However, not all health claims surrounding garcinia cambogia are supported by scientific evidence.
Garcinia cambogia is a tree that bears tropical fruit.
Their fruit is sometimes called monkey fruit.
Getty Images / Justin Johny
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Getty Images / Justin Johny
What Is Garcinia Cambogia?
Garcinia cambogia is a tree that grows small, round fruit that is greenish-yellow.
The fruit also has vertical nodes, leading some people to say it resembles a pumpkin.
Both the rind and flesh of the garcinia cambogia fruit can be consumed.
However, both are said to have sour, bitter flavors.
Garcinia cambogia is commonly used in supplement forms like capsules, extracts, and tablets.
Garcinia cambogia supplements are typically made from extracts of the fruit.
These extracts contain bioactive compounds, including organic acids,xanthones, andbenzophenones.
Probably the most widely studied compound in garcinia cambogia is HCA, an organic acid and form ofcitric acid.
HCA is found in the rinds of garcinia cambogia.
It is thought to account for many of the fruit’s potential health benefits.
There are claims that garcinia cambogia can be used to treat many conditions.
However, many of the health claims surrounding garcinia cambogia are unfounded.
One of the most popular claims of garcinia cambogia is its involvement in weight loss.
Yet, research on whether garcinia cambogia can help you lose weight is mixed.
No supplement can directly cause healthy, long-term weight loss.
Garcinia cambogia supplements are sometimes promoted for weight loss.
However, studies on this use have produced mixed results.
According to one review, animal and human studies have examined garcinia cambogia’s effects on body weight.
Many of these studies have yielded conflicting results.
The bioactive compound, HCA, is thought to be responsible for garcinia cambogia’s potential weight loss effects.
According to a review of eight human trials, HCA-containing garcinia cambogia appears to have body weight-reducing properties.
It’s worth mentioning that garcinia cambogia has not been proven effective as a long-term weight loss solution.
Additionally, garcinia cambogia use has been linked to liver damage and other side effects, likemaniaandserotoninsyndrome.
Overall, more research is needed.
Until then, talk with a healthcare provider about the potential benefits of using garcinia cambogia supplements.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States.
They can cause interactions with medications or have other safety concerns.
Side Effects
In rare cases, side effects may occur when using garcinia cambogia.
These side effects may be mild or severe.
It should be noted that there is a lack of safety information regarding using garcinia cambogia.
Little is known about the effects of using the supplement in large doses or for long periods.
For this reason, it’s important to stay within dosage limits when using garcinia cambogia.
Common Side Effects
Some people may experience common side effects when taking garcinia cambogia.
Be sure to talk with a healthcare provider about using garcinia cambogia and other supplements safely.
Severe Side Effects
In rare cases, garcinia cambogia may lead to severe side effects.
Precautions
Garcinia cambogia may provide health benefits, but it isn’t right for everyone.
Some people should limit or avoid the use of garcinia cambogia.
It’s recommended that people who arepregnantorbreastfeedingavoid using garcinia cambogia.
There isn’t enough scientific evidence on garcinia cambogia to know if it is safe for these sensitive populations.
There also isn’t enough reliable information on using garcinia cambogia in children.
The safest thing to do is not give children garcinia cambogia until more research is available.
Garcinia cambogia may also worsendepressionor some forms of mania.
Additionally, garcinia cambogia may lower blood sugar, which could be unsafe for people withdiabetes.
Talk with a healthcare provider before starting garcinia cambogia if you have any medical conditions.
Interactions
There is often a risk of potentially harmful interactions between supplements and medications.
Some supplements may also interact with herbs, foods, or other supplements.
Such interactions may change the effectiveness of a medication, supplement, or herb.
When it comes to garcinia cambogia, there is a lack of information regarding potential interactions.
Other interactions may exist but are not documented in the literature.
Dosage: How Much Garcinia Cambogia Should I Take?
Dosageguidelines have not been set for garcinia cambogia.
This may be due to the lack of human research on garcinia cambogia.
The few human trials that do exist on garcinia cambogia have used a range of dosages.
For example, one small weight-loss study used 1,200 mg of garcinia cambogia caplets daily.
Remember that little is known about the safety of long-term use of garcinia cambogia.
It is best to follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
What Happens If I Take Too Much?
In general, taking large doses of supplements increases the risk of side effects.
Toxicity may also be possible if you take too much garcinia cambogia.
Rarely, garcinia cambogia toxicity has led to liver damage, pancreatitis, serotonin syndrome, and psychosis.
Due to the risk of toxicity, never take more garcinia cambogia than directed.
What to Look For
Garcinia cambogia supplements are sold over the counter and are widely available online.
Garcinia cambogia comes in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, soft gels, and gummies.
Be sure to read the ingredients list when choosing a garcinia cambogia supplement.
Some products contain only garcinia cambogia but others include additional ingredients.
These ingredients may include herbs, vitamins, minerals, or fillers.
It’s important to do some research to ensure you are buying a reputable brand of garcinia cambogia.
You may find good brands through word of mouth or by reading customer reviews.
Keep in mind that supplements should never replace a healthy diet or standard medical care.
Many supplement brands make big promises that will more than likely fall short.
For most people, health can be achieved with the help of a well-balanced diet.
Summary
Garcinia cambogia (Garcinia gummi-gutta) is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to parts of Asia.
The biggest health claim for garcinia cambogia is that it may help you lose weight.
However, this claim has yet to be definitively proven by scientific research.
Using garcinia cambogia may lead to side effects or toxicity.
Liver damage has been reported.
Talk with a healthcare provider to learn more about garcinia cambogia.
It may not be appropriate for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some medications may interact with garcinia cambogia.
Garcinia cambogia may cause serotonin levels to become too high if taken with supplements or medications that increase serotonin.
Other interactions may exist.
Always talk with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement if you take any medications.
You should not use garcinia cambogia while breastfeeding.
This is because there isn’t enough solid evidence regarding the safety of garcinia cambogia in breastfed infants.
Avoid using garcinia cambogia if you are breastfeeding.
Although rare, garcinia cambogia may cause liver damage in some people.
Liver damage has been reported due to taking too much garcinia cambogia or using multi-ingredient products.
It’s best to stay within dosage limits for garcinia cambogia and use products from reputable brands.
The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements under the same guidelines as it does for drugs and food.
This means garcinia cambogia is not approved by the FDA.
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A comprehensive review of its bioactive production, formulation, and analysis with future perspectives.ACS Omega.
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Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; May 17, 2021.
National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements: What it’s crucial that you know.
