Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a derivative of citric acid that is found in select tropical plants, including Garcinia Cambogia and Hibiscus subdariffa.

It is also a common ingredient in Indian and Thai food, as a condiment and flavouring agent, in curries and chutneys.

Key Benefits & Uses of Hydroxycitric Acid

HCA and weight loss

HCA has recently been included in a variety of weight loss supplements based on research that suggests it plays a role in lipid metabolism and glucose absorption. Animal studies have shown that hydroxycitric acid can delay intestinal glucose absorption, preventing spikes in blood sugar and therefore the need for the body to produce high levels of insulin. Large and fast spikes in blood sugar can be correlated with a higher risk of obesity. A slower release of glucose and insulin also means satiety is longer lasting, leaving you feeling full for longer periods. These studies have not been conducted on humans and as of yet, these blood sugar-regulating and appetite-blocking effects are only speculative.

Hydroxycitric Acid & Cholesterol Support

Studies are also suggesting that HCA can have a positive effect on lipid profiles, reducing total cholesterol, LDL lipoproteins, triglycerides and serum leptin levels. Leptin circulates in the body at levels that are directly proportional to body fat, also referred to as the ‘full hormone’ it has been shown to send signals to the brain that the body has had enough to eat. In these same studies, HCA has also been shown to increase HDL cholesterol levels and excretion of urinary fat metabolites. Some researchers believe it exerts these lipid-regulating effects by inhibiting an enzyme in the body that converts carbohydrates to fat for storage. Further studies need to be conducted to validate these studies.

Shopping Tips For Quality Hydroxycitric Acid Supplements

HCA can be found as a component of many weight loss combinations, most commonly in capsule form. It is also available as a part of a proprietary blend of herbs aimed at weight loss, called Citrimax. Garcinia cambogia, or tamarind, is a small fruit that contains HCA extract in its rind and may be the source of HCA in many supplements. Supplements containing garcinia cambogia may be labelled as GCE.

HCA Supplement Dosage and Safety Information

Guidelines for dosage range from 500-1000 mg before meals, up to a maximum dose of 3000 mg/day.

There is very little information about the safety of HCA, or Citrimax for use as a supplement. The little we do know suggests that supplements containing HCA should be used with caution. Some individuals using products that contained HCA experienced severe liver damage, while others reported cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems while taking supplements containing HCA or garcinia cambogia. In 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration issued warnings against many products containing high amounts of HCA for these reasons.

Individuals who are taking medications for diabetes should use HCA with caution or speak with a health professional before using. It may also exacerbate muscle degeneration in individuals taking statin medications, which are known to cause rhabdomyolysis in some individuals. There is also the possibility that HCA may worsen dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and should not be used by individuals already dealing with these conditions.