Glucuronolactone

Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring chemical compound produced by the metabolism of glucose in the human liver. It is an important structural component of nearly all connective tissues.^[1] Glucuronolactone is also found in many plant gums.

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It has received some notoriety due to urban legends that it was a Vietnam War-era drug manufactured by the American government. The rumor goes on to say that it was banned due to several brain tumor-related deaths. The rumor has since been proven false, as neither the cited British Medical Journal article nor the "banning of its consumption" ever occurred. Furthermore, no warnings appear on the Food and Drug Administration website regarding its potential to cause brain tumors or other maladies.^[2]

Glucuronolactone is present in many energy drinks. Most of these drinks also contain caffeine, but glucuronolactone is included because it is purported to fight fatigue and provide a sense of well-being. According to "The Merck Index" (14th edition) it is also used as detoxicant.^[3]

See also

• Glucuronic acid

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Merck Index, 11th Edition, 4362.
2. ^ Bull Marketed, Snopes.
3. ^ The Merck Index, 14th ed., page 771, compound number 4467