What Is Glucuronic Acid?

Glucuronic acid is the acid of sugar found in urine. It joins together toxins, such as drugs and hormones, found in the liver and helps flush them from the body. Glucuronic acid is often used as a detox.

Production

• Glucuronic acid is formed in the liver. The daily use of over-the-counter and prescription drugs has shown to deplete your body's reservoir of glucuronic acid. The use of alcohol or other substances that damage the liver also lowers the body's ability to produce glucuronic acid.

Function

• Glucuronic acid binds toxins together and makes them more water-soluble to make them easier to pass through the urine. It also binds to hormones and releases them throughout the body. Glucuronic acid helps in the production of ascorbic acid.

Glucuronic Acid and Cancer

• Glucuronic acid is sometimes used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It has shown to regulate testosterone levels and helps to detox chemicals in the body, which is thought to help treat prostate cancer. Supplements of glucuronic acid are recommended for men at risk for prostate cancer as a preventive aid.