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What is Glucuronolactone (DGL)

Glucuronolactone, also referred to as D-Glucuronolactone, DGL, D-Glucurono-3,6-Lactone, D-Glucoronic Acid, and Glucuronic Acid Lactone, is found naturally in the body as a natural metabolite, or a substance produced by the metabolism of glucose in the human liver. DGL is a popular ingredient in energy drinks, and is one of the main ingredients in well-known brands such as Red Bull. DGL became part of many stimulants and energy drinks based on studies showing that glucuronolactone can reduce sleepiness and boost energy, as well as improve alertness and reaction time. Taken in conjunction with caffeine and taurine, Austrian researchers have also shown that glucuronolactone has positive effects upon human mental performance and mood.

DGL is produced naturally in the human liver from glucose and regulates glycogen formation. Its immediate precursor is glucuronic acid. For this reason, DGL is also the agent used to orally administer glucuronic acid in the management of collagen and joint diseases. As one of the principle building blocks of and constituent of Chondroitin Sulfate, DGL is also believed by some researchers to be helpful in building joint, tendon, and ligament health and elasticity. Since this water-soluble crystalline compound known as DGL is an important structural component of almost all fibrous and connective tissues in animals, it has been used in medicine as an antiarthritic. DGL is also important in detoxifying the body because it is directly involved in detoxification of the liver through glucuronidation. It is a substance found in the body which quickens and catalyzes the elimination of both endogenic and exogenic noxal (harmful substances) so it too has a detoxifying effect. Glucuronidation helps in particular to remove drugs from the body. In the process of doing so, the drugs usually use up glucuronolactone more quickly than it can be produced naturally by the body, reducing the levels of other substances such as glycogen. Glucuronolactone has since been added to some drugs and medications to improve their tolerance and enhance their elimination.

As an ergogenic aid, Glucuronolactone is beneficial in overall exercise performance and recovery. It's found in stimulant drinks, and various studies have shown that supplementation with DGL even in relatively high doses is safe. Research studies have also concluded that DGL supplementation may have hepatoprotective benefits, meaning that it may improve overall function and health of the human liver. One recent Chinese study conducted by the Chinese Ministry of Public Health and published in the Chinese Medical Journal concluded that a supplement with DGL showed a marked improvement in liver function and health among patients with hepatic fibrosis resulting from hepatitis B.

It has been viewed in a negative light before due to rumors that it was a Vietnam War-era drug manufactured by the American government to help troops. It owes its notoriety from the rumor which goes on to say that it was banned for causing several brain tumor-related deaths. It has since been proven false, as neither the cited Journal article nor the "banning of its consumption" ever occurred. Furthermore, no warnings appear on the FDA site regarding its potential to cause brain tumors or other maladies. A Snopes article (also known as the Urban Legends Reference Pages, it is a web site that is the best-known resource for validating and debunking urban legends) discussing the rumor can be found here.

What is Glucuronolactone used for and who uses it?

Glucuronolactone is beneficial for anyone wanting more energy, and is an effective way to boost exercise intensity and workout performance, or to improve mood and alertness. Glucuronolactone has been demonstrated to improve memory retention and concentration and act as an antidepressant and stimulant. It is present in many popular energy drinks such as Red Bull, Rockstar and Pollen Burst, as it is a precursor to taurine. Most of these drinks use caffeine, but glucuronolactone is added because it has been shown to fight fatigue and provide a sense of well-being.

Regarding health benefits, Glucuronolactone can assist in liver protection. Glucuronolactone naturally present in the body is hepatoprotective, meaning it will reduce ill effect or even improve the physical state and function of the liver, which is where the metabolism of glucose begins enzymatically. Glucuronolactone can also improve joint function because it is a building block of chondroitin sulphate (a popular and widely used joint supplement). To this extent, and along with anecdotal evidence, it is believed that glucuronolactone may elicit positive effects on joint and tendon health. Some of the key benefits associated with Glucuronolactone include its ability to aid in memory retention, concentration and reaction time. It can also promote a positive mood. Glucuronolactone may also be useful in ridding the body of harmful substances and providing an instant energy boost. Although deficiencies are rare since the body manufactures Glucuronolactone naturally, supplementation can be of benefit to those who want increased energy levels and increased feelings of well-being.

As for its performance benefits, as mentioned above, glucuronolactone is a key ingredient in energy drinks, usually in conjunction with taurine and caffeine. Glucuronolactone is used to help fuel both exercise performance and also recovery, and clinical studies on energy drinks, such as Red Bull®, support this by demonstrating that DGL can significantly improve physical (aerobic and anaerobic) performance, increase alertness, enhance memory recall and focus, and improve reaction times.

How pure is your Glucuronolactone?

This D-Glucuronolactone (DGL) pure bulk powder is assayed by the manufacturer to be 100.4% product (normal range 98.5 to 102.0%). You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this white granular powder product. It contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents. Internet user reviews supplementing with 1-3 grams of DGL in its pure, powder form, usually report favorable and positive results in terms of perceived energy and alertness. For these reasons, it makes sense to consider taking a supplement.

What is the daily suggested dose of Glucuronolactone?

A typical energy drink contains around 0.5g — 0.6g of glucuronolactone. On this basis we would recommend using between 0.5g-1g of glucuronolactone per serving. Total recommended daily dose consumption of DGL from multiple doses generally does not exceed 3 to 5 grams. One half level teaspoon will supply approximately 1669 milligrams, or just about 1.7 grams for the bulk density of this Glucuronolactone powder. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Glucuronolactone here. Research has shown that glucuronolactone is quickly absorbed, metabolized and excreted. Based on this, it is safe to believe that supplemental dosages of around 3g per day are perfectly fine.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

What kind of results do people anticipate while taking Glucuronolactone?

With glucuronolactone it's typical to notice an increase and improvement in clarity of thought, mental focus and physical energy.

Precautions and Potential side effects of Glucuronolactone

There is no known toxicity of glucuronolactone. Since glucuronolactone is a naturally-occurring substance in the human liver (also found in human connective tissues) and acts as a detoxifying agent helping to remove toxic substances from the liver, it doesn’t have any harmful effects on the body as a standalone. Human studies also suggest that glucurunolactone administered orally is rapidly absorbed, metabolized and excreted in the form of glucaric acid.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Taste, solubility, timing, and preparation of Glucuronolactone

It is ideally consumed on an empty stomach before exercise or when an energy boost is needed. This product dissolves quickly in water and has a slightly bitter and slightly sweet taste. Mix with water, or perhaps combine with a citrus flavored drink to mask any bitterness.

For a simple energy and focus boost, glucuronolactone is ideally combined with other stimulant based ingredients as synergists. Glucuronolactone works well when combined with other nutrients, especially caffeine and taurine. It can however also be combined with products such as arginine and creatine to create an advanced pre-exercise booster for performance athletes and competitive powerlifters and bodybuilders.

Glucuronolactone is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

TKE Joint Boost With MSM, NOW Glucosamine & Chondroitin Plus MSM, Universal Animal Flex, Universal Jointment Sport, NOW Glucosamine 1000, BSN NO-Xplode, Dymatize Xpand, Dymatize Energized Xpand, ISS Research Satur8, HDT Wellements Herbal Cleansing Tea, 1FAST400 Glucuronolactone Powder, Red Bull, Rockstar, Power Horse, and Pollen Burst, Viper Extreme

References & Further Research

The effects of red bull energy drink on human performance and mood
The effects of Red Bull Energy Drink, which includes taurine, glucuronolactone, and caffeine amongst the ingredients, were examined over 3 studies in a total of 36 volunteers. It significantly improved aerobic and anaerobic endurance and performance on cycle ergometers. Significant improvements in mental performance included choice reaction time, concentration (number cancellation) and memory (immediate recall), which reflected increased subjective alertness. These consistent and wide ranging improvements in performance are interpreted as reflecting the effects of the combination of ingredients.

A taurine and caffeine-containing drink stimulates cognitive performance and well-being
The mixture of three key ingredients of Red BullR Energy Drink used in the study (caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone) have positive effects upon human mental performance and mood.

Glucuronolactone for International Customers

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