Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), primarily found in the rind of the Garcinia cambogia fruit, has been marketed as a supplement for weight loss and body composition improvement, which are of interest in bodybuilding. The rationale is based on its purported ability to inhibit ATP-citrate lyase, an enzyme involved in fatty acid synthesis, thereby potentially reducing fat accumulation and supporting lean mass preservation during calorie restriction. Several animal studies have indicated modest reductions in food intake and fat storage with HCA supplementation. However, human clinical trials have produced inconsistent results. A 2011 meta-analysis (Onakpoya et al., J Obes. 2011) concluded that HCA supplementation results in only a small, statistically significant increase in weight loss compared to placebo, but the effect was not deemed clinically relevant. Studies specifically in resistance-trained or bodybuilding populations are lacking, and there is minimal evidence to suggest HCA directly promotes muscle hypertrophy, strength gains, or recovery. Most research focuses on general weight management rather than performance or muscle-building outcomes. Therefore, while HCA is used by some bodybuilders with the aim of reducing fat mass, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for bodybuilding purposes is weak and not robustly validated. Its popularity is largely driven by supplement marketing rather than strong clinical evidence.

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