Glucuronolactone or Glucurolactone (INN) is a naturally occurring substance that is an important structural component of nearly all connective tissues.<ref name="Merck"/> It is sometimes used in energy drinks.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Unfounded claims<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> that glucuronolactone can be used to reduce "brain fog"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> are based on research conducted on energy drinks that contain other active ingredients that have been shown to improve cognitive function, such as caffeine. Glucuronolactone is also found in many plant gums.<ref name="Merck"/>
Glucuronolactone is a white solid odorless compound, soluble in hot and cold water. Its melting point ranges from 176 to 178 °C.<ref name="Merck"/> The compound can exist in a monocyclic aldehyde form or in a bicyclichemiacetal (lactol) form.
Glucuronolactone is an ingredient used in some energy drinks,<ref name=":0"/> often in unnaturally high doses. Research into Glucuronolactone is too limited to assert claims about its safety<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that it is unlikely that glucurono-γ-lactone would have any interaction with caffeine, taurine, alcohol or the effects of exercise. The Panel also concluded, based on the data available, that additive interactions between taurine and caffeine on diuretic effects are unlikely.<ref name=":2" />
According to The Merck Index, glucuronolactone is used as a detoxicant.<ref>Merck Index, 14th ed., 4467</ref>
It is unknown if glucuronolactone is safe for human consumption due to a lack of proper human or animal trials. However, it likely has limited effects on the human body.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite journal</ref> Furthermore research on isolated supplements of glucuronolactone is limited, no warnings appear on the Food and Drug Administration website regarding its potential to cause brain tumors or other maladies.<ref name=":1" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
