Last verified: 46 days ago
Glucuronolactone
Also known as: D-Glucuronolactone, DGL, GLU, GLD, Glucurono-gamma-lactone
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
A glucose-derived compound found in energy drinks. No proven standalone benefits in humans.
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What it does
Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring chemical produced when your body breaks down glucose. It is most commonly found as an ingredient in energy drinks like Red Bull, where it is combined with...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose from provided studies
What the Science Says
Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring chemical produced when your body breaks down glucose. It is most commonly found as an ingredient in energy drinks like Red Bull, where it is combined with caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins. In animal studies, it has shown antioxidant properties and potential to protect the liver and reduce oxidative stress, but these effects have not been tested or confirmed in human clinical trials on their own.
What It Doesn't Do
No human evidence it boosts energy on its own — that's the caffeine doing the work. No proven cognitive enhancement as a standalone ingredient. Not shown to improve athletic performance in humans. No proven detox or liver-cleansing effect in people. The 'energy' in energy drinks comes from caffeine, not glucuronolactone.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring chemical produced when your body breaks down glucose. It is most commonly found as an ingredient in energy drinks like Red Bull, where it is combined with caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins. In animal studies, it has shown antioxidant properties and potential to protect the liver and reduce oxidative stress, but these effects have not been tested or confirmed in human clinical trials on their own.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose from provided studies
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no human pharmacokinetic data provided in the available studies
Red Flags to Watch For
- Never studied alone in human clinical trials — all human data comes from multi-ingredient energy drink studies, making it impossible to isolate its effects
- Energy drinks containing glucuronolactone have been linked to increased blood pressure, QTc interval prolongation, and reduced insulin sensitivity in young adults
- Animal studies at high combined doses showed neurotransmitter disruption and neurobehavioral changes — long-term human safety is unknown
- Marketed as a functional ingredient in hundreds of supplements, but its contribution beyond caffeine has not been demonstrated in any provided human study
- One animal study showed elevated inflammatory markers (IL-6) and lactate with energy drink consumption, with no performance benefit
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-09