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Garcinia Cambogia (HCA)

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Garcinia Cambogia (HCA). Hydroxycitric acid supplement marketed for weight loss; weak clinical evidence.

How it works. Inhibits ATP-citrate lyase, reducing fatty acid synthesis.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Modest weight loss vs placebo (~1 kg) (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: 500–1500 mg HCA × 3/d.

Side effects and interactions. 2 medication interactions listed. Serious: Hepatotoxicity (rare, formula-related).

Stacking. Pairs well with A high-quality multivitamin, Omega-3 (EPA/DHA).

Common forms. Available as Standardized HCA 50–60%.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Garcinia Cambogia (HCA). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Garcinia Cambogia (HCA). Hydroxycitric acid supplement marketed for weight loss; weak clinical evidence.

Key compound: hydroxycitric acidC6H8O8 · 208.12 g/mol

What it is

Hydroxycitric acid supplement marketed for weight loss; weak clinical evidence.

Food sources

Garcinia gummi-gutta rind

Goals

How it works

Inhibits ATP-citrate lyase, reducing fatty acid synthesis.

Pathways

  • ATP-citrate lyase inhibition

Effects

  • +Appetite reduction (mild) supports

What the research supports

Modest weight loss vs placebo (~1 kg)limited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
500–1500 mg HCA × 3/d
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodEither with or without food.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized hca 50–60% form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Serious

  • Hepatotoxicity (rare, formula-related)

Medication interactions

Statinsminor

Additive hepatic stress.

SSRIsmoderate

Serotonergic effects.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • A high-quality multivitaminCovers micronutrient cofactors that support most supplement pathways.
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Foundational anti-inflammatory support that complements most regimens.

Common forms

  • Standardized HCA 50–60%

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

Garcinia cambogia for weight loss ↗
Meta-analysis · J Obes · 2011

Small short-term weight loss; clinical relevance uncertain.

PubMed: Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) — Modest weight loss vs placebo ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) and "Modest weight loss vs placebo". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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