Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), primarily derived from the rind of Garcinia cambogia, has been investigated for its potential effects on various components of metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. The scientific rationale for its use centers on HCA’s reported ability to inhibit ATP-citrate lyase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of fatty acids, potentially reducing de novo lipogenesis and promoting weight loss. Several animal studies and small human trials have suggested that HCA supplementation may lead to modest reductions in body weight and improvements in lipid profiles. For example, a few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have reported decreased triglyceride levels and improved cholesterol ratios in subjects taking HCA versus placebo. However, these effects are generally small and inconsistent across studies. Meta-analyses and reviews (e.g., Onakpoya et al., 2011 in the Journal of Obesity) indicate that while HCA may have a modest effect on short-term weight loss, the clinical significance is questionable, and there is limited evidence supporting benefits for other metabolic syndrome components. Additionally, methodological issues such as small sample sizes, short durations, and variable product quality limit the reliability of existing data. Overall, while HCA is scientifically studied for its potential role in metabolic syndrome, the evidence is weak, and it is not widely recommended as a primary intervention for this condition.

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