum cholesterol by up to 14% and LDL-cholesterol by up to 35% with no effect on HDL. Preliminary uncontrolled human observations have been referenced in reviews but no peer-reviewed human clinical trials have been published.

small↓Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

DBreast Cancer

1 outcome · 7 studies

↓Cancer Prevention (Preclinical)Improves

DCardiovascular Health

1 outcome · 2 studies

↓Cholesterol Reduction (Preclinical)Improves

Research Citations (12)

Dietary D-glucarate effects on the biomarkers of inflammation during early post-initiation stages of benzo[a]pyrene-induced lung tumorigenesis in A/J mice

Oncology Letters (2011)

PMID: 22870144

Calcium glucarate prevents tumor formation in mouse skin

Biomedical and Environmental Sciences (2003)

PMID: 12747003

Calcium-D-glucarate

Alternative Medicine Review (2002)

PMID: 12197785

D-glucaric acid content of various fruits and vegetables and cholesterol-lowering effects of dietary D-glucarate in the rat

Nutr Res (1997)

PMID: 7720117

Metabolism, uptake, and excretion of a D-glucaric acid salt and its potential use in cancer prevention

Cancer Detection and Prevention (1997)

PMID: 9101079

Dietary glucarate-mediated inhibition of initiation of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis

Toxicology (1992)

PMID: 1519243

Effects of dietary glucarate on the rat mammary tumor model

Carcinogenesis (1990)

PMID: 2124017

Potential use of D-glucaric acid derivatives in cancer prevention

Altern Med Rev (1990)

PMID: 10050864

Potential use of D-glucaric acid derivatives in cancer prevention

Cancer Letters (1990)

PMID: 2208084

Effect of calcium glucarate on beta-glucuronidase activity and glucarate content of certain vegetables and fruits

Biochemical Medicine and Metabolic Biology (1990)

PMID: 2346674

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