Hydroxycitric Acid Review & Information compliments of Bodybuilding.com
Hydroxycitric Acid Supplement Guide: Also Known As Garcinia Cambogia!
What is it and where does it come from?
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is otherwise known as Garcinia Cambogia and derives from the dried rind of the Garcinia Cambogia (family Guttiferae) fruit.
What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?
Hydroxycitric acid has been used for centuries as a food condiment in Southeastern Asia to make food more filling and satisfying.
Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) is a popular ingredient in commercial weight-loss preparations. Research has shown that HCA is effective at triggering safe weight-loss1,2,3 - even in untrained men and women.4,5
Animal studies have shown that HCA improves glucose function6, increases serotonin levels7,8, and is effective at weight restriction.9 Hydroxycitric Acid also shifts the bodies preferred energy source from carbohydrates to fats.10
In athletes, HCA increases lipolysis11 and may improve the synthesis of Ach - Acetycholine.12 Acetycholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for muscular contraction, and an improvement in its synthesis may improve athletic performance by increasing exercise endurence.13
Animal studies show that HCA prevents "rebound" weight gain.14 Further research is needed to determine the importance of this finding in humans.
When used in conjunction with pyruvate and carnitine, HCA may be more effective at promoting fat loss15, and Hydroxycitric acid has been shown to elicit weight loss without stimulating the central nervous system.16
Research also demonstrates that HCA has antibacterial properties17 and may thus offer immune system protection.
Some studies do not support any benefit associated with HCA supplementation.18,19,20,21 but these studies are eclipsed by an overwhelming body of research testifying to HCA's efficacy.
Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?
No physiological need for hydroxycitric acid exists and thus no symptoms of deficiency exist.
All persons can benefit from hydroxycitric acid supplementation.
How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
Strictly adhere to label recommendations.
Research has shown that HCA supplementation is non-toxic to humans, even in high doses.22,23
Supplementation may be accompanied by a slight breakdown of muscle tissue, though further research is necessary to confirm or debunk this possibility.
In athletes, HCA increases lipolysis11 and may improve the synthesis of Ach - Acetycholine.12 Acetycholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for muscular contraction, and an improvement in its synthesis may improve athletic performance by increasing exercise endurence.13
