Hydroxycitric acid

By Weight Loss Consultant • Related • Filed Under

Hydroxycitric acid is a chemical compound that has been extracted from the Garcinia Cambogia fruit that is indigenous to India and some parts of Asia. This fruit has been used by Indians for years as a condiment and for flavoring different foods. They also use it for medicinal purposes for gastrointestinal complaints and rheumatic issues. The extract was then studied to see what benefits it had as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement.

The original clinical research studies looked very promising. The research studies were first done on hydroxycitric acid on lab rats which revealed that this compound was responsible for suppressing the appetite of the rats. They found that in addition to an appetite suppressant, it was successful in inhibiting the ability of citrate lyase to convert carbohydrates into fatty acids. This in turn forced the body to metabolize and burn the carbohydrates instead of breaking them down and turning them into fatty molecules which would have been stored in the tissues as fat.

The animal studies reported that this compound may be responsible for prompting the body to use existing fats for energy during periods of activity and exercise. The body normally uses carbohydrates for this purpose. It also stated that its affect on appetite suppression was possible by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one the chemicals in the brain that is responsible for the bodies sleep patterns and appetite. It is also responsible for changes in our moods.

Studies have shown that low levels of serotonin can be responsible for increased appetite and cravings for carbohydrates. By increasing serotonin levels the appetite can be decreased. It can also reduce cravings for carbohydrates as well. Another theory is that by synthesizing the glucogen in the blood it can trick the brain into thinking that the body has eaten a meal and therefore it is sated or satisfied.

Further clinical research was done on humans which has been unequivocal at best. One double blind study was done and was reported by the Journal of American Medicine showed that people who took hydroxycitric acid did not lose any more weight than those who took a placebo in that study. All of the participants did lose weight however. Some participants did report 15-30% decrease in their appetite while others reported they noticed no difference in appetite.

Research has gone on to show us that this compound may indeed inhibit the synthesis of some lipids and other fatty acids. If so, this can be very helpful in reducing the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body. Dutch studies done in 2005 on lab rats showed that this compound significantly delayed the glucose peaks in the blood stream that normally occur directly after eating a meal. This usually happens within 20 minutes after eating. When hydroxycitric acid was ingested, the glucose peaks were delayed for over 2 hours. They felt this was very significant as it could definitely reduce the amount of insulin needed right after meals to combat the sharp peaks of glucose that occur. The research looks promising but needs to be studied further with human subjects before any definite recommendations can be made.

In another unrelated clinical study hydroxycitric acid was given to lab rats that had been exposed to alcohol. The rats they found were much less likely to develop stomach ulcers. The reasoning behind this they felt was that the acid compound was responsible for reducing the amount of stomach acid produced or that it helped to improve the ability of the stomach lining to prevent itself from being damaged.

Related information

Leave feedback on this product, program, diet or articles for future consumers!