Beta-glucuronidase

Catalog information reviewed: August 24, 2026 by the Sunridge Medical clinical team.

What this laboratory test evaluates

β-glucuronidase (β-G) is an enzyme that breaks the tight bond between glucuronic acid and toxins in the intestines. The liver and intestine bind toxins, steroid hormones and some dietary components to glucuronic acid. That is a protective process that limits absorption and enterohepatic resorption of toxins, and enhances excretion.

A high level of activity of β-G in the gut is not desirable. A low level of β-G activity is not known to be of any direct clinical consequence. β -glucuronidase is produced by the intestinal epithelium and certain intestinal bacteria.

Observational studies have indicated a correlation between high β-G activity and certain cancers, but a definitive causal relationship has not been established. Higher levels of β-G have been associated with higher circulating estrogens and lower fecal excretion of estrogens in premenopausal women.

A potential dietary carcinogen derived from cooked meat and fish induces high β-G activity and prolongs internal exposure to the toxin in an experimental animal model. Diet and intestinal bacterial imbalance modulate β-G activity. High fat, high protein and low fiber diets are associated with higher β-G activity compared to vegetarian or high soluble fiber diets.

Higher β-G may be associated with an imbalanced intestinal microbiota profile. Some major bacterial producers of fecal β-G include Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia coli, Clostridium, Bacteroides fragilis and other Bacteroides species, Ruminococcus gnavus, and species that belong to the genera Staphylococcus and Eubacterium. Low β-G activity is an indicator of abnormal metabolic activity among the intestinal microbiota that may be influenced by dietary extremes, diminished abundance and diversity of the intestinal microbiota, or heavy probiotic and/or prebiotic supplementation.

A low fat, low meat and high fiber diet, such as consumed by strict vegetarians, may be associated with lower β-G activity compared to a typical “Western diet.” High-end consumption of soluble fiber (e.g. inulin) and supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus may be inconsequentially associated with lower fecal β-G. β-glucuronidase (β-G) is an enzyme that breaks the tight bond between glucuronic acid and toxins in the intestines. The liver and intestine bind toxins, steroid hormones and some dietary components to glucuronic acid. That is a protective process that limits absorption and enterohepatic resorption of toxins, and enhances excretion.

Additional test information

Beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme that breaks the tight bond between glucuronic acid and toxins in the intestines. The binding of toxins in the gut is protective by way of blocking their absorption and facilitating excretion. Higher levels of beta-glucuronidase may be associated with an imbalanced intestinal microbiota profile, as well as higher circulating estrogens and lower fecal excretion of estrogens in premenopausal women.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Stool
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 4 to 6 days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Digestive Conditions and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.