NOW Foods Calcium D-Glucarate

Calcium D-glucarate· evidence: Insufficient

Calcium D-glucarate is the calcium salt of glucaric acid, a compound found in small amounts in fruit and vegetables such as oranges, apples, broccoli and sprouts. It is marketed for liver 'detox' and hormone balance.

The idea comes mainly from laboratory and animal studies on an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. There is very little good human research, and none showing a meaningful health benefit from supplements. We make no claims about detoxification, hormones or any condition.

There are no authorised health claims for calcium D-glucarate. It supplies only a small amount of calcium.

Typical dose: Products usually give 200 to 1,500 mg a day.

Safety: Long-term safety in humans is not well studied. Because it may affect how the body clears some hormones and medicines, avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding and speak to your GP or pharmacist if you take hormonal medicines (including the contraceptive pill or HRT) or other regular medication.

Research we looked at:
Walaszek Z, Szemraj J, Narog M, et al. Metabolism, uptake, and excretion of a D-glucaric acid salt and its potential use in cancer prevention. Cancer Detect Prev 1997;21(2):178-190.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Herbs: Calcium glucarate. mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/calcium-glucarate

Calcium· evidence: Moderate

Calcium is the main mineral in bones and teeth and is also needed for muscles, nerves and blood clotting. Adults need about 700 mg a day in the UK, which most people get from dairy, fortified plant milks, tofu, bread made with fortified flour and green vegetables.

Calcium supplements help people whose diets are genuinely low, for example some vegans or people who avoid dairy, and are sometimes prescribed with vitamin D for people with osteoporosis. For well-fed adults, reviews have found that extra calcium makes little difference to fracture risk.

Food is the preferred source. Different forms (carbonate, citrate) give different amounts of elemental calcium; citrate is easier to absorb without food.

Typical dose: Adults need 700 mg a day from all sources (NRV on labels: 800 mg). Supplements usually give 200 to 1,000 mg.

Safety: The FSA advises that 1,500 mg a day or less from supplements is unlikely to cause harm. High doses can cause constipation and wind. Calcium reduces absorption of some medicines (such as thyroxine, some antibiotics and bisphosphonates) and iron, so take them at different times and check with a pharmacist. People with a history of kidney stones or high blood calcium should speak to their GP.

Research we looked at:
NHS. Calcium. nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/calcium
Bolland MJ, Leung W, Tai V, et al. Calcium intake and risk of fracture: systematic review. BMJ 2015;351:h4580.
EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level of calcium. EFSA Journal 2012;10(7):2814.

Cost per daily dose lets you compare packs of different sizes fairly.Worked out from our current prices.