Calcium D has been found to have several anti-cancer effects in several animal studies, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Although it is found in small amounts in humans, calcium D-glucarate supplements have been shown to prevent the reabsorption of hormones and environmental toxins. By doing so, it is able to assist in liver detoxification and promote the excretion of potentially harmful substances in the body. It has also been found to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and hormone metabolism. Although research in humans is still under way, calcium D supplementation can serve as a healthy option to support liver health, with no reported side effects or complications.
History
Calcium D or calcium D-glucarate is the salt form of D-glucaric acid. Ever since the 1980s, cancer researchers have discovered the several anti-cancer properties of glucarate supplements in cancer cells of laboratory animals. Since then, research has continued although these same effects have been yet to be found in humans. As a plant compound, you can find calcium D in many fruits and vegetables such as apples, grapefruit, broccoli, brussels sprouts and bean sprouts. It can also be found in the body in small amounts. Traditionally, calcium D has been show to inhibit beta-glucuronidase, an enzyme produced by colonic microflora and involved in Phase II liver detoxification.
Pharmokinetics
Calcium D is broken down in stomach into glucaric acid before being further metabolized in the gastrointestinal tract, as stated by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Once in the GI tract, it is broken down into D-glucaric acid, D-glucaro-1,4-lactone, and D-glucaro-6,3-lactone before being distributed heavily throughout the body. Although D-glucaro-1,4-lactone is the most pharmacologically active of the three metabolites, calcium-D-glucarate administration results in longer inhibition of beta-glucuronidase than does D-glucaro-1,4-lactone alone. Therefore, it is this compound that is available commercially.
Uses
Once in the body, calcium D is changed to a substance that inhibits a liver enzyme called beta-glucuronidase. According to the American Cancer Society, this enzyme slows the excretion of certain hormones and chemicals from the body. The levels of beta-glucuronidase in your body are important because of their association with an increased risk for various cancers, particularly hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, prostate and colon cancers. Therefore, calcium D can be used combat elevated levels of beta-glucuronidase. Also, there have been other reported effects calcium-D-glucarate including the regulation of hormone metabolism such as estrogen and in helping to maintain cholesterol levels as a lipid-lowering agent.
Mechanism of Action
The ability of calcium-D to detoxify substances and exhibit anti-cancer effects is due to its ability to increase glucuronidation. This is the process by which the liver unites drugs, steroids, and many other toxic substances with glucuronic acid, making them excretable through the biliary tract. By converting these potentially harmful substances into less harmful metabolites, it prevents buildup of toxins and damage to the body. In addition, calcium D can also enhance enterohepatic circulation, the circulation of biliary acids, which help aid in digestion. By doing so it reduces the levels of cholesterol synthesis and serum lipid levels, according to Thorne Research.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended oral dosage of calcium-D-glucarate is generally in the range of 1,500-3,000 mg daily and is available in either capsule or tablet form. According the American Cancer Society, there are no known side effects attributed to calcium D. However, because of its effects on hormones, it may alter the activity of birth control pills and other hormone-based medications. Therefore, be sure to speak with your doctor before taking any calcium D supplements.
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