Main content Hydroxycitric Acid

Hydroxycitric Acid

Uses

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3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Why
1 Star Obesity Refer to label instructions	HCA may aid in weight loss by suppressing appetite and by reducing the conversion of carbohydrates into stored fat. (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), extracted from the rind of the Garcinia cambogia fruit grown in Southeast Asia, has a chemical composition similar to that of citric acid (the primary acid in oranges and other citrus fruits). Preliminary studies in animals suggest that HCA may be a useful weight-loss aid.¹ ^{, 2} HCA has been demonstrated in the laboratory (but not yet in clinical trials with people) to reduce the conversion of carbohydrates into stored fat by inhibiting certain enzyme processes.³ ^{, 4} Animal research indicates that HCA suppresses appetite and induces weight loss.⁵ ^{, 6} ^{, 7} ^{, 8} However, a double-blind trial found that people who took 1,500 mg per day of HCA while eating a low-calorie diet for 12 weeks lost no more weight than those taking a placebo.⁹ A double-blind trial of Garcinia cambogia (2.4 grams of dry extract, containing 50% hydroxycitric acid) found that the extract did not increase energy expenditure; it was therefore concluded that this extract showed little potential for the treatment of obesity at this amount.¹⁰ Nonetheless, another double-blind trial found that using the same amount of Garciniacambogia extract significantly improved the results of a weight-loss diet, even though the amount of food intake was not affected.¹¹

Used for

Why

1 Star

Obesity

Refer to label instructions

HCA may aid in weight loss by suppressing appetite and by reducing the conversion of carbohydrates into stored fat.

(-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), extracted from the rind of the Garcinia cambogia fruit grown in Southeast Asia, has a chemical composition similar to that of citric acid (the primary acid in oranges and other citrus fruits). Preliminary studies in animals suggest that HCA may be a useful weight-loss aid.¹ ^{, 2} HCA has been demonstrated in the laboratory (but not yet in clinical trials with people) to reduce the conversion of carbohydrates into stored fat by inhibiting certain enzyme processes.³ ^{, 4} Animal research indicates that HCA suppresses appetite and induces weight loss.⁵ ^{, 6} ^{, 7} ^{, 8} However, a double-blind trial found that people who took 1,500 mg per day of HCA while eating a low-calorie diet for 12 weeks lost no more weight than those taking a placebo.⁹ A double-blind trial of Garcinia cambogia (2.4 grams of dry extract, containing 50% hydroxycitric acid) found that the extract did not increase energy expenditure; it was therefore concluded that this extract showed little potential for the treatment of obesity at this amount.¹⁰ Nonetheless, another double-blind trial found that using the same amount of Garciniacambogia extract significantly improved the results of a weight-loss diet, even though the amount of food intake was not affected.¹¹

How It Works

How to Use It

Optimal amounts of HCA remain unknown. Although dieters sometimes take 500 mg of HCA three times per day (before each meal), this amount is far below the levels used in animal research (figured on a per-pound body weight basis). The effect of HCA is enhanced when used in conjunction with a low-fat diet, because HCA does nothing to reduce the caloric effects of dietary fat. Since HCA’s mechanism of action seems to be at least partially a blockade of conversion of simple sugars into fats,¹² it is likely to work best in conjunction with a high simple sugar diet. HCA may therefore be less useful if it only offsets the negative effects of an otherwise unhealthy diet. High-fiber diets may impair absorption of HCA as noted above. HCA supplements are available in many forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, snack bars, and chewing gum.

Where to Find It

HCA is found in only a few plants, with one rich source being the rind of a little pumpkin-shaped fruit called Garcinia cambogia, which is native to Southeast Asia. This fruit (also called Malabar tamarind) is used as a condiment in dishes such as curry.

Possible Deficiencies

Since it is not an essential nutrient, HCA is not associated with a deficiency state.

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

At the time of writing, there were no well-known side effects caused by this supplement.

Related Information

Reference Hydroxycitric Acid for Weight Control

References

1. Lowenstein JM. Effect of (-)-hydroxycitrate on fatty acid synthesis by rat liver invivo. J Biol Chem 1971;246:629–32.

2. Triscari J, Sullivan AC.Comparative effects of (-)-hydroxycitrate and (+)-allo-hydroxycitrate on acetyl CoAcarboxylase and fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis in vivo. Lipids1977;12:357–63.

3. Cheema-Dhadli S, Harlperin ML, LeznoffCC. Inhibition of enzymes which interact with citrate by (-)hydroxycitrate and1,2,3,-tricarboxybenzene. Eur J Biochem 1973;38:98–102.

4. Sullivan AC,Hamilton JG, Miller ON, et al. Inhibition of lipogenesis in rat liver by (-)-hydroxycitrate.Arch Biochem Biophys 1972;150:183–90.

5. Greenwood MRC, Cleary MP, Gruen R, etal. Effect of (-)-hydroxycitrate on development of obesity in the Zucker obese rat. Am JPhysiol 1981;240:E72–8.

6. Sullivan AC, Triscari J. Metabolicregulation as a control for lipid disorders. Am J Clin Nutr1977;30:767–76.

7. Sullivan AC, Triscari J, Hamilton JG, et al. Effect of(-)-hydroxycitrate upon the accumulation of lipid in the rat: I. Lipogenesis. Lipids1974;9:121–8.

8. Sullivan AC, Triscari J, Hamilton JG, et al. Effect of(-)-hydroxycitrate upon the accumulation of lipid in the rat: II. Appetite. Lipids1974;9:129–34.

9. Heymsfield SB, Allison DB, Vasselli JR, et al. Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitricacid) as a potential antiobesity agent: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA1998;280:1596–600.

10. Martinet A, Hostettmann K, Schultz Y.Thermogenic effects of commercially available plant preparations aimed at treating humanobesity. Phytomedicine 1999;6:231–8.

11. Mattes RD, BormannL. Effects of (-)-hydroxycitric acid on appetitive variables. Physiol Behav2000;71:87–94.

12. Lowenstein JM. Experiments with (-)hydroxycitrate. In: Burtley W, Kornberg HL, Quayle JR, eds. Essays in Cell Metabolism. New York: Wiley Interscience, 1970, 153–66.

Last Review: 11-07-2012

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

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