Overview

Hydroxycitric acid is a chemical that's similar to citric acid. It is found in fruit rinds of several species of Garcinia. It can also be found in the flowers of hibiscus.

Hydroxycitric acid is most commonly used to improve athletic performance and for weight loss, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these or other uses.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Chemical similar to citric acid

Primary Functions:

Improve athletic performance

Also Known As:

1,2-Dihydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, HCA, Hydroxycitrate

How Does It Work?

Hydroxycitric acid might improve weight loss by preventing fat storage and controlling appetite. It might improve exercise performance by limiting the use of stored energy in the muscles, which seems to prevent fatigue.

Uses

• Athletic performance. Taking hydroxycitric acid for up to 5 days might increase how long untrained women or elite athletes are able to exercise. But this research is limited. The long-term effect of hydroxycitric acid on athletic performance is unclear.
• Obesity. The effect of hydroxycitric acid on weight loss is unclear. One small study shows that taking hydroxycitric acid for 8 weeks may improve weight loss. But other research shows that taking hydroxycitric acid for 2 weeks doesn't improve weight loss.
• High cholesterol.
• Diabetes.
• Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of hydroxycitric acid depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for hydroxycitric acid. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Hydroxycitric Acid Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

Is hydroxycitric acid good for you?

Hydroxycitric acid might improve weight loss by preventing fat storage and controlling appetite. It might improve exercise performance by limiting the use of stored energy in the muscles, which seems to prevent fatigue.

What does hydroxycitric acid do to the body?

The active component of G. cambogia is hydroxycitric acid, a compound that inhibits the enzyme ATP-citrate lyase, which is involved in endogenous lipid biosynthesis. Hydroxycitric acid also increases hepatic glycogen synthesis, suppresses appetite and decreases body weight gain.

Does apple cider vinegar contain hydroxycitric acid?

Summary Garcinia cambogia is a supplement extracted from a tropical fruit high in hydroxycitric acid (HCA), while apple cider vinegar is made with bacteria and yeast. Both contain compounds that may aid weight loss.

What are the side effects of hydroxycitric acid?

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Hydroxycitric acid is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for 12 weeks or less. It may cause nausea, stomach discomfort, or headache. There isn't enough reliable information to know if hydroxycitric acid is safe when used long-term.

What foods are high in hydroxycitric acid?

Hydroxycitric acid is a chemical that's similar to citric acid. It is found in fruit rinds of several species of Garcinia. It can also be found in the flowers of hibiscus.

What is hydroxycitric acid and how does it work?

Several studies have demonstrated that (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the principal acid of the rind of the Indian fruit Garcinia cambogia, is a competitive inhibitor of adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase,^19–21 the enzyme that catalyzes the extramitochondrial cleavage of citrate to oxaloacetate and acetyl coenzyme A.

How much HCA is effective?

Choose one from a reputable manufacturer that contains 50–60% HCA. Recommended dosages can vary between brands. Generally, it is recommended to take 500 mg, three times per day, 30–60 minutes before meals.

Does HCA help you lose weight?

How It Works. The active ingredient in the fruit's rind, hydroxycitric acid, or HCA, appears to block an enzyme called citrate lyase, which your body uses to make fat. It also raises levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which may make you feel less hungry. But actual weight loss results aren't impressive.

What is HCA for weight loss?

Garcinia cambogia contains an ingredient called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which has been used to aid weight loss. The extract of HCA is available in powdered form or pill form and can be purchased online or in health stores.

Is hydroxycitric acid safe?

When taken by mouth: Hydroxycitric acid is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for 12 weeks or less. It may cause nausea, stomach discomfort, or headache. There isn't enough reliable information to know if hydroxycitric acid is safe when used long-term.

Which fruit contains hydroxycitric acid?

(-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is an active ingredient extracted from the rind of the Indian fruit Garcinia cambogia.

Clinical Studies