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Recent Evidence of the Beneficial Effects Associated with Glucuronic Acid Contained in Kombucha Beverages

  • Functional Foods (CM Whisner, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of the Review

Glucuronic acid is contained naturally in kombucha beverages due to the associations between bacteria and yeasts during its fermentation. The purpose of this review is to describe the literature related to the hepatoprotective effect associated with glucuronic acid present in different kombucha beverages.

Recent Findings

Although previous research supports beneficial hepatoprotective effects of glucuronic acid consumption from kombucha, these effects are mainly attributed to the tea phytochemicals. However, there are some improvements in methodological deficiencies in some in vivo studies that should be considered. There is no sufficient evidence to generalize the adverse effects of kombucha consumption.

Summary

Consumption of kombucha could be considered a safe practice in healthy populations due to its hepatoprotective effects. The content of the beneficial or toxic components is very variable because it depends on its manufacturing process. In persons with side sickness, other conditions such as pregnancy, and hypersensitivity to some kombucha components, a restriction in its consumption must be advisable.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Editor, Dr. Corrie Whisner, for their valuable contributions and support on the revision of this manuscript. We also thank the Editor Dennis Khan for tracking the publication of this manuscript. Besides, we appreciate the technical assistance of Vanessa A. Cantú-Hernández, Alejandra K. González-Ruíz, and Lucía Valenzuela-Suárez.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nutrition, Universidad de Monterrey, Av. Ignacio Morones Prieto 4500 Pte, 66238, San Pedro Garza García, NL, Mexico

    Jessica Martínez-Leal & Anayansi Escalante-Aburto

  2. Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, UAEMéx, Campus Universitario “El Cerrillo”, El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas s/n., 50200, Toluca, Edo, Méx, Mexico

    Nestor Ponce-García

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  1. Jessica Martínez-Leal
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Correspondence to Nestor Ponce-García or Anayansi Escalante-Aburto.

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Martínez-Leal, J., Ponce-García, N. & Escalante-Aburto, A. Recent Evidence of the Beneficial Effects Associated with Glucuronic Acid Contained in Kombucha Beverages. Curr Nutr Rep 9, 163–170 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-020-00312-6

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