Hydroxicitrate (HCA)

Originally a traditional Indian folk remedy for joint and stomach problems, HCA is a salt made from the rind of dried fruit. Today the usual source is brindal berry, or Garcinia cambodia, a plant native to Southeast Asia. There is some research showing that HCA works to reduce the absorption and increase the metabolism of fat, and inhibit appetite. Studies have also shown that HCA may have the ability to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol.

The primary mechanism of action of HCA appears to be related to its ability to act as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme ATP-citrate lyase, which catalyzes the conversion of citrate and coenzyme A to oxaloacetate and acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), primary building blocks of fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. Super CitriMax, a novel calcium/potassium-HCA extract (HCA-SX), is considerably more soluble and bioavailable than calcium-based HCA ingredients. Acute oral toxicity studies in animals demonstrate that CitriMax (50% HCA as calcium salt) has a low acute oral toxicity. In a subchronic study in rats, the gavage administration of HCA-SX at doses up to 2500 mg/kg/day for a period of 90 days caused a significant decrease in body weight and reduction in feed consumption without any adverse effects. The structure, mechanism of action, long history of use of HCA and other toxicity studies indicate that HCA-SX is unlikely to cause reproductive or developmental effects

Many companies across America are using HCA to preserve foods, and to reduce sodium levels in their products. Companies like Akins Natural Foods use it in Fruit juices, teas, and dried fruit treats, as well an natural cold and flu remedies, possibly because it can add to the Vitamin C properties of food products

Although he is himself personally disgraced, Lance Armstrong’s organization “LiveStrong” is emphatic about the possibilities and positive results of HCA, stating “It has been found to increase lipid oxidation and thereby help to breakdown and remove fatty acids from your body. It may also help to decrease appetite, and a six-week, placebo controlled study cited in the June 2002 edition of "International Journal of Obesity-Related Metabolic Disorders" examined the effectiveness of hydroxycitric acid as an appetite suppressant. The study found that hydroxycitric acid supplementation decreased the daily caloric intake in overweight individuals by 15 to 30 percent.”

hydroxycitric acid may also help to lower triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein, or "LDL," levels. Ayurvedic medicine practitioners use hydroxycitric acid as a general health tonic, to help treat rheumatism, diabetes, dysentery, worms, parasites and stomach ulcers and to enhance exercise endurance, states "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database." In addition, hydroxycitric acid has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to help treat inflammatory bowel disorders.

Although the benefits of HCA appear to be positive, there is still speculation about its efficacy. Proponents claim decreases appetite and prevents your body from storing food as fat. However, since garcinia cambogia extract diet pills are supplements, not drugs, the Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate their use or review their effectiveness or safety unless there are known or suspected health problems.

CONCLUSIONIf a product is too good to be true, they it usually is. However, the average consumer should research any product they are about to use, and should consult with their doctor first. The FDA also has loads of information about any and all clinical trials performed on a food product. It is always better to be safe than sorry.However, should the continued clinical trials pan out, HCA could be a powerful supplement for those trying to reach their weight loss goals

References1. “7 New Weight Loss Supplements With Top Scientific Ratings” – Melanie Haiken-Forbes Magazine 10/01/2012. http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2012/10/01/7-new-weight-loss-supplements-that-really-work/2. Safety assessment of (-)-hydroxycitric acid and Super CitriMax, a novel calcium/potassium salt.- NCBI/PubMed.gov document. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/152340823. Hydroxycitric acid (HCA)- Akins natural Foods. http://www.akins.com/ns/DisplayMonograph.asp?StoreID=A59A6B1C10E44C9E9420A7A75B27460A&DocID=bottomline-hydroxycitricacid4. The Dangers of Garcinia Cambogia Extract Diet Pills: What You Need to Know, BY K. ALEISHA FETTERS , Womens Health. http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/garcinia-cambogia